Oysterquartz 19018 (approx 2000)

[ColinH]

Hi Guys,
I recently had a beautiful 19018 delivered. I bought it from a very reputable NY dealer who has a great returns policy BUT the virus is interrupting things somewhat, so I wonder if the forum can help me with my issue:-
The watch stops about 10 to 20 minutes after putting it on, but the motor still seems to be running. If I place the watch face down and leave it untouched it seems to run ok. It was apparently serviced before delivery, but I am thinking that the journey from the USA to the UK may have dislodged or clotted some oil in transit causing the movement to present as above. Any help people? Its such a terrific thing - I really want to wear it (working!) even if it's just around the house.

Help eagerly awaited.
Thanks,

Col.

[Andad]

Very nice a Rolex Colin.

If you had owned this for a while I would have suggested a new battery may be the answer but if recently service the battery may not be an issue.

A tech will give you some guidance.

These movements are really excellent when issue free.

[ColinH]

Thanks. I'm new to the forum - where do I find the guidance?

Kind regards,

C.

[padi56]

Although the gear train is mechanical from the cal 3035 the amount of oil needed to lubricate is a very very very tiny amount.It gets its power from the battery seems like there is a possible connection issue or needs a new battery.The battery is not a special one its quite easy to buy,the Oysterquartz uses a SR344 battery and its not rocket science to change it yourself.Even most high street watchmakers could do with the correct case back tool its only like unscrewing a jar and pressure check after.You can buy a pack of 5xSR344 batteries for around £8-£10, its not like if its some special Rolex certified battery its just a normal run of the mill battery.But trouble today once you mention Rolex the price always escalates 10 fold and its no different to change a battery in a Rolex as to changing one in say a Seiko dive watch.

[SearChart]

If the motor is ticking there could still be plenty of issues. The pallet fork with it's little springs could be damaged, a gear train blockage due to dirt/dust in the gear train or too much lubrication in the wrong places.

Like said before, these movements are very solid and reliable and a reputable place can easily change a battery. But if something goes wrong things get expensive very quickly.