No Maintenance in 28 1/2 Years

[Highland Ranger]

Originally Posted by regnant

It has served you very well. Therefore it deserves a through service. However, before dropping it off to the service if you like make sure they will contact you before changing parts because when they renew something you may consider of losing sentimental value or vintage value
Besides, in today's technological advancement oil technology should be also benefit from and today's synthetic oils must be better improvement than what was available when your watch ⌚ was brand new

Synthetic oils were available in the 80's.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Highland Ranger

Synthetic oils were available in the 80's.

It's amazing how much tech was available but still classified or just not used much. Plasma TVs are like 50 years old in the lab, it hurts my mind to think that we had stealth mach >3.7 planes in the late sixties, then the rumors today if true are straight sci-fi.

[superdog]

i am having a hard time believing anything.

there is a little saying on TRF:

"pics or it didn't happen"

[Psmith]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

its just like not changing the oil in your car or at this point no oil in the car at all. the bearings will go and more damage will be done than a properly serviced watch. things that would normally need lubed will need replaced thus a bigger repair bill.

even Hondas need oil service

This

[Rolex fan 61]

That's brilliant and a good story thank you

[The Joker]

Can you draw a picture of it. Do you have pen and paper?

[strafer_kid]

Pretty impressive and very lucky! Would treat it to a service though which will work out fairly cheap if it runs for another 28!

[RollieVerde]

Here's a thought: it should be serviced, so send it to Vanessa at Jewelers On Time and she can give us a report on how the movement held up all these years, and what sort of shape it's in now. It would be very educational, if she has the time to do it.

I've noticed something in my own world that when I have something a long time (like with my Tudor, which is now 35) I actually forgot some of the things I had done to it until I found some old paperwork. You know that guy with the Chevy Truck that's 25 years old with 250,000 miles? Says it's never been in the shop-just oil changes? We often forget work we had done 10 or 15 years ago. New alternator, fuel pump, timing chain, 2 water pumps, etc. But it was so long ago that you just forget, because you haven't had to fix anything in years on it and you've been busy having a life for the same time you owned the object in question. Maybe your memory is perfect, and this is one of those cases (and there are plenty) where the watch was literally untouched. But often time plays tricks on us all.

[Shore Guy]

I am positive that it has never been touched. I would be very uncomfortable with anyone tinkering with it.

[Sublover2166]

I believe there are 5 different oils that lubricate the movement parts. In your watch after all these years there are none. Would you drive your car or truck 28 years on the same engine oil and filter? Think about it.

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well for one I would have it serviced first the main Achilles heel in all the 15 and 3 series movements is the rotor shaft bearings. And IMO its the Rolex movements weakest link, the rotor winding sleeve bearings. Now these need proper lubrication and its very critical its done right,if it drys out you will get severe wear in the bearing jewels.Looks like to me, Rolex has sacrificed a bit in the engineering department,for better winding efficiency. IMO the small diameter winding post don't offer enough support to the rotor weight, but again some go on for decades without service, but many fail for the lack of.

this is good information. is there a like button on TRF?

Originally Posted by mtrunner

I am not sure if I am more impressed with the watch not being serviced for 28.5 years or the fact that you have had the same flip phone since 2005!

[Chaching]

I would service it...just sayin'.....

[standstill]

I see a lot of red flags here IMO but I hope I'm wrong... lol

[RollieVerde]

Originally Posted by Shore Guy

I am positive that it has never been touched. I would be very uncomfortable with anyone tinkering with it.

That's certainly amazing, but not unheard of. Love to see how the innards have held up over such a long duration.

[Shore Guy]

My neighbor graciously took two pictures of my watch and sent them to me in an email. I've been trying unsuccessfully to upload them from my original iPad to this website.

Can any of you tell me how it can be done. I do not have a computer.

[ww12345]

Originally Posted by mtrunner

I am not sure if I am more impressed with the watch not being serviced for 28.5 years or the fact that you have had the same flip phone since 2005!

Hey, I've had the same flip phone since 2003! :)

[davecz]

My exp 2 made it almost 10 years of hard use. Golfing, diving, boating, fishing, and hunting - and a 3 ft drop put it over the edge. Should have it back soon though

[eeh100773]

Us Jersey Shore guys gotta' stick together....forget all the skeptics looking for pictures. Good for you wearing that watch everyday for 28+ years - I wouldn't service it if I were you - enjoy your Rolex.

[cbruce]

Very cool! I hope someone can help you get the pictures uploaded.

[Vanessa CW21]

Originally Posted by RollieVerde

Here's a thought: it should be serviced, so send it to Vanessa at Jewelers On Time and she can give us a report on how the movement held up all these years, and what sort of shape it's in now. It would be very educational, if she has the time to do it.

I would totally do that! With pictures along the way!

[Vanessa CW21]

Originally Posted by Shore Guy

I am positive that it has never been touched. I would be very uncomfortable with anyone tinkering with it.

I wouldn't "tinker" with it... I would give it a professional -much needed- overhaul!

[slasherj]

Originally Posted by Shore Guy

My neighbor graciously took two pictures of my watch and sent them to me in an email. I've been trying unsuccessfully to upload them from my original iPad to this website.

Can any of you tell me how it can be done. I do not have a computer.

Do you use the Tapatalk app?

[skprd13]

No camera? Love to see a picture.

[Shore Guy]

Tapatalk requires ios 7 or greater. I have original iPad which is nowhere near that.

[Furbo]

Why do you bother OP for pictures, one would think that you guys have never seen Rolex watch before?

[Brushpup]

Because it would be nice to see a one watch guy's daily wear watch.

Shore Guy, I have heard similar time line stories like your before. 25+ years. I vote for a service too, but thats a great story. Please go find someone with a camera and SHOW US!

[Castor]

Originally Posted by SUBversive

1. Service
2. Buy camera.

Agree, but I would alter it.

1. Buy camera.
2. Take pictures.
3. Post pictures.
4. Service watch.
5. Take pictures.
6. Post pictures.


Seriously though, that's an impressive watch!

[slasherj]

Originally Posted by Shore Guy

Tapatalk requires ios 7 or greater. I have original iPad which is nowhere near that.

Haha, oh dear.

How about this - you can email photos to people on the forum and they post it up for you?

[Cougaren]

Originally Posted by Shore Guy

I purchased my Rolex SS OP (ND) new in November 1986 and have never had it cleaned, oiled, or adjusted ever. The watch when purchased gained about 7 seconds/day as I recall and now averages about 15 seconds/day gain.

I reset it every week about 50 seconds behind. Thus it's off by no more than 50 seconds during the week which is good enough for me.

I consider it a really good tool watch which I have worn every day during the last 28.5 years except for a 3 week hospitaliztion and recovery. It is my only watch. I have never worn it in the water.

Any comments?

I just had my1680/0 serviced at the Dallas RSC after 39 years . Awesome .
Cougaren

[jp1166610]

ahhh give those poor gears some oil. it will run like brand new