Service for 1967 Explorer 1016

[Emerald4194]

All -

Wanted to turn to the experts to get some options on who is best equipped to service my '67 1016. I bought from a very reputable vintage dealer, the watch had some initial problems they seemed to straighten out. It sat in a safe deposit box for a few months after being returned as I was living though a home remodel, and after never really timed it. But now its time variance is very erratic. dial up, gains 5 to 6 seconds overnight (essentially 6 to 7 hours) and if I leave on its side (Crown up or down), looses 6 to 7 seconds in essentially 7 hours.

Have seen a few names on the forums, but wanted to see what the general consensus of the community here is.

thanks!

[Shaka2015]

Just had my '67 1016 serviced at ABC Watchwerks. Have no complaints - it's going like a dream.


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[R.W.T.]

While that is a little out of spec for that watch...it's not really unheard of. Some are better than others and depending on how long it's been since it's been serviced as well as the condition of the balance etc., from past adjustments proper or improper....it's not horrible. Even the Rolex literature gives suggestions for speeding and slowing the watch down in this way. Not to say that it isn't a bit wide but you are looking overall and very small amounts of time. That would be akin to looking every hour during the day to see if it is absolutely on the money...it won't be. It's an old mechanical device that didn't have "0" tolerance in the first place. Also if you let it sit up....lubrication need to run a few days to sort of right itself. Generally a 24 hour run on the wrist will even it all out. Watches don't set up well. They are better worn every day. It very likely has been adjusted by the last person in there to give the best overall mean variation on the wrist that they could muster.

So my suggestion is, start fresh in the morning with a full hand wind and set it to a known source.

Wear it during the day and rest it dial up at night.

Check in the morning and write down + or -.

Repeat this for a few days everything being the same.

If it is not very far off from day to day...you may not have anything really going on.

You can then repeat that process with the different positions if you like.

See how far out it really is but my suspicion is that it is averaged for a good wrist reading.

Like I said...these watches have often been through some things.

I the old days, guys would bring them in for "adjustment" after service in a couple of years and the watchmaker might set the time up or down. Lubrication had changed over time in the watch but it wasn't really due for complete overhaul...so then you get the watch serviced and he has to readjust the balance...as these are timed on the wheel. You can't really say but many changes...the poise may be out now. Wear on a staff....many things come into play.

I have sent 1570's to Rolex and gotten them back running +15 seconds a day after service...on more than one occasion.

I wasn't happy with that.

But really it does kind of come down to how it runs daily on your wrist.

Without putting it on a timing machine it is hard to tell how far out the balance actually is and if there is any improper loss of amplitude through the positions.

[Emerald4194]

Thanks for the suggestion and the very detailed response, it is appreciated!