New Submariner Bezel Stiff

[MRBolton]

I just picked up my new 126610LV on Friday. I didn't really mess with the bezel in the store, but when I got home, I noticed the bezel is a bit stiff and requires a decent amount of additional effort to turn it versus a Sub that I used to have (same model), ones I've tried on in the store, or my high quality homage by Ginault. Versus the Ginault that I have in hand, it has about 50% more resistance.
It's not like I can't turn it, but it's not that buttery smooth turning that I'm used to on the Sub.
I've given it a couple baths using Dawn Power Spray dish soap, rinsed the bezel out well, turned the bezel under running warm water (not as easy to do on this watch since it's stiff), and have turned the bezel several times (probably 50 times).
I'm trying to avoid bothering the store, plus they're a far drive away.
Any tips to ease the bezel tension? Maybe run some floss through to remove some potential debris?

[moofur]

Assuming that you bought it from an AD which means there are no issues with authenticity I wouldn't worry too much about it.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

I just picked up my new 126610LV on Friday. I didn't really mess with the bezel in the store, but when I got home, I noticed the bezel is a bit stiff and requires a decent amount of additional effort to turn it versus a Sub that I used to have (same model), ones I've tried on in the store, or my high quality homage by Ginault. Versus the Ginault that I have in hand, it has about 50% more resistance.
It's not like I can't turn it, but it's not that buttery smooth turning that I'm used to on the Sub.
I've given it a couple baths using Dawn Power Spray dish soap, rinsed the bezel out well, turned the bezel under running warm water (not as easy to do on this watch since it's stiff), and have turned the bezel several times (probably 50 times).
I'm trying to avoid bothering the store, plus they're a far drive away.
Any tips to ease the bezel tension? Maybe run some floss through to remove some potential debris?

The ceramic inserts run on 3 spring loaded ball-bearings and a sping-loaded click stop and supposed to have resistance as not to move once set to time the laspe time under water.

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by moofur

Assuming that you bought it from an AD which means there are no issues with authenticity I wouldn't worry too much about it.

I purchased it directly from an AD. I'm worried about it because turning the bezel doesn't really feel too nice!

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by padi56

The ceramic inserts run on 3 spring loaded ball-bearings and a sping-loaded click stop and supposed to have resistance as not to move once set to time the laspe time under water.

Yes, I know there should be some resistance, but this is more than other Submariners that I've encountered or the one that I previously owned, from memory.

[brandrea]

I guess you should go back to your AD to discuss.

Is this your first ceramic Submariner?

[jb335]

It may be similar to the “new watch squeak”and may subside over time.

I’d call the AD and ask what they thought so the “issue” is at least recorded with them and then give it a week or two to see if it loosens a bit.


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[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I guess you should go back to your AD to discuss.

Is this your first ceramic Submariner?

Second. I'll reach out to the AD later today if I don't hear any other suggestions that work soon!

Originally Posted by jb335

It may be similar to the “new watch squeak”and may subside over time.

I’d call the AD and ask what they thought so the “issue” is at least recorded with them and then give it a week or two to see if it loosens a bit.


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I suppose you're right about having it recorded. I will be likely heading back down to their area in the next couple weeks anyway. They have a Rolex service department, so they should be able to fix it quickly if it's still having the issue.
I would think, though, with the watch having been on exhibition for a couple months that all the people turning it with their grubby little hands would've broken it in. Evidently not!

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Second. I'll reach out to the AD later today if I don't hear any other suggestions that work soon!



I suppose you're right about having it recorded. I will be likely heading back down to their area in the next couple weeks anyway. They have a Rolex service department, so they should be able to fix it quickly if it's still having the issue.
I would think, though, with the watch having been on exhibition for a couple months that all the people turning it with their grubby little hands would've broken it in. Evidently not!

Keep us posted

[jb335]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Second. I'll reach out to the AD later today if I don't hear any other suggestions that work soon!



I suppose you're right about having it recorded. I will be likely heading back down to their area in the next couple weeks anyway. They have a Rolex service department, so they should be able to fix it quickly if it's still having the issue.
I would think, though, with the watch having been on exhibition for a couple months that all the people turning it with their grubby little hands would've broken it in. Evidently not!

Wait a minute. Exhibition?!?

I vividly recall your “deposit” thread about this and you said the AD ensured it wasn’t going to be exhibited….


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[brandrea]

Originally Posted by jb335

Wait a minute. Exhibition?!?

I vividly recall your “deposit” thread about this and you said the AD ensured it wasn’t going to be exhibited….


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Good catch.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=957289

[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by jb335

Wait a minute. Exhibition?!?

I vividly recall your “deposit” thread about this and you said the AD ensured it wasn’t going to be exhibited….


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Yeah, I don't feel too great about it, but I didn't want to start anything with them and not get another watch. They didn't directly tell me it was on exhibition when I went to pick it up, but I had a buddy send me a pic of the green Sub they had on exhibition a few weeks ago, and it's the same serial number. It had a small scratch/scuff on one of the links. I pointed it out, and they polished it. Since it was one of the removable links that I think cost only like $80 and it surely removed the most miniscule amount of material, I just let it slide.

[roadrunner117]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Yeah, I don't feel too great about it, but I didn't want to start anything with them and not get another watch. They didn't directly tell me it was on exhibition when I went to pick it up, but I had a buddy send me a pic of the green Sub they had on exhibition a few weeks ago, and it's the same serial number. It had a small scratch/scuff on one of the links. I pointed it out, and they polished it. Since it was one of the removable links that I think cost only like $80 and it surely removed the most miniscule amount of material, I just let it slide.

Interesting. So when a new watch comes in where there is already an existing exhibition model, I wonder if ADs are more likely to sell off the exhibition piece so that the new watch that comes in then takes its place in the exhibition lineup. That seems to be the case with this AD.

[jb335]

Originally Posted by MRBolton

Yeah, I don't feel too great about it, but I didn't want to start anything with them and not get another watch. They didn't directly tell me it was on exhibition when I went to pick it up, but I had a buddy send me a pic of the green Sub they had on exhibition a few weeks ago, and it's the same serial number. It had a small scratch/scuff on one of the links. I pointed it out, and they polished it. Since it was one of the removable links that I think cost only like $80 and it surely removed the most miniscule amount of material, I just let it slide.

Interesting. I would not have any issue at all with purchasing a watch that sat out on exhibition, but I would have a big issue with a retailer blatantly lying to me about the history of a specific watch I was buying.

That said, in your exact scenario here, I definitely would have still bought the LV.

On a side note, I have tried on many exhibition Subs and I have never once turned the bezel. I doubt many people do at all so I think loosening to normal resistance over a short period of time is still very possible.


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[MRBolton]

Originally Posted by roadrunner117

Interesting. So when a new watch comes in where there is already an existing exhibition model, I wonder if ADs are more likely to sell off the exhibition piece so that the new watch that comes in then takes its place in the exhibition lineup. That seems to be the case with this AD.

It depends totally on the AD. Some ADs will keep the same exhibition watch for a long time. Some ADs will put whatever on display and sell it when a new one comes in. Some do a mix.

Originally Posted by jb335

Interesting. I would not have any issue at all with purchasing a watch that sat out on exhibition, but I would have a big issue with a retailer blatantly lying to me about the history of a specific watch I was buying.

That said, in your exact scenario here, I definitely would have still bought the LV.

On a side note, I have tried on many exhibition Subs and I have never once turned the bezel. I doubt many people do at all so I think loosening to normal resistance over a short period of time is still very possible.

It was my SA I believe who told me it wouldn't be an exhibition watch. Perhaps she was mistaken on the procedures. It's crazy how us enthusiasts are evidently eager to fund an ADs display inventory.
In reality, buying the exhibition one is still cheaper than buying a truly used one. Still, it doesn't feel totally honest.
As for turning the bezel--I do that almost every time I try on a dive watch or GMT with rotating bezel! I guess I'm odd like that!

[Daytona king]

Just turned mine. Super stiff. Will loosen up with time.


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[londondude]

Mine is quite stiff, got the watch at the end of May and only turned the bezel a couple of times!

[belutak]

Bezel on 1240690 is not as smooth as on fat boy 114060 - just so that you do not expect the same


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[1William]

I would think if it is an issue that it would be an easy fix. Keep us posted.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by belutak

Bezel on 1240690 is not as smooth as on fat boy 114060 - just so that you do not expect the same


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That will be enough name calling from you, thanks.