New SubC - crown not flush

[SoftLink]

Hello,

I'm a pretty happy* owner of a new SubC. Today I noticed that the crown when fully wound in doesn't sit flush against the case, like it shows on the detailed pics on the Rolex site e.g., but there is a gap of maybe 0.3mm. Not much but visible, esp when held against a light.

Now, is this normal? And if not, can it be fixed, and hopefully very quickly/easily?

Cheers,
Mick

* Reasons to be cheerful: Looked at dozens of watches across the board. She was the one with the sweetest song, to me and the missus. Keeps perfect time +/-2 secs per day (against atomic-clock.org.uk, is that reliable?). Bought in HK for a very decent price in August (= 8th month). On the warranty card it says "Client no.: 888", the serial no starts with "8". The Chinese/Asians among us would know the relevance. ;-)

[cedargrove]

Congrats on your new watch. Sounds like you got the one you love.

I have the GMTc (same crown). I held it up and can see the light coming through a small gap between the case and the crown. I'd also guess around 0.3mm. I'm sure this is totally normal.

If you could post a pic then we'd be able to give a more definitive answer, but otherwise it seems fine.

[rmfnla]

It's not only normal it's desirable.

Think about it: If the crown bottomed out on the case you would never know if it was fully seated against the gasket.

[masterserg]

As I read in other discussions here, you DO NOT want it flush against the case. If you have it like that, you might have stripped the threads.

The more technically inclined members can answer that one properly.

[perpetualman88]

the gap is good my friend

[Alcan]

The crown isn't flush because the o-ring inside it (upper diagram) has bottomed out on the case tube to seal it.

[eah990]

perfectly normal here is mine. And I screw my crown down tight.

[Rikki]

You're good to go Rikki

[SoftLink]

Originally Posted by eah990

perfectly normal here is mine. And I screw my crown down tight.

This is exactly what mine looks like.


Thanks a lot to all of you Gents!
Makes me feel much better and good to go to let this week retire in a much needed TGIF binge blaze lateron.

Once my other baby (the XXTi) is back from repair (stop watch button tilted) and service (runs a little slow) I shall post some pics of the pair.

Have a great weekend everyone.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by masterserg

As I read in other discussions here, you DO NOT want it flush against the case. If you have it like that, you might have stripped the threads.
The more technically inclined members can answer that one properly.

Not really.

[Crispin]

Sorry to drag this thread up from the depths......however, just bought a Sub C ln and I have the same situation, slight gap say a thin fingernail between the bottom of the crown and the case. The instruction booklet does say in several places that the crown should be fully screwed down against the case.

Just wondered whether this was a variable situation, ie some are flush/some are not and whether it it likely the gap will lessen as the watch is used and the seals are not as new. Or should I be speaking to the AD and asking for a replacement.

BTW I absolutely love the ceramic sub, really think there are some great improvements over the old model (which I have two of).

Your advice is much appreciated.

Best

Chris

[Andad]

IMO it has all been explained. The crown should be screwed down against the case as far as it will go finger tight. There should be a slight gap. Yes this gap will vary slightly from watch to watch depending on the tolerances of the crown tube and 'o' rings.
Even no gap doesn't mean that the seals are not working as, in any event, Rolex crowns are waterproof to their rated depth with the crowns unscrewed. The crown seal just locks everything in nice and tight and prevents you operating the crown at depths just like the pushers on the Daytona.

[sweiger]

The most important thing is that the crown's logo should be aligned with the case, when fully screwed down..

[Andad]

Originally Posted by sweiger

The most important thing is that the crown's logo should be aligned with the case, when fully screwed down..

Now, now Mr Sweiger. You should know better.

[sweiger]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Now, now Mr Sweiger. You should know better.

I know, but it does look the best when it's aligned IMO.

Anyway for a newbee like me such questions and the very competent replies are great read. I'd have asked the same if I were OP.

[Crispin]

OK, some confusion with this now. I spoke to Rolex UK HQ today and they advise the crown should screw down flush with the case, and they suggest I return the watch to the AD.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Crispin

OK, some confusion with this now. I spoke to Rolex UK HQ today and they advise the crown should screw down flush with the case, and they suggest I return the watch to the AD.

Its been fully explained in the thread and the crown does not, I will repeat the crown does not screw down fully flush with the case.The crown tube seal is in the crown and if it was screwed down that tight that it touched the case you have destroyed the crown seal O/ring its that simple

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Crispin

OK, some confusion with this now. I spoke to Rolex UK HQ today and they advise the crown should screw down flush with the case, and they suggest I return the watch to the AD.

Clueless...

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by padi56

Its been fully explained in the thread and the crown does not, I will repeat the crown does not screw down fully flush with the case.The crown tube seal is in the crown and if it was screwed down that tight that it touched the case you have destroyed the crown seal O/ring its that simple

Maybe not.

Any gasket can lose elasticity with age.

[Crispin]

Originally Posted by rmfnla

Clueless...

Thanks, helpful comment. This is the fifth Submariner date that I have owned (first ceramic), still have a Z series 16610 and an F series 16610lv in my collection. This is the only one where I have noticed the gap between the crown and case (ie where the appearance is that it does not sit flush or thereabouts).

Not sure that it necessarily follows that identifying and questioning this difference between the watches with the manufacturer is unwarranted. Since my last post I have spoken to Derek Bluer the service manager at West Malling Rolex RSC (he was wearing a sub c as we spoke) and his advice was that the gap should not be that noticeable. The watch has now been returned to Rolex via the AD for replacement.

Best

Chris

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Crispin

Thanks, helpful comment. This is the fifth Submariner date that I have owned (first ceramic), still have a Z series 16610 and an F series 16610lv in my collection. This is the only one where I have noticed the gap between the crown and case (ie where the appearance is that it does not sit flush or thereabouts).

Not sure that it necessarily follows that identifying and questioning this difference between the watches with the manufacturer is unwarranted. Since my last post I have spoken to Derek Bluer the service manager at West Malling Rolex RSC (he was wearing a sub c as we spoke) and his advice was that the gap should not be that noticeable. The watch has now been returned to Rolex via the AD for replacement.

Best

Chris

Not the same as there should be no gap.

Experts notwithstanding, basic mechanical concepts apply even to Rolex...

[Rumhead]

I this the same for the 16610 subs as well?

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Rumhead

I this the same for the 16610 subs as well?

It applies to pretty much all watches with screw-down crowns...

[locutus49]

I think it is defective but I will take it off your hands for $1000 USD.

Seriously, it is correct and you are good to go.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Crispin

OK, some confusion with this now. I spoke to Rolex UK HQ today and they advise the crown should screw down flush with the case, and they suggest I return the watch to the AD.

Whomever you spoke to is incorrect/uninformed.

As mentioned several times here, if the crown hits the case then the gasket, which is in the top of the crown and seals against the tube that sticks up, cannot mate and seal - it would be physically impossible. There should always be clearance (a slight gap) between the crown's base and the case surface, although it should not be excessive just for aesthetics.

[rmfnla]

Originally Posted by Tools

Whomever you spoke to is incorrect/uninformed.

As mentioned several times here, if the crown hits the case then the gasket, which is in the top of the crown and seals against the tube that sticks up, cannot mate and seal - it would be physically impossible. There should always be clearance (a slight gap) between the crown's base and the case surface, although it should not be excessive just for aesthetics.

FWIW, this is not the first time we have heard of incorrect information/advice coming from an AD, and I suspect it will not be the last...

[Rumhead]

Here is a pic of my m serial sub. My crown seems to sit a bit higher than most I've seen by just finger tightening. Is this some thing that I should have looked at?

[Rumhead]

Thanks in advance for all advice.

[ralpie]

Originally Posted by Rumhead

Here is a pic of my m serial sub. My crown seems to sit a bit higher than most I've seen by just finger tightening. Is this some thing that I should have looked at?

Yes,

That one I'd have checked out.

[Broker Boy]

Originally Posted by directioneng

IMO it has all been explained. The crown should be screwed down against the case as far as it will go finger tight. There should be a slight gap. Yes this gap will vary slightly from watch to watch depending on the tolerances of the crown tube and 'o' rings.
Even no gap doesn't mean that the seals are not working as, in any event, Rolex crowns are waterproof to their rated depth with the crowns unscrewed. The crown seal just locks everything in nice and tight and prevents you operating the crown at depths just like the pushers on the Daytona.

I watched a video that was posted here a few days ago that was an interview with a Rolex watchmaker.

He said the most common repairs he makes regarding damage is on watches where the owners forgot to screw the crown back in and then submerged it in water. He said the crown must be screwed down for the watch to be waterproof.

I've heard the rumor to the contrary for years, but I'm going to trust the watchmaker going forward.