Is This Normal? (related to accuracy)

[RocknPop]

Hi guys, as you know I'm new so please be kind. I have a 2006 SS Daytona white face that I love. Recently received it a week or so ago.

Since it's a 13-year-old watch I was checking to see if it needs to be serviced. So far, in a week, I have only seen a variation of no more than +2 sec/day in the last 5 days (which means I'm +10 seconds). I am comparing my watch to the time on the "Exact Time" app for iPhone which provides your phone's time with seconds.

Whether or not this is the best way to diagnose the watches need for servicing, I have basic questions that I am hoping you can help with:
- Is this normal and expected as the tolerances are +/- 2 sec. for Rolex?
- Are there any automatic watches that have 0 variance per day?

[Tools]

No mechanical movement can operate at +/- 0. A mechanical movement will be influenced by temperature, gravity, and other external forces.

+/-2 seconds is the latest out-the-door specs, although some may not meet that while on the wrist. Your 13 year old Daytona was made before this in-house tolerance decision.

[bjw]

First, congrats on your acquisition, classic reference. +2/-2/day is excellent for mechanical watch. That being said you should really have it serviced. As you have no proof of when it was serviced last, assume it hasn't been serviced since it was produced. That's over due. Gaskets can dry out and frankly even if its keeping time, I wouldn't trust it in water. if you send it to a Rolex service center, expect to pay 1000-1200 for full servicing on a 13 year old Daytona with shipping, maybe half that with a good independent watch maker.

Please post a picture!

[burnthesehills]

Your watch is incredibly accurate. Impressive considering it’s age.

I have never heard of a mechanical watch that is perfectly accurate.

[bigrustypig]

There 86,400 seconds a day and 432,000 seconds in your 5 day study. To be off by a mere 10 seconds on a corridor of 432,000 seconds is impressive.


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[RocknPop]

Thanks for the perspective guys. I really am just learning the ropes as I go.

I will post a pic as soon as I’m allowed (I think right after this post I’ll be at 10 posts!)

[Chadridv]

These fellas pretty much said it all. However, I'd add that if you haven't already tried and you're really hung up on improving (the already very good) accuracy, you could try resting your watch on it's side, crown down. Good chance it will slow down the movement overnight.

[imgook]

Yup over night regulating can keep your watch running right on time!

[mmmmp]

Just to add to the good info provided: I have a relatively 'new' (about a year old) DJ41. Out of the store it was -2/+2 or better for months. Of course, once it was "broken in" the ballistics, daily wear, lubricants, etc. changed over time.

It's now, I think -3/-4 per day which is pretty impressive. Wish it was gaining rather than loosing but I'm delighted with the performance. It's the 3235 movement of which I was alternately skeptical/curious.

BTW, I'm not really into SUPER accuracy: mechanical, automatic watches are always dynamically changing. That's part of the fun.

Mark



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[mrricks]

I’d just enjoy it for now and not have it serviced. The watch will tell you if it needs it by losing its accuracy. If you have it serviced, it may come back less accurate.

If you swim or SCUBA with it, have it pressure tested.

[RocknPop]

Originally Posted by mrricks

I’d just enjoy it for now and not have it serviced. The watch will tell you if it needs it by losing its accuracy. If you have it serviced, it may come back less accurate.

If you swim or SCUBA with it, have it pressure tested.

Thanks for the input. Do you think it’s safe to wash the watch with water as some recommend? Or too risky?

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by RocknPop

Thanks for the input. Do you think it’s safe to wash the watch with water as some recommend? Or too risky?

Considering that you don't know the service history, just go get it pressure tested and you'll be good to go. Shouldn't cost more than $20-30

[faz]

Originally Posted by mrricks

I’d just enjoy it for now and not have it serviced. The watch will tell you if it needs it by losing its accuracy. If you have it serviced, it may come back less accurate.

If you swim or SCUBA with it, have it pressure tested.

+1 on this advice. No need to service if it is running fine (was told by a well respected local watch maker). Have it pressure tested if you are worried about water activities.

[RocknPop]

This is probably a dumb question but can you guys help me with where I can have the watch pressure tested? At Rolex? I live in Chicago.

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by RocknPop

This is probably a dumb question but can you guys help me with where I can have the watch pressure tested? At Rolex? I live in Chicago.

Call Rolex service center and ask if they'll do it. If not, call your local ADs and if they have a watchmaker on site, they should be able to do it.

[Seibei]

Enjoy your watch. It is working correctly and it does not need a service. Have your watch serviced when there is something wrong with it. To me that is the most economical, rational and safe way to maintain your watch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5vcN58mox4

[chicagowatchman]

Originally Posted by RocknPop

This is probably a dumb question but can you guys help me with where I can have the watch pressure tested? At Rolex? I live in Chicago.

Go to the Rolex boutique on Michigan ave
They will help you

[chicagowatchman]

When getting an older watch serviced will Rolex
Abide by +-2?
Got mine back from service and it’s -1spd
Does that mean they did the +-2on my Rolex

[joli160]

Your watch does not need service nor regulation.

Any watchmaker, Rolex or independant, can do a waterproof test.
It takes a few minutes only

[HogwldFLTR]

The accuracy is abnormally good so no it's not normal. At plus 2 the watch is accurate to a minute per month. I'm curious as to the concrete reason that isn't good enough?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by RocknPop

This is probably a dumb question but can you guys help me with where I can have the watch pressure tested? At Rolex? I live in Chicago.

Any dry test to 100M with any source than can test W/R will be fine for most all water sports if passed.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

The accuracy is abnormally good so no it's not normal. At plus 2 the watch is accurate to a minute per month. I'm curious as to the concrete reason that isn't good enough?

Simple answer what many have read on the net the Rolex advertised -2+2 spec and now developed a accuracy syndrome .And some think because its been tested on a machine in a controlled environment it should perform exactly the same every day on the wrist.Which in the real world is not 100% possible simply because there are too many variables, like mainspring power-reserve,gravity,tiny changes in lubrication,different temperatures and so on.