Oils drying out

[rkim11]

Ive heard alot of things about the oil drying out in a Rolex..however is there a way to tell if the oil has dried out? You would think the watch would start to lose time due to the friction? And if its running fast your oil is okay? Thanks...

[TheVTCGuy]

The oils definitely lose their viscosity over time, that is aren't as lubricating (slippery). I don't know if they actually dry up, or how that would effect the speed of the movement. Regardless, the oils need to be replaced after a certain amount of time, Rolex says five years.

[Shade]

Paul: So it would be safe to say we should at least take our Rolexes every 5 years for maintenance? And how long do they usually take for these kind of processes?

[skywag]

While many are in the camp of every 5 years, I subscribe to the hold off until it breaks theory.

First, you take a chance letting some watchmaker service you watch. Horror stories abound about poor service.

Then, most watches will operate just fine for decades without servicing. If you have some expensive parts to change out in 25 years you are still way ahead moneywise. You can do a whole lot of repair for 5 X $700!

The Fortis in my avitar is from 1946. It was serviced once, about 10 years ago. No big deal every 5 years..............


Fire away!

[Dr. Robert]

If it ain't broke...don't fix it.

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

If it ain't broke...don't fix it.

+1

[TheVTCGuy]

As usual, everyone other then me is WRONG

OK, so.. maybe not. I know a lot of people adhere to the: "If it ain't broke don't fix it" philosophy, I can't argue with any of you guys. Maybe it's the Engineer that I am, but I belive devices should be held to the manufacturers preventitive maintenance schedule, just to run as efficient and as cleanly as possible.

Shade, it's really up to you, Rolex reccomends every 5 years. I sent mine in a few months ago and it came back like new. It took about 3 weeks. I think the charge (from a Rolex Service Center) is about $500 so it ain't cheap.

Let us know what you decide

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

As usual, everyone other then me is WRONG

Sorry, Paul. I only agree with you when it comes to wimmen.

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by sakuraba

Sorry, Paul. I only agree with you when it comes to wimmen.

Well, that's understandable.... since I AM an expert on that subject...


PFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT...... Even I started laughing after reading that!

[sakuraba]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Well, that's understandable.... since I AM an expert on that subject...


PFFFTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT...... Even I started laughing after reading that!

If you didn't use a smiley, I was about to believe it!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

As usual, everyone other then me is WRONG

OK, so.. maybe not. I know a lot of people adhere to the: "If it ain't broke don't fix it" philosophy, I can't argue with any of you guys. Maybe it's the Engineer that I am, but I belive devices should be held to the manufacturers preventitive maintenance schedule, just to run as efficient and as cleanly as possible.

Shade, it's really up to you, Rolex reccomends every 5 years. I sent mine in a few months ago and it came back like new. It took about 3 weeks. I think the charge (from a Rolex Service Center) is about $500 so it ain't cheap.

Let us know what you decide

Well today most Rolex watches are not used as tool watches and yes Rolex recommends every 5 years.But today most Rolex watches should be fine every 7 years.Modern synthetic oils keep there lubrication properties a lot better that the old mineral type.But the amount of oil to correctly lubricate any watch is a very very tiny amount you could fit it on a few pin heads.

[subdownunder]

When at the Rolex service centre here (the watchmaker trained in Switzerland at Rolex) he told me that in his opinion after 30 years servicing Rolex that as long as the watch is not abused or subject to extreme heat or cold .... run it till it stops as the rebuilds with original parts only cost equal to a couple of services.

Most watches he sees for overhauls even after 20 years without servicing are still not going to be more expensive than a couple of 5 yearly services.

He even said he hasn't touched his own Rolex for 17 years!

[MagedMS]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well today most Rolex watches are not used as tool watches and yes Rolex recommends every 5 years.But today most Rolex watches should be fine every 7 years.Modern synthetic oils keep there lubrication properties a lot better that the old mineral type.But the amount of oil to correctly lubricate any watch is a very very tiny amount you could fit it on a few pin heads.

So, when did Rolex start to use Synthetic oil ?
Thanks Padi..

[rmfnla]

I agree with skywag; every time someone messes with your watch is an opportunity for your watch to get messed up.

Years ago I had one of my Rolexes serviced by the Beverly Hills RSC. The technician had buffed the case and bracelet for me (unasked) and almost removed the crown from the clasp.

Needless to say, I've been real reticent about leaving any of my watches with anyone ever since.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by MagedMS

So, when did Rolex start to use Synthetic oil ?
Thanks Padi..

Not 100% sure exactly but for the last 10 years plus.

[songxu]

the local dealer told me use these sympton to decide:

1. does the watch runs 48 hours after you stopping wearing it---testing the well being of the winding mechanism and main spring.
2. does the watch suddenly lose/gain lots of time every 24 hours.

[d8ean]

mine started making a funny wurring noise, bascially the winder in the back was rubbing / not spinning like it should....

diagnosis - oils had dried out,

[Mystro]

X2 ... My Rolex Serti Sub is going on 13 years without ever being opened up and it still keeps the same +3 seconds a day as it did when new.
It has ran almost non stop in either a Orbita winder or on my wrist. Do the math, its amazing.

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

If it ain't broke...don't fix it.

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by subdownunder

When at the Rolex service centre here (the watchmaker trained in Switzerland at Rolex) he told me that in his opinion after 30 years servicing Rolex that as long as the watch is not abused or subject to extreme heat or cold .... run it till it stops as the rebuilds with original parts only cost equal to a couple of services.

Most watches he sees for overhauls even after 20 years without servicing are still not going to be more expensive than a couple of 5 yearly services.

He even said he hasn't touched his own Rolex for 17 years!

This is what I was told by Walter Gooden when he had the indie RSC in L.A.
BTW I have a 1655 explorer 2....I bought it new in 1973....in 2003 it stopped, I took it to the indie RSC in San Francisco (Walter Gooden's place closed, RSC Beverly Hills wouldn't work on it) RSC SFO serviced & renovated the watch.....$800. Not bad for servicing costs after 30 years!!!!!
I also have another 1655 (my dad's) he bought his in 1974...he died in 1987 & I got the watch.....it stopped in 2005, RSC SFO serviced & renovated it....$850.
I would say my Rolexes have been reasonable to own, costwise.

[Tools]

There have been a couple of interesting papers on watchmaking and todays oils that can be found.

Some feel that the newer synthetics are misleading owners.. In the old days, fossil oils would dry out and the watch would slow down from the extra friction - giving clear indication that the watch needed service..

Modern synthetics do not dry out and so there is no gum to slow down the mechanics - the metal-to-metal wear continues until complete failure and costly repairs.....

...... So, the study of modern lubricants has a direct bearing on our watches...

Also, in today's watches, the oils don't really dry out, (or at least not for many decades) but rather they migrate from the contact area and so it is actually the watch that is dry and rubbing, not the oils having dried............

Of course, these papers are usually from watchmakers/engineers who want you to send your watch to them for serviceing................

Further, some studies have hinted that oil contamination is also a problem with today's synthetics.. The oil stays liquid, but picks up all the particles and grit from the metal wear. This contamination stays in suspension and is circulated back into the contact area causing more wear than necessary..

[kenhiraihnl]

Off topic, slightly, but Damasko advertises that they use Viton gaskets for sealing the watch. In my other hobby, some of us use Viton fuel lines, which resist gasoline/synthetic oil mixtures better than neoprene or Tygon, but costs about $5/foot for 1/4"OD-1/8"ID. Damasko, being a German watch company, probably appreciates high-tech components also used by Mercedes and BMW.
http://www.watchmann.com/proddetail.asp?prod=da46

[Boopie]

For whatever it's worth...

In 2008, my father in law gave my husband a TT/black Submariner for my husband's birthday. My father in law, in turn, had received it as a (very generous) gift from a business associate in 1998. My father in law literally never, ever wore the watch. He was advancing in age, and didn't "need" a fancy Rolex at that point in his life. He had just stuck it in his safe, tags on and all.

Since 1998 my husband had been gently nudging his dad about the watch. We had encourage him to enjoy the watch and wear it, but to no avail. He just wasn't interested in wearing it for himself. So, we were so pleased that my father in law surprised my husband with the watch.

Before my husband started wearing the watch, he, too, was concerned about dried-up oils in his 10-year old BNIB watch. We brought it into the Beverly Hills Rolex Service Center (now gone), told them the story, and asked if the watch needed to be serviced before wearing it. They took the watch behind closed doors, kept it for a few moments, returned with it fully wound, and said to enjoy it, no service needed. They also adjusted the bracelet, too, for free. My husband has been wearing since then, with no problems. It keeps great time.

[kenhiraihnl]

Originally Posted by Boopie

For whatever it's worth...

In 2008, my father in law gave my husband a TT/black Submariner for my husband's birthday. My father in law, in turn, had received it as a (very generous) gift from a business associate in 1998. My father in law literally never, ever wore the watch. He was advancing in age, and didn't "need" a fancy Rolex at that point in his life. He had just stuck it in his safe, tags on and all.

Since 1998 my husband had been gently nudging his dad about the watch. We had encourage him to enjoy the watch and wear it, but to no avail. He just wasn't interested in wearing it for himself. So, we were so pleased that my father in law surprised my husband with the watch.

Before my husband started wearing the watch, he, too, was concerned about dried-up oils in his 10-year old BNIB watch. We brought it into the Beverly Hills Rolex Service Center (now gone), told them the story, and asked if the watch needed to be serviced before wearing it. They took the watch behind closed doors, kept it for a few moments, returned with it fully wound, and said to enjoy it, no service needed. They also adjusted the bracelet, too, for free. My husband has been wearing since then, with no problems. It keeps great time.

Great story! I bought a Bulova 23j self-winding in 1959. I hardly wore it because my Sub was my daily-wear. Despite never being serviced, I gave it a few shakes, and lo and behold, it ran. My watchmaker has it for overhaul and gaskets. It's the first service, and he quoted me $125.

[Lion]

Very interesting conversation as I was wondering why it's recommended to have your watch serviced after 5 years!!!