Rolex hand falls off?

[Maine cat]

HI All.

Looking through the last couple months of threads, I have found 2 threads that spoke about the hands falling off on the owners Rolex. One incident described that he dropped his watch but the other owner had just bought his new watch and the hand ( I believe the seconds hand) was found to have fallen off one morning. I am seriously thinking about purchasing a Rolex but these 2 separate unrelated reports are very concerning about quality construction. Any insight from you all????

Mainecat.

[Johny]

which model do you fancy?

[Maine cat]

Originally Posted by Johny

which model do you fancy?

Looking at the Sub -C in green.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by Maine cat

Looking at the Sub -C in green.

Be careful purchasing that model, the hands might fall off.

[robsteve]

I wouldn't worry about only two reports of this. In the case of the second watch, it may have been dropped as well to loosen the hand. The hands are just a friction fit on a tapered shaft, so if a jar such as the watch hitting the floor face down could loosen the hand on the taper of the shaft. Eventually the hand will fall off or in most cases stay on but not move or move intermittently as the taper grabs.

[Maine cat]

Originally Posted by robsteve

I wouldn't worry about only two reports of this. In the case of the second watch, it may have been dropped as well to loosen the hand. The hands are just a friction fit on a tapered shaft, so if a jar such as the watch hitting the floor face down could loosen the hand on the taper of the shaft. Eventually the hand will fall off or in most cases stay on but not move or move intermittently as the taper grabs.

Appreciate the technical information.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Maine cat

HI All.

Looking through the last couple months of threads, I have found 2 threads that spoke about the hands falling off on the owners Rolex. One incident described that he dropped his watch but the other owner had just bought his new watch and the hand ( I believe the seconds hand) was found to have fallen off one morning. I am seriously thinking about purchasing a Rolex but these 2 separate unrelated reports are very concerning about quality construction. Any insight from you all????

Mainecat.

With any mass produced item even a Rolex there might be the odd problem.
But a forum this large and only two reports about hands falling off,well thats not a lot.And putting any hand back on to a watchmaker is a very simple job.Being around Rolex watches for over 30 years and any real problems are quite small. When you think of the millions of Rolex watches in this world today some still ticking 80 plus years old.

[jeremyam]

Originally Posted by padi56

With any mass produced item even a Rolex there might be the odd problem.
But a forum this large and only two reports about hands falling off,well thats not a lot.And putting any hand back on to a watchmaker is a very simple job.Being around Rolex watches for over 30 years and any real problems are quite small. When you think of the millions of Rolex watches in this world today some still ticking 80 plus years old.

800,000 annual output, most popular rolex virtual meeting place and 2 mentions of hands falling off, non-issue

[Lion]

You have isolated only two examples out of the million of watches they have sold over the years.....pretty good track record in my mind!!!

[Roxas]

As I know, nowadays Rolex manufactures about 700,000 watches per year. Just 2 watches reported is a very tiny percentage.

[Maine cat]

Originally Posted by Roxas

As I know, nowadays Rolex manufactures about 700,000 watches per year. Just 2 watches reported is a very tiny percentage.

Well, actually only a tiny fraction of Rolex watch owners subscribe to this forum so I wouldn't expect to really have any information one way or the other about the vast majority of those sold. But still, point well taken. Thanks!

[jay1972]

One of the hands on my Daytona's sub dial fell off, the watch hadn't been dropped to my knowledge.
It was repaired without question from the AD it was purchased.
I didn't stop me from buying another and shouldn't bother you either

[Boopie]

I wouldn't worry about it, either. My Yachtmaster has been a durable watch for 10 years. There are so many threads and posts on here from other members who have worn their watches as daily tool watches with no problem.

[JBat]

Originally Posted by Maine cat

Looking at the Sub -C in green.

If you like it, buy it with confidence. It's a great upgrade to a classic watch, and the hands are not going to fall off.

[ingoodtime]

When a manufacturer has a recurring problem, it will be all over enthusiast or consumer sites. Just search the web for that problem. You'll have your answer.

[Jocke]

The problem is so bad that it looks like the ambassadors have problems too.

[darthmouse]

Originally Posted by Jocke

The problem is so bad that it looks like the ambassadors have problems too.

[WJGESQ]

I am way more of an Omega fan, but I don't think there is any reason for you to be concerned about Rolex quality.

[Sub'erman]

Originally Posted by Maine cat

HI All.

Looking through the last couple months of threads, I have found 2 threads that spoke about the hands falling off on the owners Rolex. One incident described that he dropped his watch but the other owner had just bought his new watch and the hand ( I believe the seconds hand) was found to have fallen off one morning. I am seriously thinking about purchasing a Rolex but these 2 separate unrelated reports are very concerning about quality construction. Any insight from you all????

Mainecat.

I've worn Subs since the early 90's.
It has never happened to me.
And I've tried almost every crazy stunt man can think off!!!

[mmmmp]

Considering how many times I've banged my Rolexes over the years, it's amazing the hands *haven't* fallen off! Guess it happens, but certainly nothing to worry about.

[Speed]

Have you considered a CASIO?








Hahahahahahah JK

[457689]

my Rolex watch doesn't have any hands.

Wait a minute....

[Sixxgrand1]

Well all I can say - is do you have any pictures? Do those posts provide any pictures of hands off? I can not find any pictures searching other forums or Google which shows a Rolex with the hands off inside the crystal....but I know how many times I have dropped my various Rolex and the hands never came off. Chopped wood, shot full clips out of a .44 Glock repeatedly...slipped and fell on ice...slap shots, golf drives...and my hands are all where they should be. I have never even worried about the hands coming off...and this is the first post which I personally have ever read about hands coming off on Rolex. So long story short - nothing to worry about..

[DCgator]

Don't worry about a thing. Rolex makes one of the best watches in the world.

[axecollector65]

Originally Posted by Speed

Have you considered a CASIO?








Hahahahahahah JK

the Casio G-Shock...great watch and no hands to fall off!

[cr6man]

Jocke=LMAO!!!!!!!

[George Ab]

There are quality control issues when you produce 3,500 watches a day or any complex mechanism. However, the basic design of the watch is outstanding as proven over the years. Other watches manufactures may NOT have as stout a design and materials, but there assembly line that puts on the hands has a tight quality control. A hand being replaced is a 10 minute job by a watchmaker to correct a quality control problem. A bad design is forever.

There are many other reasons to own a Rolex. Excellent resale, large pool of watches to buy and sell into. Classic designs and rugged reliable watches.

[ParisDakarBmw]

It happens, but not too often.

The older model DJ's have the solid markers fall off regularly.

I've seen several Speedmasters drop chrono hands fairly often.

[Lamone]

It happened to me twice. The 1675 second hand fell off.

[HL65]

Now that I read this I am seriously contemplating selling all of my Rolexes. I am going to drive to the bank tommorow and check the hands of each one. This is a major concern and I wish you guys would have warned me sooner! No more Rolex for me--Timex here I come!!