How urgent is service required for >10 yrs unused watch?

[jdbob]

I recently bought a 96 sub date.

The watch has pretty much not been used since it was bought. It has been sitting in its box until i bought it (and it shows)

Given this, I assume the movement has seen barely any use. However, id imagine that the seals may need replacement

How urgently is a service needed? what are the issues a watch such as mine may be facing given such a period of inactivity?

thanks

[greekbum]

Take it to a rolex watch maker for an evaluation

[steubi1]

I would check if it is still water tight. If not, there are some seals that have to be replaced, not a big issue at all.

The second point is the movement. The oil used in the movement ages, i.e. viscosity goes up which may negatively influence the precision.

If your watch shows more than 10 sec/day running slow or fast, I would consider a complete service, if not, then it is OK and you can use it.

I have a Rolex which has not been serviced for 25 years now and it is still running well.

Tom

[The GMT Master]

Just because the watch appears to be running well doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't need a service. If the oils have dried out, you could be doing a great deal of damage to the movement, and end up spending more than a preventative service. I would get it serviced, just in case

[InVision]

My wife's Rolex watch went 20 years and kept great time. I had it serviced and the only parts needed was the crystal, and that was because it had a couple of dinks on the edge. Also I think a stem thingy is also included in the service.

Mike

[jdbob]

Thanks guys, sounds like it may not be critically urgent. I'll have it pressure tested and check the accuracy

[Aspirin]

Mine's DJ TT, but my wife now, the same situation with you, just placed in safe deposit box all the time, I think I wear it less than 6 months, and I have never take it to RSC for maintenance or greasing since new purchase at 12 years ago, still running in good health.

[steubi1]

Originally Posted by The GMT Master

Just because the watch appears to be running well doesn't necessarily mean it doesn't need a service. If the oils have dried out, you could be doing a great deal of damage to the movement, and end up spending more than a preventative service. I would get it serviced, just in case

Hi Chris,

this is what some people tell us, but it is not true.
Never heard of serious damages, only with the old table clocks that did not have ruby bearings.

And BTW when the oil really dries out, you will notice with a degradation of the precision....so just have an eye on that!

Kind regards
Tom (who has worked many years in this beautiful business)

[GradyPhilpott]

I agree that you should have a Rolex certified watchmaker look it over and test the water resistance.

It's better safe than sorry and that would be cheaper than just sending in for service or having to have it serviced because of some failure.

Sort of like having a mechanic check your car out before taking it on a cross-country trip.

[The GMT Master]

Originally Posted by steubi1

Hi Chris,

this is what some people tell us, but it is not true.
Never heard of serious damages, only with the old table clocks that did not have ruby bearings.

And BTW when the oil really dries out, you will notice with a degradation of the precision....so just have an eye on that!

Kind regards
Tom (who has worked many years in this beautiful business)

I stand corrected In that case, a quick waterproofing check should do the trick

[Tools]

If I had just got a pristine and unused '96 Sub Date, I would, at a minimum, take it in and have it pressure tested...

There is simply no reason not to have that peace of mind just in case you want to wear it swimming, or, heaven forbid, actually diving..........

[Dilemma]

you want to wear it swimming, or, heaven forbid, actually diving

Well now that's just crazy talk right there,,,,,,,,,,

[slcbbrown]

I, typically, only serviced my Rolex when they didn't run well. Sometimes that might be 10 years. These days, I do almost the same, except where watertightness is a concern. I never had a problem (since 1973) but I'm more careful about letting the movement get wet.

You might let a competent watch guy look at it. It could be a cheap safety measure. If you send it to Rolex-- no matter what it needs, they are going to charge you for a full service, at least.