Submariner time log...

[Carn]

Having recently acquired my first Rolex, a Z serial 16610 Submariner, I was curious to see how well it kept time.

With that in mind I set about looking online for a suitable app or spreadsheet to use for logging the accuracy of my watch. Having some up empty handed in terms of readily available content, I started looking for examples of accuracy logs on which to base my own. The closest I came was some screen grabs of logs on jamesbondwatches.com. These were gif images or PDF's which were useless in terms of the actual formula's required to do what I needed, but it did give me some inspiration in terms of the layout I would end up using.

Armed with a rough idea of what I wanted, I set about putting together a log in Excel. After tinkering with numerous formula's and formats, I finally ended up with what you see below...This is my first 15 day log of my Sub's accuracy



I must be honest and say I am slightly disappointed at the overall time keeping, having consistently gained roughly 10 to 12 seconds daily despite trying various overnight positions, etc. Having done a little research on the topic, it seems as if my Sub may be due for her 1st service. On the bright side however, I am extremely pleased at how consistently inaccurate it is, with the average gain rarely fluctuating more than 0.5s or so


If any of you would like to keep your own logs, I have zipped the Excel file I used above and uploaded it to one of my websites for download. You can find it here under the first link at the top of the page, or download directly via this link

Using the Excel file above is very simple. When starting off you simply enter the starting date in the Date column, as well as the initial time when sync'ing your watch. The error at this point should be set to 0.

When next checking your watch, I used the following sequence:

Step 1.) Enter the current date when performing the check in the date column.

Step 2.) Enter a time 30 to 40 seconds ahead of the current time on your watch. I used the nearest minute for simplicity sake.

At the top right hand side of the spreadhseet you will see I have entered a cell which contains the current PC time. This is linked to your computers clock and whenever anything is input into a cell on the spreadsheet it records the exact current time. I sync'd my PC's clock to a phone based time server and used that for keeping track on my watch.

Step 3.) Click the orange shaded cell containing the number '1' under the PC Time cell at the top right hand corner. Type in any number or letter but do NOT hit enter yet!

Step 4.) Whilst tracking the time on your watch, hit enter as soon as your watch reaches the time you entered in Step 2. The PC Time cell will record the actual time as soon you hit enter.

Step 5.) Calculate the error between the time you entered in Step 2 and the time recorded in Step 4.

Step 6.) Enter the error recorded in Step 5 above in the column labelled Error, and Excel will populate and calculate the average daily error rate for your watch!


If any of the above is unclear, please just shout and I will try to explain it a bit better. Alternatively, if someone has a better idea or way of doing it, please enlighten us all and I can update the sheet accordingly

[Andad]

I like these programs.

I can't open your file. The spreadsheet appears for a second then goes to the download screen but the zip file won't open?

[padi56]

Well once a month will do me afraid my life is not run to the exact second,and a far simpler test for any Rolex watch.Just fully manually wind 40 full crown turns clockwise,if you have a quartz watch for the test that will do. Synchronise both watches then just wear your Rolex watch as normal but for 8 hours plus a day.Check time daily with the quartz setting watch over 5 days.Then average out lose or gain over those 5 days for a accurate enough for this test result.

[Memphis Raines]

I got my T Serial 16610 back from service last month, I set it by the internet on the first of this month and 20 days later it's exactly +20 seconds, as Padi56 says, I won't feel the need to alter it anytime soon, so long as it's within a minute or so is fine by me.
+1 a day aint bad for a mechanical watch.

Memphis.

[Tools]

You have done a lot of work to know that your watch is 10 seconds off a day..

However, this does not means that it needs an expensive service.. What you have demonstrated is that it is consistently running the same on a regular basis..

All it needs is a simple regulation to get it to run within 2 seconds a day, not a full service..

[Carn]

Originally Posted by directioneng

I like these programs.

I can't open your file. The spreadsheet appears for a second then goes to the download screen but the zip file won't open?

Pleasure...I'm not certain why the links aren't working for you as they open fine on my side. I will get to another pc and check for you and report back

Originally Posted by Tools

You have done a lot of work to know that your watch is 10 seconds off a day..

However, this does not means that it needs an expensive service.. What you have demonstrated is that it is consistently running the same on a regular basis..

All it needs is a simple regulation to get it to run within 2 seconds a day, not a full service..

It does seem a bit OTT, but being my first and with me being slightly OCD, I was keen on seeing how accurate and consistent it was. I am sure the novelty will wear off at some stage, but for the time being I am enjoying it

Thanks for the suggestion re regulating as opposed to a full service. I will ask the local RSC to give me some options

[Bangel]

A little elaborate, but very clever all the same. It appeals to the OCD in me as well.

[azguy]

It almost seems like you took the fun out of owning a great watch.....

I had my sub regulated at the AD for $60, pressure test as well......it brough it from 8 seconds fast to 2 seconds fast....I would suggest that route 1st-

[Carn]

Originally Posted by azguy

It almost seems like you took the fun out of owning a great watch.....

I had my sub regulated at the AD for $60, pressure test as well......it brough it from 8 seconds fast to 2 seconds fast....I would suggest that route 1st-

Entirely the opposite actually...I have quite enjoyed seeing how different overnight positions, etc affect (in this case not) the accuracy of the watch

Will find out about the regulation from my AD, but I think they send everything off to the local RSC

[Andad]

I think it is a great spreadsheet.

I just can't download it.

[zama]

A lot of posts on TRF often talk about the precision of their watches or lack thereof. Personally I think it is a fun feature of some of my watches, my old Omega and my not so old Heuer reproduction gain up to 5 minutes a week, if I wear them for a week, i just wind them back 5 or more. My life is busy and hectic, but not to the range of a couple of minutes, besides any of mine that have not kept great time always gain time which can only ever be a positive, as I am always early to meetings etc. Lets face it most of us carry an i-phone or the like on us most of the day, and that tends to be a handy time piece given all my meetings are in there. I just enjoy my watches for their looks and quirkiness.

[Andad]

Thanks D.

[Horologer]

Carn, thought you might like my post from last year.

[NYC6]

http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/t...cd-medications
you're welcome

[DJJon]

I have to admit I also use a spreadsheet with daily comparisons to a digital quartz watch as the 'standard'.

In January my 2 month old DJ ran +1.4 to +1.8 sec/day fast. Consistently. Then I took it to the RSC in NY for a dial font question. They kept it about an hour, and it came back 0.7 sec/day fast measured once a week. From which I deduced they regulated it for free. Or else the magic karma of being in the RSC took over.

My goal of having an accurate watch has been met. In fact I am taking off the month of May to rest and hopefully lose this silly obsession.