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cedargrove · 12 February 2011, 05:01 AM

I notice that many Rolex movements have a couple of pinkish-red wheels. I think they relate to the automtaic winding mechanism.

My question is : What gives them this colour?

I know that some high-end movements have blue screws resulting from heating the steel.

Is there a similar process that causes the metal to go pink?

CaveDiver · 12 February 2011, 05:14 AM

Interesting question. Here are some pictures of the red and pink parts of the auto wind for 15xx cal

rmfnla · 12 February 2011, 10:03 AM

I think I read somewhere (probably on this forum!) that the color is a low-friction coating (like teflon).

Alcan · 12 February 2011, 10:14 AM

They are indeed Teflon coated, and they are the reverser gears in the auto-wind module. Here's what their business side looks like:

cedargrove · 12 February 2011, 10:50 AM

Teflon...cool. Thanks everyone for the answer and the detailed pics.

sleddog · 12 February 2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alcan

They are indeed Teflon coated, and they are the reverser gears in the auto-wind module. Here's what their business side looks like:

Nice pic Al...Really gives you an appreciation of what's inside your watch!

mike375 · 23 June 2011, 06:26 AM

Are these red wheels a red alloy that never comes off or along the teeth is it common for the red to wear off? Are the wheels brass or brass in color under?

CaveDiver · 23 June 2011, 09:46 AM

For clarification on the photos I posted. The dark red reverser wheel photo is not from a 15xx caliber, it is from 3135 caliber. Surprised no one commented. Watchmaker returned parts that were not from my 1560 cal and I did not notice until I saw Al’s picture. Sorry for the confusion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaveDiver

Interesting question. Here are some pictures of the red and pink parts of the auto wind for 15xx cal

calibre1 · 26 June 2011, 12:13 PM

Interesting stuff!! Does this get changed during a regular service say 5-10 years down the line?

How do you guys manage to get hold of it since RSC does not return old parts?

cheers!!

cameronweiss · 11 July 2011, 12:44 AM

The red color is an anodized coating. They are then PTFE coated. When you have your Rolex serviced, the PTFE coating is removed by the cleaning machine used to wash the movement parts. They are then re-lubed with epilame and tested for functionality. If they don't function properly then they are replaced with new ones. They aren't cheap, they cost about $60.

cameronweiss · 11 July 2011, 12:45 AM

I forgot to add that the red coating can wear off sometimes.

12 February 2011, 05:01 AM	#1
cedargrove "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Rich Location: Canada Watch: Milgauss, GMT IIc Posts: 3,013	Pink wheels in movement I notice that many Rolex movements have a couple of pinkish-red wheels. I think they relate to the automtaic winding mechanism. My question is : What gives them this colour? I know that some high-end movements have blue screws resulting from heating the steel. Is there a similar process that causes the metal to go pink?

12 February 2011, 10:03 AM	#3
rmfnla "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Richard Location: Los Angeles, CA Watch: TT DJ Posts: 4,456	I think I read somewhere (probably on this forum!) that the color is a low-friction coating (like teflon). __________________ Today, I believe my jurisdiction ends here... Lug Hole Lover®

12 February 2011, 10:14 AM	#4
Alcan 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Al Location: Way Up North Watch: your P's & Q's Posts: 10,473	They are indeed Teflon coated, and they are the reverser gears in the auto-wind module. Here's what their business side looks like: Attached Images __________________ Member #1,315 I don't want to get technical, but according to chemistry alcohol IS a solution!

23 June 2011, 06:26 AM	#7
mike375 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Orlando, Florida Posts: 4	Red Wheels Are these red wheels a red alloy that never comes off or along the teeth is it common for the red to wear off? Are the wheels brass or brass in color under?

12 February 2011, 05:14 AM	#2
CaveDiver "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 1,075	Interesting question. Here are some pictures of the red and pink parts of the auto wind for 15xx cal

12 February 2011, 10:50 AM	#5
cedargrove "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Rich Location: Canada Watch: Milgauss, GMT IIc Posts: 3,013	Teflon...cool. Thanks everyone for the answer and the detailed pics.

26 June 2011, 12:13 PM	#9
calibre1 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Malaysia Watch: ROLEX, OMEGA Posts: 279	Interesting stuff!! Does this get changed during a regular service say 5-10 years down the line? How do you guys manage to get hold of it since RSC does not return old parts? cheers!!

11 July 2011, 12:44 AM	#10
cameronweiss Banned Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Cameron Weiss Location: Miami, Florida Watch: Patek ref. 1579 Posts: 43	The red color is an anodized coating. They are then PTFE coated. When you have your Rolex serviced, the PTFE coating is removed by the cleaning machine used to wash the movement parts. They are then re-lubed with epilame and tested for functionality. If they don't function properly then they are replaced with new ones. They aren't cheap, they cost about $60.

11 July 2011, 12:45 AM	#11
cameronweiss Banned Join Date: May 2011 Real Name: Cameron Weiss Location: Miami, Florida Watch: Patek ref. 1579 Posts: 43	I forgot to add that the red coating can wear off sometimes.

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