how to do an oil job

[rolexsport]

hi y'all,

i just recently picked up a submariner 5513 from the 70's... it had been in possession of the previous owner for 14 years with occasional wear on outings and never been service since then...

i am a diy guy and plus i can't afford the $1k the rolex dealer asked for to service my watch but first and foremost i wanna get some synth oil off ebay and oil this thing for sure... how would i do this from zero knowledge level base of diy perspective... thanx and i did search but no avail...

[smallcandle]

No offense, but you really shouldn't attempt this on your own without prior experience. Additionally, a full service on your watch should be around $600 - not $1000. Lastly, if you can't afford to have the watch properly serviced you might consider selling it. JMHO...

[handsfull]

Do-it-yourself-ing is great, but when it comes to a watch movements....it's a different story. Tooling, (proper) oils, cleaning solution, materials cost alone will put you in a position where sending it in to a professional (like Rikki here) will be more cost effective.

Also add:

-sourcing parts for your watch that you (hopefully) identify as in need of replacement
-be sure you don't break/strip/bend/magnitize anything yourself, it actually get's more expensive to service when they discover a DIY'er has made a failed attempt as they cannot assume anything is correct and would need to check every part to be sure it's serviceable.

That said....if you do proceed, I'd love to see pics

[JohnBoy]

NO!! NO!! Wait! There are so many ways for a beginner to screw up a job like this - and the penalties for 'gowed-up' (bent, scratched, gouged, etc.) parts are going to be more costly than the basic service by a qualified watchmaker. Its not going to accept 3-in-1, API 5W-30, mineral oil, or WD-40, either. You've gotta have tools, training, and time to do the job! Plus the right replacement seals, gaskets, etc. Of these necessities, you've only got the time (so.....go have a beer). No offense intended. .

[rolexsport]

thanx, you fellas saved me a headache it looks like... anyone else more daring?

[77T]

Well, if you're really daring...skip Rolex and go to an independent watchmaker for half that cost.

The DIY option is not just adding oil - you'd prolly need some gaskets - maybe a new tube and crystal.

[rolexsport]

well i did check with fastfix, they claim they can do the oil/clean for $350min but i don't think that's a good idea... anyone else?

[Andad]

Originally Posted by rolexsport

hi y'all,

i just recently picked up a summariner 5513 from the 70's... it had been in possession of the previous owner for 14 years with occasional wear on outings and never been service since then...

i am a diy guy and plus i can't afford the $1k the rolex dealer asked for to service my watch but first and foremost i wanna get some synth oil off ebay and oil this thing for sure... how would i do this from zero knowledge level base of diy perspective... thanx and i did search but no avail...

In the recent quiz Rolex used 10 liters of oil/year when assembling their movements. Assuming Rolex make 1000000 watches per year that means 0.01ml/movement and that is spread across a number of different lubricants.

Courtesy of Steve.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...59&postcount=1

[crowncollection]

If you just put oil on and don't dismantle and clean it first, all you will do is disperse the dirt and you will probably find your watch will stop. You cannot do this job yourself, you will not be able to put it all back together, without so many specialist tools that would cost more than a service by an independent. I think it's a very bad idea.

[77T]

Originally Posted by rolexsport

well i did check with fastfix, they claim they can do the oil/clean for $350min but i don't think that's a good idea... anyone else?

If you find a Fastfix owned by a Certified Watchmaker who has a parts accounts + a good track record + promises to be the only one to touch your 5513 = an option to consider. Otherwise, it is a franchise and each shop is only as good as it's weakest link - because that person could be the one doing your watch.

My take is to find a good certified watchmaker with a parts account in your area since this is just the beginning. You'll start with one and end with many, many more Rolexes.

Let's see some pics of your new acquisition!

[Alcan]

First, collect these lubricants:

[77T]

Originally Posted by directioneng

In the recent quiz Rolex used 10 liters of oil/year when assembling their movements. Assuming Rolex make 1000000 watches per year that means 0.01ml/movement and that is spread across a number of different lubricants.

Courtesy of Steve.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showpost...59&postcount=1

Impressive explanation - really illustrates why skilled, steady hands + special tools and materials + well-trained heads are needed.

Does Rolex make 1,000,000 watches per year? Methinks much less. Wouldn't the 10 liters include watches serviced at the factory's RSC, too?

[rolexsport]

here are some photos, got it from a friend who just recently joined this forum with just one post... haha... i think the mods took his fs listing off because he's a newbie...

also the $1k service charge includes: new bezel, new acryllic crystal, oil/clean, all parts needing replacement (they opened the watch)

this is hyde park jewelry store in denver colorado, they offered me a $2k tradein towards a new submariner that goes for $5800 (the cheapest sub they have)

thanx all, ur great!

[rolexsport]

i do have more pics if anyone wants to see more...

anyway... i am in denver, colorado so if anyone can tell me the location and name of a good watchmaker nearby for an oil/clean please lmk as i am not looking to spend a lot of money for the service right now as i am new to the watch scene so i may even consider getting a brandnew one instead (after tradein of course)... thanx

[kilyung]

Check out SwissChalet in Boulder. They do good work with reasonable prices.

[T-Rip]

Originally Posted by Alcan

First, collect these lubricants:

Holy Crap I would run like the wind...

[rolexsport]

the google review of swisschalet in boulder is terrible, i don't think i will drive that far out given their online reviews, any others? thanx

[mboverst]

As other's have said...leave it to the pros! Watch making is a fun and rewarding hobby. If you are a DIY'er, then find a very cheap watch to practice on. I guarantee you'll make some 'fatal' mistakes on your first few attempts. Just so you know, to properly do the job you are looking at spending more on tools/parts than the cost of a brand new sub :)

I'm sure FastFix has some decent watch repair guys out there, but I would personally send it off to one of the recommended third party service guys in your area with a proven track record working on Rolex movements.

Good luck!

[rolexsport]

cool...
yeah, i haven't even dared to try to take the armband off much less do the oil job before i get more info... but i think i know now i will definitely not try to service this watch myself...

is there a good way to find a capable watchmaker around the denver area that can cut down on the price? otherwise i will have to take it to hyde park and have them service it as they are a rolex dealer... thanx all

[handsfull]

I would highly consider sending it to Rik D ('Rikki' here on the forum).....Century 21 certified, has a Rolex parts account and is a solid watchmaker.

[rolexsport]

i was also considering that too as i have seen many of his posts... thanx

[FLHP]

The oil chart made my head hurt.

[sherwin]

the chart is ok, im not sure putting it back together is as easy as taking it apart.

anyone who works on their car will always find 1-2 screws left over after taking off their door trim.

[Andad]

I would be happy with 1 - 2.

[rolexsport]

haha... for sure...
i work on my car too and feel these parts are too hard to put on a magnetized pan...

anyway... i will be shipping my watch out to florida to rikki for the full service... thanx all

[sweiger]

Great thread with lots of valuable info.
I wonder how many DYI'ers didn't ask the ones with knowledge before going ahead and "just do it", ending up ruining wonderful old high-end watches.

I hope you find a good trustworthy watchmaker to service your nice watch.

[handsfull]

Originally Posted by rolexsport

haha... for sure...
i work on my car too and feel these parts are too hard to put on a magnetized pan...

anyway... i will be shipping my watch out to florida to rikki for the full service... thanx all

Good call Hard to beat a german watchmaker.

[rolexsport]

yup...
my sub 5513 was shipped out to rikki yesterday for the service...
when it comes back i will snap some pics to compare to the above...

[floater156]

Watch this link on the assembly of a Rolex movement and then tell me again you want to try to service it yourself:
http://hiro.alliancehorlogere.com/en...upe/Rolex_3135

[WARVET]

I do a lot of things myself, but not my watches. pay a professional