Faster and faster it goes...

[FlyingMoose]

I swear I'm jinxed. Every time I get a product, there's something wrong with it.

I got a Sub LV almost a year ago (in January). The timing was erratic (lost or gained up to 10 seconds a day, never consistent). I sent it off to Rolex in Dallas, and they regulated it.

I got it back about 5 weeks ago, and since then, the timing has been (all in average seconds per day):

Week 1: +0.9 s/day
Week 2: +3.9 s/day
Week 3: +5.1 s/day
Week 4: +7.8 s/day
Week 5: +9.6 s/day (week ending today)

Can any of the watchmakers here explain why it keeps going faster and faster? I'm guessing it has something to do with the lubrication, perhaps there is a drop of oil on the balance wheel that's evaporating and making it lighter over time? Do you think it will get damaged if I continue to wear it?

Anyway, what should I do? I still have about a year left under warranty, do you think Rolex would do a movement-only service? Also, I'd rather not send it away again, it's my only Rolex and I missed it and felt depressed the last time. Maybe I'll send it away when I'm on vacation for 3 weeks this summer. I can't currently afford another Rolex to hold me over.

[FlyingMoose]

No ideas?

If I want to send the watch to Rolex, should I write to them first, or just send a letter in with the watch?

[Jocke]

Originally Posted by FlyingMoose

I swear I'm jinxed. Every time I get a product, there's something wrong with it.

I got a Sub LV almost a year ago (in January). The timing was erratic (lost or gained up to 10 seconds a day, never consistent). I sent it off to Rolex in Dallas, and they regulated it.

I got it back about 5 weeks ago, and since then, the timing has been (all in average seconds per day):

Week 1: +0.9 s/day
Week 2: +3.9 s/day
Week 3: +5.1 s/day
Week 4: +7.8 s/day
Week 5: +9.6 s/day (week ending today)

Can any of the watchmakers here explain why it keeps going faster and faster? I'm guessing it has something to do with the lubrication, perhaps there is a drop of oil on the balance wheel that's evaporating and making it lighter over time? Do you think it will get damaged if I continue to wear it?

Anyway, what should I do? I still have about a year left under warranty, do you think Rolex would do a movement-only service? Also, I'd rather not send it away again, it's my only Rolex and I missed it and felt depressed the last time. Maybe I'll send it away when I'm on vacation for 3 weeks this summer. I can't currently afford another Rolex to hold me over.

If you are in NYC so should you be happy with that watch because if it's fast the faster the summer is here and the snow will be history.

[dooder202]

I wonder if they'd replace it???

[dooder202]

Btw, was it ever damaged?

[GradyPhilpott]

What is your time reference and how are you coming up with these fractions of a second? Are those averages?

It's really hard for me to eyeball a watch and the time reference at the same time, in fact, unless you have some very rare talent, it is impossible.

Surely there must be a Rolex AD in your area with an on-site watchmaker who can give you a diagnosis and a much better turnaround than any RSC.

[mfer]

You aren't storing it by your cell phone at night by chance?

Cell phones can actually magnetize watches. No joke. My iphone magnetized my Pam 111.

[FlyingMoose]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

What is your time reference and how are you coming up with these fractions of a second? Are those averages?

It's really hard for me to eyeball a watch and the time reference at the same time, in fact, unless you have some very rare talent, it is impossible.

Surely there must be a Rolex AD in your area with an on-site watchmaker who can give you a diagnosis and a much better turnaround than any RSC.

They are averages for the whole week. I check against my computer clock which is synced over the internet, which agrees with one of those clocks that receives the radio signal.

For example, the first week it was 6 seconds fast, divided by 7 days in a week, gives .9 when rounded to the nearest tenth. The available precision is closer to tenths than whole numbers, so I used tenths.

This past week (as of Monday) it gained a minute and 7 seconds, and so far it's gained about 14 seconds in the last day, so it's still getting faster.

[FlyingMoose]

Originally Posted by mfer

You aren't storing it by your cell phone at night by chance?

Cell phones can actually magnetize watches. No joke. My iphone magnetized my Pam 111.

Nope, nowhere near my cell phone.

[FlyingMoose]

Originally Posted by dooder202

I wonder if they'd replace it???

Btw, was it ever damaged?

It was never damaged, it was NIB from a reputable seller. And, I'd be happy with a movement service if it fixes the issue.

[Watch Professor]

I see you are in NY. Bring it to the RSC in NY- 5th Ave and 53rd street. It sounds like it needs more than just a regulation.

[FlyingMoose]

Originally Posted by Watch Professor

I see you are in NY. Bring it to the RSC in NY- 5th Ave and 53rd street. It sounds like it needs more than just a regulation.

I have read that Rolex NY won't work on a watch if you're not the original purchaser, and I got it from a TRF seller. Also, I'm far enough away that I'd mail it to them, and if I'm going to mail it anyway, I might as well send it to Dallas (which is supposed to be a better service center).

I suppose I'll have to start yelling and getting aggressive with them to get them to fix it, but that's what I do at work (purchasing) and I was hoping to avoid it for once. I don't like being a jerk to people, but corporations care so little about their customers that it's the only way to keep them from walking all over you. That and threats, but I can't think of any good ones. *sigh*