Explorer II 16550 date hanging in transition at midnight

[stabilizer81]

Anyone ever heard of this happening with Explorer II 16550 or any other reference with 3085 movement? Only on certain days of the month, the date disc hangs in transition at midnight - sort of hangs between the current and next date - then finishing and ending up on the new/correct date between 2 and 3 AM or so. Only happens for CERTAIN days of the month, not all.

Is happening even after a full movement overhaul and separately having a second watchmaker (30 year veteran, Rolex certified) work specifically on this and come up empty handed / unable to fix it. Opinion of both who have worked on it is that it's not a material issue, not damaging the movement in any way, and should just be ignored. I have actually noticed this on one other watch - an Explorer II 16570 - so maybe it isn't an uncommon issue?

Since it's only happening between midnight and 2/3 AM and since this watch is a daily driver for work (I usually don't wear it at night) it doesn't annoy me in terms of function/wearability, BUT the WIS in me knows it's happening so keeps on wondering what is going on!

Anyone have experience with this or ever heard of it?

[Sweetswisssteel]

Probably a good fake. Send it to actual RSC they can swap out the movement for a genuine one

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[stabilizer81]

Originally Posted by Sweetswisssteel

Probably a good fake. Send it to actual RSC they can swap out the movement for a genuine one

Sent from my HTC_0P6B using Tapatalk

The piece has been examined by Rolex and the Chicago RSC - not for this specific issue but for authentication when I was in the process of acquiring it - and at least in their opinions it is not a fake.

[stabilizer81]

Originally Posted by stabilizer81

The piece has been examined by Rolex and the Chicago RSC - not for this specific issue but for authentication when I was in the process of acquiring it - and at least in their opinions it is not a fake.

Are you suggesting the watchmaker who did the movement overhaul could have swapped in a fake movement in order to steal the original?

[Sweetswisssteel]

Then if you are sure it's genuine, send it to RSC and spend the $ to get a Rolex service. Then you'll have a Rolex warranty good for a couple of more years 👌

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[G-Web]

Yes, I've experienced it on watches with both 3085 and 3185 movements. I don't know what causes it, but I would think a skilled watchmaker should be able to remedy it.

Let us know how you get on.
-GW

[stabilizer81]

Great to know, thank you. I have actually connected with the watchmaker and double checked that indeed the movement is original (the second watchmaker mentioned in my post, who is not the one who did the overhaul - so he is the last person who has worked on it). Unfortunately after spending hours on it he was not able to remedy it, but I will keep exploring.

Originally Posted by G-Web

Yes, I've experienced it on watches with both 3085 and 3185 movements. I don't know what causes it, but I would think a skilled watchmaker should be able to remedy it.

Let us know how you get on.
-GW

[joe100]

Originally Posted by Sweetswisssteel

Probably a good fake. Send it to actual RSC they can swap out the movement for a genuine one

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Why would you say something like this?

[Skv]

Originally Posted by Sweetswisssteel

Probably a good fake. Send it to actual RSC they can swap out the movement for a genuine one

Sent from my HTC_0P6B using Tapatalk

....

[nagano2125]

This is occurring with my Exp II 42mm. Off and on last few years. First started after I sent in for service while under warranty due to poor time keeping accuracy. Seems somewhat common with Exp II and some GMTs. Intersted in learning more as it annoys the heck out of me.

[ROLLiWORKS]

It's likely dirt on the seating or something in the yoke assembly that needs cleaning and oiling. Jewel, yoke spring, something related to the quick change-over.