Safe Queen Service

[Watchie]

Question - If a watch spends most of its time in the safe, or is worn sparingly, does it still need a "service" on the same schedule as a watch that has been worn more frequently?

Put another way, if a person was to buy a ten year old Sub or DSSD that was for the most part unworn, how long before it would need to head to the garage for an oil change, etc.?

[sillo]

If it was just sitting in a safe for 10 years the first thing I would do would be having it serviced. Then I know I can wear it without worry.

[Tools]

A watch just sitting may not incur any wear, but the oils may migrate away from where they belong. Also, seals and gaskets may no longer be pliable or have moved from their optimal positioning.

You might have a watch with little wear, but it may be completely unsound for every day use.

[HogwldFLTR]

Gaskets are the real issue. They do dry out.

[037]

10 years = service due to oil migration. If you're wearing a Sub/SD/DSSD in the water, it's going to need pressure tested anyway. Might as well overhaul it and eliminate all variables.

Edit: Apologies for the broken record here. Others replied while I was typing.

[037]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

Gaskets are the real issue. They do dry out.

They're o-rings made from Viton synthetic rubber and don't actually "dry" out. They can take a set over time and lose effectiveness but have no moisture to lose as one would expect in something drying out.

[brandrea]

I’d be curious to hear what Bas has to say ...

[bradyb]

A newer lightly-worn watch that was put away in a stable environment and then brought back to life after 10 years should be fine. Not really that long of a time if you think about it.

Bas?

[ltmgeller]

If you plan on getting the watch wet, I'd get it serviced.

[Andad]

If it passes a pressure test then I would not have it serviced.

[MBYSF]

I want to see the 'safe queen'!

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by 037

They're o-rings made from Viton synthetic rubber and don't actually "dry" out. They can take a set over time and lose effectiveness but have no moisture to lose as one would expect in something drying out.

This is true with viton as it has no shelf life. On the other hand unless the watch is still under warranty it is a big risk to assume that there is no issue with the seals.

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by 037

They're o-rings made from Viton synthetic rubber and don't actually "dry" out. They can take a set over time and lose effectiveness but have no moisture to lose as one would expect in something drying out.

Except for the crystal "gasket". Different material altogether.

[Chadridv]

I don't know much on the technical end of things, but IMO if I planned to start using a watch that's been sitting around for 10+ years, and was otherwise in new condition, I'd want to have it tuned up prior to regular use. If It's a watch you're going to just take it out a few times a year for a night out, It think you'd be ok leaving it as is.

[joli160]

I would start it up and see when it stops

[abozz]

I would put the watch in my wrist and enjoy it (only water tested or avoid water).

[bp1000]

Pressure test - definitely

Service, yes ideally

If you never wear it, oils can move. This is something i've discussed with a respected and qualified watch maker.

I try to wear all my watches, swapping weekly and as a collector i have to think about servicing.

Because i wear them fairly regularly but not for very long, i'm keeping the movements going enough to find it reasonable to service each of them every 10 years or so.

Some are creeping into the 12 year stage but they are worn regularly and running very well and as stable now as they always have.

[1William]

I would check the timing and have it pressure tested. If no issues present themselves then I would wear the watch. If issues are present then I would service the watch.

[Sublovin]

As you can see, you will get varying opinions. Do what makes you happy. If you wear it and it works....leave it alone. If you want to wear in water or it needs calibrated, get it serviced

[VicLeChic]

I would have it tested for accuracy, beat error and amplitude (possibly water resistance but not necessarily as I don'r wear my Rolex pieces in the water). If those measurements are within specs, I wouldn't bother having it serviced.

[Calatrava r]

Watch should be fine. If no issues, I would wear for at least three years before considering service.

[SearChart]

Even if NOS and kept in a cool, dry and dark place I'd still service it. New gaskets and movement service is definitely recommend at this time period.

The rubber gaskets are usually not the first to fail, it is the hytrel polymer crystal gaskets that completely shatter when the case is disassembled.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Tools

A watch just sitting may not incur any wear, but the oils may migrate away from where they belong. Also, seals and gaskets may no longer be pliable or have moved from their optimal positioning.

You might have a watch with little wear, but it may be completely unsound for every day use.

Exactly this. And then wearing it with lubricant not at the correct place will just cause excessive wear and tear of the friction points in the movement.

[Seibei]

It is a watch. If it is broken, fix it. If it is not broken, don't.