Is it time to service my D serial Sea-Dweller?

[acce1999]

Originally Posted by roadcarver

I recently started to wonder whether I will need to service my Sea-Dweller. I googled the 3135 cal movement and I found this interesting artcile in TZ.

http://people.timezone.com/mdisher/a...135/3135_1.htm

It may perhaps be time to service my beloved SD even though it has not noticeable issues in time keeping. It is probably best to bring my SD to the trusted RSC in Toronto for it's date with the spa? However the old saying goes if it is not broken, don't fix it.

However the bearing less rotor is what worries me.

Any of you regularly service your Rolex every 5 yrs?

Now and then I discuss the need and type of service with a couple of Rolex watchmakers that helps me out with my watches. They are both Rolex Geneva trained, and to summarize what we have been talking about:

* If you have a daily wearer, it is well worth checking out and lubricating the rotor axle every 3-4 years. This is the most sensitive part of the movement. I had the rotor axle replaced and lubricated on one of my watches some time ago. It took a day, and the cost was some USD 100. Included in that cost was also replacement of the rivets keeping the rotor weight in place, and adjustment of the jewels through which the axle passes/sits. Just checking the axle with some lubrication will most certainly cost less.

* Service interval for a daily wearer is still recommended every five years, but the consensus was that if the watch is running fine, it is OK to wait a couple of more years.

* Watches in rotation: Should be used at least every or every second month for some time to ensure that oils are kept and distributed correctly. Due to the change of viscosity of oils it is worth bringing them in for service every 8:th year.

* Pressure test every year if diving. Every second year otherwise.

So:

* Daily users: Check the rotor axle/lubricate after 3-4 years. Service after 5-8 years.
* Rotational use: Wind them at least once a month. Service every 8th year.
* Pressure test every second year (at least).

Some of my personal experiences:

* Had my 14270 serviced after eleven years of pretty much daily use. Was running within COSC, and passed pressure test, but the crystal gasket had cracks and the rotor axle was worn with the rotor touching the main plate.
* Had my wifes Date serviced after ten years of daily hard wear. Everything was in good shape! (Caliber 2235 - one of the best calibers ever!).
* Had a NOS (truly a safe queen) 20 year old DJ checked out last year. The oils around the rotor axle had dried - or rather the viscosity had changed too much. The watch was within 2 seconds a day, but using it unserviced would dramatically increase wear. Had it cleaned and lubricated. Gaskets where dry so they were all replaced.
* Replaced a dial on a watch that left Geneva five years ago... No need for movement service. Yet.
* Checked out an M serial Ex II recently (on it's fourth year). No need for service.

One thing to remember is that the mainspring of a Rolex is very strong, so it will keep the watch running although there may be poor lubrication in the gear train. That is why we see Rolexes running without service for 20 years.

My personal choice is to have watches checked out regularly (3-5 years depending on rotation), not necessarily have them serviced at that time, and pressure test every second year. It is easy for me, having several Rolex trained watchmakers in my home town.

Best,

A