Rolex crown question from a newbie

[alphabeta81]

Hi all, just bought a 1986 era datejust, 100% Rolex (as opposed to the ones on eBay that have some Rolex parts, some other).

The winding position, quickset date, and time adjustment parts work fine, pulling out the crown is no problem.

My question is for when I screw the crown back in. I read that it should go all the way to the case, with no screw threads visible.

But on mine, it screws in and stays put, but only goes in a bit with a couple screw threads visible (I tighten with my fingers only, no tools obviously).

Is this a defect? Any thoughts/advice on this would be much appreciated, thanks!

[Z-Sub]

pictures?

[alphabeta81]

Sorry, you're right, best to have a pic with my question =)

Here is my attempt to photograph, but the lighting is not great, sorry about that. If it doesnt work here, the picture can be seen in full form uploaded here -- https://dl.dropbox.com/u/1726933/DSC_0977.jpg

[aquasky]

Screwing down the crown can be tricky for a first-timer. From the photo, you have not engaged the screw threads properly. I think if you unscrew it slightly, the crown will 'pop out', and you will just have to try it again-- Push the crown all the way in, try screwing it in and hopefully, you will engage the threads. Once that happens, you will be able to screw it smoothly all the way down shut. No brute force needed.

Just keep trying, I am sure you will be able to get it. Even now, it takes me a couple of tries too.

[Z-Sub]

Yes sometimes you just need to loosen the crown by turning it counterclockwise before reengaging it.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by srs144

Hi all, just bought a 1986 era datejust, 100% Rolex (as opposed to the ones on eBay that have some Rolex parts, some other).

The winding position, quickset date, and time adjustment parts work fine, pulling out the crown is no problem.

My question is for when I screw the crown back in. I read that it should go all the way to the case, with no screw threads visible.

But on mine, it screws in and stays put, but only goes in a bit with a couple screw threads visible (I tighten with my fingers only, no tools obviously).

Is this a defect? Any thoughts/advice on this would be much appreciated, thanks!

The crown must not be screwed right down tight to the case,in the crown there is a o/ring which seats on crown stem tube.Just screw the crown just finger tight don't force it down .

[alphabeta81]

But as is, my worry is that the watch will get damaged from water (like when I wash my hands) or from moisture that is naturally in the air.

Is this possible? (I ask since I can always return this watch if so). Thanks for the help everyone!

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by srs144

But as is, my worry is that the watch will get damaged from water (like when I wash my hands) or from moisture that is naturally in the air.

Is this possible? (I ask since I can always return this watch if so). Thanks for the help everyone!

Once the crown has been screwed down as Padi has advised, the watch becomes 100% waterproof so you have nothing to worry about.

You can go swimming with the watch if you like, no worries.

That picture above looks fine to me.

JJ

[AndersB]

As Padi says the reason might be the o-ring inside, and if so there shouldn't be a problem (as JJ just posted). When the the ring is new - the crown sticks out a bit further, and as the ring gets more used and "pushed-in", the crown can be screwn closer to the case.

What you could do is to take the watch to a skilled authorised dealer that has a watchmaker working there and ask them to check if the o-ring is new and properly inserted. If it is - then you should be ok. If it's not - then there might be some other reason for the crown sticking out slightly and then you should probably have it investigated.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by srs144

But as is, my worry is that the watch will get damaged from water (like when I wash my hands) or from moisture that is naturally in the air.

Is this possible? (I ask since I can always return this watch if so). Thanks for the help everyone!

No, there are no worries here.. The seal for keeping water out is inside the case tube and seals around the stem that is attached to the crown.. The gasket inside the crown is simply a secondary barrier and so, washing your hands will not let water in even if the crown is completely unscrewed and moisture in the air can never get in....

There are also some physics principles here too........ the inside seal forms a barrier to air also, and so you have an air "bubble" inside the tube... just a snug-up of the crown will lock that air bubble in place and so water can't even "leak" inside without first displacing it - an extremely difficult task given your position of hands and watch when in the water.........

You should always have space between the bottom of the crown and the case........ if it smashes down onto the case, then there is no gasket in the crown at all, or it is destroyed.... Also, trying to force the crown too far will damage that gasket............ finger tighten only.......

[alphabeta81]

Larry and JJ - I have been following you guys for months and that is how I learned everything about Rolexes - thank you so much for kindly replying to my question! Very flattered that you took the time to do so.

Anders, Paid, Z - thank you folks as well, very helpful replies. Feel much more at ease now!

[robsteve]

I think the vintage of the Datejust will make a difference too. My modern Datejust Turn-O-Graph has a flat spot or depression where the crown and tube are. This makes the crown look flusher to the case because it is a flat surface rather than the rounded surface as on the older cases.

I think this may be the original posters problem and perhaps the gasket in the crown is not the correct one and a bit too thick compared to what should be fitted.




Robert

[robsteve]

I fixed the link above.

[brandxbrand]

Originally Posted by robsteve

Robert

Do you wear your watch upside down?

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by brandxbrand

Do you wear your watch upside down?

I think it was just for the picture so WE don't have to view it upside down.

Terrific picture!!

[Z-Sub]

Originally Posted by brandxbrand

Do you wear your watch upside down?

[robsteve]

Originally Posted by brandxbrand

Do you wear your watch upside down?

As JJ said, I did it for the picture. I shot it the correct way and then decided to try it with the face up. The face up looked better, so that is the picture I post. I suppose I could have put it on my right hand to get the same effect.

edit: Just checked, even on my right hand it would have been upside down if worn correctly.

Robert