Explorer II return for warranty work

[horophile1]

So, feeling a bit bummed but I think it will all work out. Better to be persistent until the problem is resolved!

Short story: I took my Exp II (216570, G-serial) in for full service/overhaul in Sept. 2023 (local AD here in KY, also a service centre with Rlx-trained--SAWTA--watchmaker). I was told it would take about 12 weeks (ended up being 13-14); got it back in early December. FWIW, fantastic job! Excellent polishing job, original noise I had heard inside watch was gone (related to rotor, I think); new crown; watch has been running on the dot; some days +0.0 (or easily less then 1 second off per day, per wearing habit and PR). In fact, it has never run better since acquiring the watch 3 years ago (2021). And the 2-year RLX warranty card! All was seemingly, perfectly well.....

Long(er) story... a few weeks back, say, in January (either I just didn't pay as much attention during the first few weeks after getting the piece back, or the issue progressed), I noticed that there was a sensation of the rotor moving on my wrist. Never experienced that with two other pieces I've owned (almost dead silent--at most hearing a muted 'click' sound when moving the watch around); in this case, it's more or less a muted whirring or "buzzing" sound (not always) when moving the wrist (NB: this is the old rotor with the post/bushing, w/o ball-bearing). Now, I realize the inside was fully cleaned and lubricated (in theory!) during service, and I've read that certain sudden movements on the wrist can cause the rotor to spin quickly (or due to gravity) and a whirr can be heard. Alone, this did not concern me too much (again, I have no idea if it was like this from the first day of getting the piece back; you know how it is: we RLX nerds always seem to focus on some different aspect of the watch on a given day). I figured perhaps the lubrication would cause it less resistance and it could turn swiftly. OK..
...Then, I started noticing a very slight squeak (not all the time) as the rotor moves about. This is what caused my ears to perk up: now I've got two sounds going on for a rotor that is typically whisper quiet (and serviced barely 2 months ago). Yes, I even did a control by isolating the bracelet (which can squeak); the squeak is definitely from the rotor turning, at various moments. The timepiece service mgr. confirmed such. The noise is surely annoying, but the most concerning for me, above all, is that such a squeak means under-lubrication or a part that will/could wear prematurely.
AFAIK, any part that was no longer up to Rolex specs should have been replaced, so I'm hoping it's not a worn out part that was not replaced.

Anyway, I took it back to the AD/service centre yesterday for warranty-based resolution. The mgr. had the onsite watchmaker just listen to it while I waited; he agreed that it is not proper based on the sound. On a side note, it's a bit more complicated because the watchmaker that serviced my watch is moving into his own business currently, locally, off-site; he still will contract with them as a service centre, but he is not working at the jeweler's right now. Their current watchmaker in-house is simply going to open up the caseback in the next few days to see if something is evidently wrong in the automatic works--thankfully easy to access without having to disassemble the movement; they might be able to fix it simply and quickly. If not, they will send it to an RSC. I am really hoping it is a question of something not being properly lubed. The auto work is keeping the watch wound (based on my testing of wearing and PR), thefefore it was at least reassembled properly (enough to make it work!).

Saying all that to say, oy, frustrating, as I might have to go for another few weeks without my beloved 216570, esp. now that it works better than it ever has in the last 3 years! Here's to hoping for the one-week, simple-fix option!

[Tools]

The new movements use a ball bearing rotor and do make more noise than before, generally a whirring or buzzing sound

[horophile1]

Thank you!

This is a 216570 from 2010-2011, so it would still have the old-style rotor (3187 movement). But yes, the noise made me think of what I might hear with the newer movements or one of my ETA's.

[WatchSmith]

If your movement is a 31xx series and you're feeling a bit of vibration from the rotor, it's likely the rotor post was not lubricated. It's a quick and easy fix if that's what it is.

[Calatrava r]

Originally Posted by WatchSmith

If your movement is a 31xx series and you're feeling a bit of vibration from the rotor, it's likely the rotor post was not lubricated. It's a quick and easy fix if that's what it is.

Why would the rotor post not have been lubricated? Simple oversight?

[horophile1]

That is my guess/gut feeling. Everything else is spot on and flawless since the service: case/bracelet; timing; winding; PR.

[horophile1]

Originally Posted by WatchSmith

If your movement is a 31xx series and you're feeling a bit of vibration from the rotor, it's likely the rotor post was not lubricated. It's a quick and easy fix if that's what it is.

Watch back in hand today, only 4 days at the AD! This was precisely the issue. Hard to imagine how the rotor post was under/not lubricated during service, but it was apparently fairly dry. I will observe for a few days but all appears to be well. Also got yet another Rlx pouch, the old velvet type.

[Dave O]

Great news!!!

[horophile1]

Originally Posted by WatchSmith

If your movement is a 31xx series and you're feeling a bit of vibration from the rotor, it's likely the rotor post was not lubricated. It's a quick and easy fix if that's what it is.

Watch back in hand today, only 4 days at the AD! This was precisely the issue. Hard to imagine how the rotor post was under/not lubricated during service, but it was apparently fairly dry. I will observe for a few days but all appears to be well. Also got yet another Rlx pouch, the old velvet type.