Flooded GMT Master II

[Montremoi]

Originally Posted by Tools

It would still be water resistant if the watch has been maintained and the inner seals are still viable.

It also is a guess that the leak was through the crown.... many leaks are through degraded crystal seals.

Thanks for these insights

As a rule of thumb, when shall we consider that the seals may start to put the watch at risk ? Say, after 10 years ? (Recommended interval between revisions IIRC).

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Montremoi

Thanks for these insights

As a rule of thumb, when shall we consider that the seals may start to put the watch at risk ? Say, after 10 years ? (Recommended interval between revisions IIRC).

Depends entirely on the environmental conditions that the watch is used in. Modern nitrile and other synthetic gasket compounds are very likely to last 10 years. Exceptions could be high temps, arid conditions, physical abuse, and the like.

A periodic pressure test could help keep water misadventure at a minimum.

[Dirt]

So there we have it.
It's a good thing those crowns are reportedly "waterproof" down to 100m or so when left unscrewed
Tested and verified and everything

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Tools

Depends entirely on the environmental conditions that the watch is used in. Modern nitrile and other synthetic gasket compounds are very likely to last 10 years. Exceptions could be high temps, arid conditions, physical abuse, and the like.

A periodic pressure test could help keep water misadventure at a minimum.

Agreed.
However the risk is always there.
Theoretically speaking, one could pressure test their watch today and have it pass then it could leak next week.

I often think of the individuals(maybe 3 to date) who have posted on this forum about their leaky DSSD's

[rolexinfl]

1) the watch should still be waterproof with the crown out

2) thats a REDICULOUS quote and should never be obliged

3) find out WHY it's that much and also take it to an independent watch service store and get a quote

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I was under the impression that the watch is still water proof when the crown if unscrewed ... or is that just the trip-lock divers?

Regardless, maybe Bas will see will see this and advise.

Good luck

The marketing men and koolaid drinkers would have you believe that.

Remember the Rolex add from way back in their advertising heyday that showed a Rolex oyster with the Twinlock crown unscrewed and the Caseback permanently deformed due to the "immense" pressure.
Apparently that watch was good down to in excess of 200m or so and it only stopped because the Caseback was crushed against the movement.
See that proves it conclusively. One can leave a Twinlock crown unscrewed on their Rolex and it'll be just fine for whatever one chooses to do with the watch.
That apparently includes the unscrewed pushers on a Daytona being good down to 100m as well.

I've still not had any takers for the challenge I layed down some time back, for the koolaid drinkers who are going to lay it on the line and leave their crowns unscrewed permanently whenever they expose their watches to water.
I suppose they will be comfortable in the knowledge that Rolex will back them up with honouring a warranty claim regardless.

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by rolexinfl

1) the watch should still be waterproof with the crown out

2) thats a REDICULOUS quote and should never be obliged

3) find out WHY it's that much and also take it to an independent watch service store and get a quote

1. It is an old watch and seals will have deteriorated.

2. It is what it costs to replace all the damaged parts. Considering what a new one costs off the production line it is a bargain. I suspect that in real terms of parts and labor it will cost more to rebuild this watch than it does to mass produce a new one.

3. He can go down that path but it may end up costing even more. If he does this he will have to be honest about it if he decides to sell the watch.

[csaltphoto]

It may be that Rolex has much different standards for restoring a flooded watch then an independent service does. I'm sure an indy could clean up the movement and all whereas Rolex might replace the movement/dial/hands and who knows what else.

[faz]

oh man, so sorry to hear.... expensive mistakes happen.... believe me I have lost near $3k USD to dumbest mistake (not watch related) that I am even ashamed to remember never mind talk about.

looking forward to hearing how you go about getting it fixed and the final outcome.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Dirt

. . .One can leave a Twinlock crown unscrewed on their Rolex and it'll be just fine for whatever one chooses to do with the watch.
That apparently includes the unscrewed pushers on a Daytona being good down to 100m as well.

. . .

As an interesting point on this, the Daytona pushers only have a single 0-ring on the pusher shaft to seal it to 100 meters; a much smaller o-ring than the one on the Twin-lock crown stem.

The screws on the Daytona pushers are lock-nuts with no sealing function at all, so, yes, it is waterproof to that 100meters whether the lock-nuts are set or not, all day long.

[dchernikoff]

Wow, sorry to hear that! Hope you can find it cheaper at an independent or another RSC.

The crown is waterproof even if not screwed in???? I didn't know that. Reading thru my User manuals (yes, I read them, I confess I'm obsessive about that) it clearly says, multiple times, that it is only waterproof if the crown is screwed down! I'm glad to hear that may not be true, since I've discovered my crown loose occasionally. But it's not what the Rolex literature claims... perhaps a CYA move on Rolex's part?

-Dan

[Crazy Lugs]

I thought they stopped making jacuzzis in 1987 along with waterbeds...

[alphasports]

How about just bringing it to another AD for a 2nd opinion but just say "it doesn't work" and go from there...6.5 k is way too high tho' if I had no cheaper options I'd still probably go for it (at some point)...you end up with a brand new watch for a fraction of new.

[mobster600]

a COMPLETE replacement of a movement is pure insanity! the dial replacement hmm possibly, but depends how bad it is. bracelet...most likely the pins are worn and has some stretch. The pins can be replaced and laser welded for ~$300.

id say....the movement should be serviced sooner then later....i would send it to Rolliworks. Ask for a quote for everything....id be curious to see what they come back with.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Tools

As an interesting point on this, the Daytona pushers only have a single 0-ring on the pusher shaft to seal it to 100 meters; a much smaller o-ring than the one on the Twin-lock crown stem.

The screws on the Daytona pushers are lock-nuts with no sealing function at all, so, yes, it is waterproof to that 100meters whether the lock-nuts are set or not, all day long.

He seems twitchy on this subject Larry

[Likestheshiny]

USD $4400-ish for entirely new internals doesn't seem unreasonable to me. I suppose an independent could try to save the movement, but you're still not getting a new dial or handset that way. And if the watch was so long since servicing that it leaked in the first place, the movement might need replacement parts regardless.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Tools

As an interesting point on this, the Daytona pushers only have a single 0-ring on the pusher shaft to seal it to 100 meters; a much smaller o-ring than the one on the Twin-lock crown stem.

The screws on the Daytona pushers are lock-nuts with no sealing function at all, so, yes, it is waterproof to that 100meters whether the lock-nuts are set or not, all day long.

Yes, but only when new or in as new condition as in when freshly serviced or for that matter only when under initial 5 year warranty period.
After the initial warranty period I would say that Rolex only deems them good for a maximum of 2 years following an RSC service. After that and outside of these pre-requisites we are effectively on our own and assume the full responsibility.
And that's something the marketing men always seem to miss out puting on their websites or in print media, owners manuals, etc.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by brandrea

He seems twitchy on this subject Larry

Very twitchy indeed
That's what happens when one lives long enough

[infamous976]

I came here expecting to see a fully iced out GMT .. this thread did not deliver.

[exador]

As you're travelling through HK, take it to Michael Young for a quote (he does watches as well as bracelets).

http://www.classicwatchrepair.com/

[scruffydoo]

Thanks for the replies, sorry I can't reply to individual questions, haven't hit 10 posts yet. Just for info here's literally the damage

Service Requirements: $6,430.00
Complete Service w/ polishing
Bezel Insert
Hands
Dial
Movement Complete
Endlink Repair (Or bracelet option

Comments: Movement is too heavily corroded to repair. Will need to be replaced with an upgraded calibre (3186)

From an AD, not the RSC directly.

I understand the various points about having a brand new watch for $6k but it's hardly the bargain some suggest given I've already bought it once and then there's the question of should it happen at all to the worlds finest watch... and how could it possibly be an owners fault... rolling my eyes and looking at the 'fully waterproof under any circumstances' $25 casio I'm currently sporting.

[Seibei]

Originally Posted by scruffydoo

Thanks for the replies, sorry I can't reply to individual questions, haven't hit 10 posts yet. Just for info here's literally the damage

Service Requirements: $6,430.00
Complete Service w/ polishing
Bezel Insert
Hands
Dial
Movement Complete
Endlink Repair (Or bracelet option

Comments: Movement is too heavily corroded to repair. Will need to be replaced with an upgraded calibre (3186)

From an AD, not the RSC directly.

I understand the various points about having a brand new watch for $6k but it's hardly the bargain some suggest given I've already bought it once and then there's the question of should it happen at all to the worlds finest watch... and how could it possibly be an owners fault... rolling my eyes and looking at the 'fully waterproof under any circumstances' $25 casio I'm currently sporting.

It does not have any super powers. It has seals that prevent water from getting in. I don't know of any watch made by anyone that has seals that last forever. If you are not sure of the state of the seals and you take your watch into a jacuzzi, then any damage is entirely your fault. How could it possibly be anybody else's fault?

Face it, your watch is simply worn out and you need to accept that fact. It was due a big service anyway. You should also rejoice that you are being offered a highly desirable Rolex, in perfect condition for much less than the normal price. I highly recommend replacing the bracelet. You will be delighted when you get your watch back from the service.

[WatchLurv]

Originally Posted by scruffydoo

OK so my Coke GMT Master II got some water in it because I didn't realize the crown wasn't down fully then went in a jacuzzi. despite various attempts it couldn't be dried out without some damage. Current quote from RSC Australia is $6.5k (AUS) for a face, movement and hands plus a polish and a further $2k recommend for a new bracelet due to wear.

Am curious on opinions, ideas from you more experienced guys for cheaper options or just bale out and sell it as is (not sure what it may be worth as is). I travel through Hong Kong regular but not sure if they would be cheaper, anyone used there RSC.

I love Rolex but not sure I want to stress about showering or swimming to the tune of $6-7k a pop.

I think you'd save the GST in Hong Kong. That's the only savings I can think of.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Very twitchy indeed
That's what happens when one lives long enough

You have made some sweeping statements with absolutely no knowledge of the service history of this watch.

If you can’t add something to the thread just move on.

Preferably another Forum.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Tools

As an interesting point on this, the Daytona pushers only have a single 0-ring on the pusher shaft to seal it to 100 meters; a much smaller o-ring than the one on the Twin-lock crown stem.

The screws on the Daytona pushers are lock-nuts with no sealing function at all, so, yes, it is waterproof to that 100meters whether the lock-nuts are set or not, all day long.

You may have to use simpler sentences for Dirt to understand you Larry.

[Boaters]

Way to much $$$ I would check with some independents.

[Dedot]

OP check out the Brisbane Vintage Watch service centre, located on Edward St, next to Gucci store. They have experienced watch maker and deal with Rolex regularly. Good luck.

Sent from my SM-G973F using Tapatalk

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by scruffydoo

. Current quote from RSC Australia is $6.5k (AUS) for a face, movement and hands plus a polish and a further $2k recommend for a new bracelet due to wear.

I love Rolex but not sure I want to stress about showering or swimming to the tune of $6-7k a pop.

HOW MUCH ???????

I think from memory thats about 50% of the cost of a new watch.

Thats ridiculous !

Have you got a written quotationion from them ?

Try another service centre or Rolex approved service store.

Are yoiu sure you heard correctly ?

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by CharlesN

HOW MUCH ???????

I think from memory thats about 50% of the cost of a new watch.

Thats ridiculous !

Have you got a written quotationion from them ?

Try another service centre or Rolex approved service store.

Are yoiu sure you heard correctly ?

I believe he got the quote through his AD who are working through RSC.

It does seem like a lot, but it also seems like they are replacing just about every part.

[fsprow]

Suggest;
- Sell the watch for parts. Many parts , the case for example, should be fine. Get perhaps 2-3
K$.

- Purchase a slightly used watch from a trusted seller or elsewhere.

- Swear off wearing watches in hot tubs.