Vintage Datejust - Pool Water Inside - HELP!

[jkrolrutgers]

So in short I'm currently in Miami, and yesterday afternoon I was in a pool and somehow water got into the dial and fogged up. It's an older 1970's Datejust, I'm heading back to NJ/NYC tomorrow morning so I'm hoping to be able to drop it off at a Rolex Authorized Repair/Service Dealer in the area, What is the estimate of total cost I'm looking at ? I booked an earlier flight just to get the Rolex fixed ASAP. Any input would be great thanks. It's only been 24 hours so far so I feel like I'm making good time as long as I get get it into an authorized Rolex service repair shop tomorrow afternoon.

[Bleezal]

Drop it in a zip lock bag of rice stat!

Sent from a planet called Rolex

[Danny83]

Needs a service probably around $600

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by Danny83

Needs a service probably around $600

Or more depending on water damage if any.

[watchmework]

"It's only been 24 hours"...hate to be a downer but that's a long time for chlorine and chemically treated water to be sitting inside of a mechanical watch. Any reason why you couldn't bring it to a service dealer down in Miami? Hope it works out for you but it will likely cost you a good penny to get fixed.

[jkrolrutgers]

By the time I noticed it most watch repair shops were closed and today is Sunday, so many places weren't open. I felt more comfortable bringing back with me home, instead of leaving it down here. Just looking to see what the repair cost will exactly be if i bring it to an AD to service it.

[watchmework]

Originally Posted by jkrolrutgers

By the time I noticed it most watch repair shops were closed and today is Sunday, so many places weren't open. I felt more comfortable bringing back with me home, instead of leaving it down here. Just looking to see what the repair cost will exactly be if i bring it to an AD to service it.

I hear ya, I'm not sure what the figure would be so I don't want to mislead you but it is fixable...best of luck tomorrow!

[MrInternational]

Originally Posted by Bleezal

Drop it in a zip lock bag of rice stat!

Sent from a planet called Rolex

This is great advice - rice will pull moisture out of the watch. It's the best you can do at the moment. Good luck!


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[breitlings]

you should take off the caseback to allow moisture to escape imho and hack the movement if possible.

[moesalty]

I live in Miami and can refer you to the best guy to work in your watch here..

[173rdabn]

Seal it in a bag of rice and send to RSC in NYC asap. Don't wait!!!

[keylargotime]

Originally Posted by moesalty

I live in Miami and can refer you to the best guy to work in your watch here..

This^ Or the Bal Harbour shops has a Rolex boutique, they might be able to assist you- good luck

[chris333]

Not sure the rice is the best idea. If it was a significant amount of water, I don't think it'll all dry. The damage is when the rust/corrosion starts. As it will need a full service anyway, it might actually prevent/reduce the rust issue if you submerge it fully. I suppose it might depend on whether you want to try to save the movement (by submerging it), or the dial (by rice-bagging it).

[Bleezal]

Originally Posted by chris333

Not sure the rice is the best idea. If it was a significant amount of water, I don't think it'll all dry. The damage is when the rust/corrosion starts. As it will need a full service anyway, it might actually prevent/reduce the rust issue if you submerge it fully. I suppose it might depend on whether you want to try to save the movement (by submerging it), or the dial (by rice-bagging it).

Good point!

So just for my education, Rolex movements and movement parts are NOT made from 904L steel like the case and bracelets on SS models?

Sent from a planet called Rolex

[strongarms]

Probably shouldn't be dipping older Datejust's in the pool.

[breitlings]

i would not dump in a bag of water. i am not sure i understand the thoughts behind that suggestion. movements parts are not 904l, older datejusts are likely not 904l either, not sure when they switched steel composition on the dj.

[chris333]

Originally Posted by breitlings

i would not dump in a bag of water. i am not sure i understand the thoughts behind that suggestion. movements parts are not 904l, older datejusts are likely not 904l either, not sure when they switched steel composition on the dj.

I've read others suggest it from time to time - the idea being to prevent/reduce/show oxidation by removing the air. I've also read of people submerging a compromised case in oil for the same reason (ie, to reduce movement damage if you can't get it to a service centre quickly). I'm not sure whether or not, out just how effective it is. And if course it'd ruin the dial. Point is, trouble either way.

[sager]

sorry to hear this happened.

I would have never gone into a pool with a vintage piece or let it near water. But now that the damage is done, I would say take it ASAP and don't wait.

The longer you wait the more damage and cost.

Hope all works out for you.