What's wrong with my 18238?

[dbphotos]

I started over at the tech forum, but thought I may get more information by posting this here.

I have a new to me 18238 that has an issue. When I set the time and the minute hand is turning, the stem (?) seems to skip and click and the minute hand stops turning temporarily.

I will have to take it in for repairs, but I am curious if anyone knows what I may be looking at. Minor? Major? Is the stem broken or is it some gear?

Here is a 45 second video of what the watch is doing.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dbphotography/5603821907/

Sorry, I couldn't find a way to embed a video. Any feedback is appreciated.

Here's a quick pic of it on my wrist. I was so excited to receive it but now I have to wait to get it repaired.

[dbphotos]

One other question. I live 30 minutes from the Dallas RSC. Can I hand deliver my watch for service or does it have to be mailed?

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by dbphotos

One other question. I live 30 minutes from the Dallas RSC. Can I hand deliver my watch for service or does it have to be mailed?

You can hand deliver and with a little bit of luck they will check it out then and there.

[Tools]

When you pull out the stem the hands are disconnected from the drivetrain and another pinion engages to turn and set the hands...

It seems like you have a stripped gear, or it's not staying engaged..

I'll bet that a watchmaker can tell you after a few seconds of checking it out exactly what is wrong...

It probably would have taken you less time to take it to the RSC for a diagnosis than it has waiting for an answer or uploading your video........


Expect them to recommend a full service to fix the problem...... 700 bucks..

[dbphotos]

Originally Posted by Tools

When you pull out the stem the hands are disconnected from the drivetrain and another pinion engages to turn and set the hands...

It seems like you have a stripped gear, or it's not staying engaged..

I'll bet that a watchmaker can tell you after a few seconds of checking it out exactly what is wrong...

It probably would have taken you less time to take it to the RSC for a diagnosis than it has waiting for an answer or uploading your video........


Expect them to recommend a full service to fix the problem...... 700 bucks..

Thanks. That sounds about right.

I finally received it today, so if I could have taken to the RSC instead of shooting a video, I would have. But they aren't open until Monday, so it gives me something to do with the watch until I can get it in the hands of a pro. Call me impatient.

And, the video only took a few minutes. Thanks for the information.

[pawnshopkiller]

Get it serviced and tell them to put the factory finish back on the lugs...... It will look better the way it was born than the way the newer model is finished.

[jms_w]

Is it just me or is there something wrong with the date magnification? It doesn't look 2.5x, more like 1.5x. Please don't take offense for me asking but are you sure your watch is authentic? This is what it should look more like, unless the camera angle (seems like none) is playing tricks on us.

[MortgageGuy]

Well, if this is NEW TO YOU as you mentioned I think I would call the seller... If they disclosed the watch in good condition.working order, that is a problem. I would contact them and see if they will cover the service at RSC or take the watch back

[marcinthemiddle]

Is it just me, or does the bracelet fit to the watch head/case seem odd?

[dbphotos]

No offense taken. Any feedback is great. I was puzled by the cyclops as well so I will definitely have the watch looked at closer.

The seller is going to pay for the repairs or will take it back. I was just hoping to not have to start all over with another watch as this has the dial I wanted, yada yada yada. But I haven't ruled it out. I'll probably take it to the Dallas RSC on Tuesday and see what they say. If I can get by with a service and a minor repair with the seller paying for the repair portion, then I am happy and will keep the watch I want, if not then I'll return it and start all over. I paid through PayPal, with my Amex, so I should have protection through both.

Thanks again for the feedback and insight.

[Andad]

Hi David,

I gave you the answer in the other thread.

As to authenticity your one looks ok except for the upside down romans.
It probably had a gold dial as original and the date and day wheels were not changed when the white roman dial was installed - here is a pix of my one.

[dbphotos]

Thanks! I responded on the other thread. And thank you for the reference photo.

[gone-rolex-mad]

Nothing a service won't sort out

[dbphotos]

Thanks for all the feedback. I took it to Bob Ridley today and the watch has a broken setting wheel. It actually has 3 broken teeth and he will be doing a complete service and repair the broken parts.

I posted my experience with Bob earlier on this forum for anyone interested.

Here's a photo of the broken wheel with one of the broken teeth sitting on the right side.

Also, he confirmed that everything was authentic Rolex, except the crystal was not correct, so it wil lhave a new sapphire crystal when I pick it up.

Thanks again for all the input.