Am I being awkward with Rolex Geneva?

[smym18]

I think my Sub was originally like this, but I also think I wasn't winding it enough when I first got it. Eventually after fully winding it it got going and has been fine since then.

[Nikrnic]

How many times by winding will it start up 25, 30, 40. When I wind my new SubC up from a dead start it takes 25 turns to start unless I flick it. I just live with it as works and keeps perfect time anyway.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[imgook]

just wow

[westsideclock]

I never wind any of my automatic watches. The older ones start after being worn for about 30-40 minutes and the newer ones take about an hour. I set them a couple hours after that or not even at all. No problem with your watch at all.

[jimcarver]

The title of the message is "Am I being Awkward with Rolex Geneva", sorry to say it but the answer is yes.

As many other have said its reasonably common but I understand you expect it to function as the user manual states. Let’s assume there is a problem that needs addressing then you need to let the service centre open the watch to take a look. Sorry to use a car analogy but if you buy a luxury car and there are problems soon after buying (which is common, problems tend to arise at the start of use and towards the end of the lifespan), you don’t get a new car no matter how many times you tell them you don’t expect it from an $xxx car.

Either live with it or have the service centre take a look.

I am also not sure why setting the watch and not putting it on until later is such a big part of your daily routine, just set it before you put it on.

[Calatrava r]

No problem in letting the Rolex service center open and adjust as needed. That is what the warranty is about. Never let an AD open it, unless certified by Rolex, or the warranty could be voided.

[VicLeChic]

Alright, I get OP's frustration. A brand new expensive watch not working as it should (seconds hand won't move after a full wind without a shake). I've never experienced this problem with any of my mechanical pieces, being Rolex or not. Some take more turns of the crown than others to start, but none require a shake after 40-50 turns (until the slip).

Fumnily enough I used to fully wind my autos with the help of the crown but not anymore, I prefer gently shaking it a few times after 5-10 turns of the crown and let the rotor do its job naturally throughout the day. Why uneceseraly overload the crown/stem and demand a full wind from the beginning rather than have the power reserve build up gradually with the rotor? Some people think that's what the crown is designed for and I think a systematic full wind puts a strain on it. But that's another debate.

Although it kind of sucks, I think you must be reasonable and cannot expect a refund or an exchange. You've got to either accept to shake it or get it fixed by the RSC, that's what the warranty is for. Not an ideal situation to be in with a new watch from a brand that sells perfection, but you've got to deal with it, take it like a man and get it fixed IMHO.

Perfection doesn't exist, you've been unlucky, it happens. The sooner you get it sorted, the more you will be able to enjoy it. Give them a chance to make it up to you.

[RJRJRJ]

For the sake of this thread, I wound two completely dead Rolexes.

Sub (3135): ~13 winds before the second hand moved
GMT (3186): ~30 winds before the second hand moved

Also wound a 7750 just to compare, and it took about 5 winds.

[smym18]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

For the sake of this thread, I wound two completely dead Rolexes.

Sub (3135): ~13 winds before the second hand moved
GMT (3186): ~30 winds before the second hand moved

Also wound a 7750 just to compare, and it took about 5 winds.

It just took 7 winds for my [dead for 11 days] Sub's second hand to start going.

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by smym18

It just took 7 winds for my [dead for 11 days] Sub's second hand to start going.

Interesting. I also wound a 2824 and a 7750 and each only took about 5 winds.

[smym18]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

Interesting. I also wound a 2824 and a 7750 and each only took about 5 winds.

We probably didn't help the op's "awkwardness" with those wind numbers.

[mmmmp]

Okay, enough already. I hope this doesn't get me banned but here's my take. It ain't pretty folks

First, to the OP- welcome to the forum. The knowledge passed along to you already is invaluable - please avail yourself to applying it to your so-called "problem." After the first 10 posts, you're lucky these kind heated people had patience.

You are not necessarily being 'awkward'...your replies indicate you're being obstinate, stubborn and inflexible. Try, for a second, to think about your posts / replies and ask yourself: am I truly trying to solve my issue or simply bitching about an aspect of the watch I don't like. I'm not sure myself.

Every Rolex I've owned required a shake or swirl or let's just say a little 'physical incentive' to activate the second hand. As many posts here have confirmed, it's a common annoyance (hardly an issue IMO) but the work around is simple. In fact it's so simple it's barely discussed on TRF - it's just 'one of dem things.

Oh, as an aside, we could give a damn about you spending, 8 grand on a Rolex, these days it's a rather 'reasonable' sum for the best known, internationally recognized luxury watch. There are many wealthy members here that spend more on servicing. Money is a non issue. A $60k platinum Daytona might need a swirl just like an old, SS, beat up 70's Datejust.

Now, the issue of winding, setting the watch down only to return to a stalled second hand is problematic. You *did* shake the watch to activate the second hand *BEFORE* walking away right? If not, did you think it would magically start running on it's own? No good pal, operator error all the way. Or as we say at work: it's an ID.10. T. error. Or:

IDIOT

As you seem to discard all the advice presented here, try this:
Wind 30-40 times, shake or swirl to start watch and either put it on right away or leave it until it's time to wear it. Wrar the wstch as normal. If the reserve runs down and stops, simply repeat the process. Report back and tell us how you're making out. If we forget how much you paid for your watch, by all means remind us.

If you absolutely abhor the shake process, sell the watch and brood about how an $8000.00 Rolex should not need such primitive measures to activate. Curse the Swiss watch industry for allowing a COSC stamp of approval on such a defective product and keep asking why....why did life throw you such a horrific existence.

Shaking an $8000.00 watch for a 1/2 second, such a cross to bear.

Mark - just my opinion



Sent from my SM-A520W using Tapatalk

[srf52]

...OP, remember that when a mechanical movement is being wound, its the main spring and not the balance spring that is receiving the energy. Many times the balance assembly needs encouragement to start moving. That's why your watch needs the 'shake', as you put it. Perfectly normal. It is very much like the pendulum clock that requires the pendulum be set in motion after its spring is wound. YMMV...

[RJRJRJ]

Originally Posted by srf52

...OP, remember that when a mechanical movement is being wound, its the main spring and not the balance spring that is receiving the energy. Many times the balance assembly needs encouragement to start moving. That's why your watch needs the 'shake', as you put it. Perfectly normal. It is very much like the pendulum clock that requires the pendulum be set in motion after its spring is wound. YMMV...

This is actually my favorite part of watching watchmaking videos. When it's all assembled and the watchmaker takes his little tool and nudges the balance wheel, and boom it all comes to life