Cost and what needs to be done with Rolex with Moisture inside

[robl45]

Hello,

First post here, Hello all!

Wife and I both have Yachtmasters bought around 2006. The wife somehow got some moisture in the watch. She says the crown wasn't completely tightened. She doesn't go swimming so it must have happened in the shower. Just wanted to get some idea of what is reasonable to have someone get the water out and make sure we don't get taken for unnecessary repairs.

Thanks

[beshannon]

Welcome to the forum

Impossible to answer the question, the watch will need to be serviced, most likely a full overhaul to start, depending on rust.

[ROLEX*]

Rolex centre for hassle free

[joli160]

Up to the RSC without hesitation and avoid possible corrosion damage.
Don’t wait.
Full service at RSC count on 1K

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by robl45

Hello,

First post here, Hello all!

Wife and I both have Yachtmasters bought around 2006. The wife somehow got some moisture in the watch. She says the crown wasn't completely tightened. She doesn't go swimming so it must have happened in the shower. Just wanted to get some idea of what is reasonable to have someone get the water out and make sure we don't get taken for unnecessary repairs.

Thanks

Not having the crown screwed down shouldn't have been the reason. Likely dried out seals. Tell her so she'll feel better. A 15 year old Rolex is due for a service any way. It likely won't add too much to the cost. Put it in a bag of rice (or other desiccant) with it hacked and send it in to Rolex. According to one of our members who works for Rolex the seal under the crystal can dry out pretty quickly due to UV damage. FWIW, it's a good idea to get older watches pressure tested yearly if using them in the water. Welcome to the Forum!!!

[Gekota]

Well, if you have never brought it for a service since the day of purchase, it is a 15 year old watch which is already due for a servicing.

Take it in to RSC to get it sorted out and running for the next 15 years!

[David001]

We had the same thing with the same age Yachtmaster, although we hadn't noticed visible moisture. We sent for a service and the estimate came back with pictures of small (previously unnoticed by us) water marks on the dial.

The estimate was c£500 for the service and polish, plus a recommendation to replace the dial/hands at an additional cost of c£400. If we chose the service only without replacement dial/hands then they would proceed but there would be no warranty after the service as the lume could subsequently crumble and fall into the mechanism causing failure.

We chose to do the full replacement/service and maintain a warranty.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Have you ever seen a Rolex movement that’s had water sitting in it for an extended period of time? I have and it’s ugly. Get it serviced now.

[Dsmith1974]

Seals last apx 10 years. Getting a watch wet after that period, is a gamble.


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[samson66]

Have you considered getting a different wife?

[DESH]

welcome, send to RSC- they will get it back to you like new!

[Cambo]

Not only seals....after that amount of time lubricants dry up into tiny solid pieces that gum up the movement. They need a service.

[Orangeface]

Yup, RSC service is the better route. Lots of watch places can and will service it for you, and save you a bit of $$, but the RSC will give her back the watch in like-new condition with certification and warranty. From your description, doesn't seem that it will need much beyond service, but they will give you a quote and options if any. Good luck, and welcome to the forum!

[ltmgeller]

Welcome. Get it to a Rolex Service Center ASAP

[Tools]

Originally Posted by robl45

Hello,

First post here, Hello all!

Wife and I both have Yachtmasters bought around 2006. The wife somehow got some moisture in the watch. She says the crown wasn't completely tightened. She doesn't go swimming so it must have happened in the shower. Just wanted to get some idea of what is reasonable to have someone get the water out and make sure we don't get taken for unnecessary repairs.

Thanks

If the crown was not completely tightened and water got in, the sealing system is completely shot. The crown gasket is a very minor part of the waterproofing system, with the main seals inside, around the stem.

There is no "reasonable" solution. The watch needs to be completely disassembles, all of the parts cleaned and dried, reassembled and properly oiled, and the seals everywhere (caseback, crystal, stem, crown, tube, etc.) need to be replaced.

It's a full service - 800 bucks or there abouts.