Uh Oh ... Winding Stem/Hour Hand Problem with My Sub Date (16610)

[illiguy]

I went to change the date and time on my 16610 today and when I pulled the crown out to change the time, something didn't feel right. The watch appears to wind and the quick-set date feature didn't give me any issues, but as I tried to change the hour hand, I felt and heard a solid "click" where the hour hand struggled to move, and eventually didn't move at all. I am about to send my watch to Vanessa for service, but does anyone know what I may have done wrong, I don't to repeat the problem after getting the watch back from service. Many thanks in advance.

[c.capt]

Sounds like the stem may have become dislodged. Does the crown still turn or is it "stuck"? Also, if you push the crown back to position 0, does it still wind properly?

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by c.capt

Sounds like the stem may have become dislodged. Does the crown still turn or is it "stuck"? Also, if you push the crown back to position 0, does it still wind properly?

The crown, itself, still turns. I feel like I can wind the watch and I also feel like I can change the date without issue in position 1. Where the problem arises is when I try to change the hour marker - I get a real gritty feeling in the crown and the hour hand either moves begrudgingly, or not at all.

[c.capt]

Interesting. Could be that it's not catching the gear properly. I've never experienced that on a Rolex movement but have seen something similar on a few ETA movements. Usually it was because the crown wasn't pulled out completely or possibly with uneven pressure. If you want to be sure, of course a watchmaker would be your best bet. Where in Chicago are you?

[MortgageGuy]

Sorry to hear of your troubles but it sounds like it is time for a service. When was the watch serviced last?

[bridgs]

Originally Posted by illiguy

The crown, itself, still turns. I feel like I can wind the watch and I also feel like I can change the date without issue in position 1. Where the problem arises is when I try to change the hour marker - I get a real gritty feeling in the crown and the hour hand either moves begrudgingly, or not at all.

I had a similar issue last year when winding my wife's midsize dj. When I wound it, it felt very gritty. I sent it off to RSC and the problem was solved.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by c.capt

Interesting. Could be that it's not catching the gear properly. I've never experienced that on a Rolex movement but have seen something similar on a few ETA movements. Usually it was because the crown wasn't pulled out completely or possibly with uneven pressure. If you want to be sure, of course a watchmaker would be your best bet. Where in Chicago are you?

I work in the Loop and live in Lincoln Park. The watch had been in line with Kent Mikolite over at Fine Swiss Watch Repair for a service, but I ended up taking the watch back to service elsewhere. I just shipped the watch off to Vanessa CW21, one of TRF's resident tech experts, for service and repair.

Originally Posted by MortgageGuy

Sorry to hear of your troubles but it sounds like it is time for a service. When was the watch serviced last?

Many vintages ago ... so it was due.

Originally Posted by bridgs

I had a similar issue last year when winding my wife's midsize dj. When I wound it, it felt very gritty. I sent it off to RSC and the problem was solved.

That's really nice to hear. I love my 16610 and I can't wait to get it back from Vanessa; I know she'll do an outstanding job!

[mfer]

Don't think you did anything wrong. Just handle with some care and avoid quick set date changes around 8PM to 3AM. I know you don't have to with a modern Rolex, but I do it anyway.

Hope Vanessa gets it back in your hands soon.