Conflicting Service Advice for my 16233

[Mike_M]

I've owned my TT DJ 16233 since 2000. Its circa 1988 and in 2005 I had it fully serviced at the RSC. For many years it's had little wrist time but in the past year or so, I've had it polished and it's in my regular rotation now.

It's running flawlessly and when I asked my AD if I should get it serviced, he suggested I don't as long as it's running properly. When I mentioned this to another watch enthusiast, he said I should get it serviced inside 10 year periods even if it's running well.

I did a search on this forum and see several others who are of the opinion not to service unless the watch isn't operating properly.

I know its a decision that I must ultimately make but interested in hearing some opinions.

Thanks--and thanks for this great forum!

[Greg75]

Listen to you AD.


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[doramas]

While it works well, better not to touch

[ltmgeller]

If it ain't broke don't fix it

[SLS]

It’s fine IMHO, if it sat idle for years with wear, it should be good.

[joli160]

You only need to service if it does not work.

(Have you ever heard somebody disassembling a complete engine just to confirm that it is working fine )

Not servicing as long as it runs fine will also not increase future service costs as many claim. Most vulnerable parts like main spring and seals are included in the regular service costs already.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by joli160

You only need to service if it does not work.

(Have you ever heard somebody disassembling a complete engine just to confirm that it is working fine )

Not servicing as long as it runs fine will also not increase future service costs as many claim. Most vulnerable parts like main spring and seals are included in the regular service costs already.

Not the best analogy; you change the oil/filters/plugs in your car at very regular intervals to prevent the need for a full engine rebuild where each part is billed to you.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Not the best analogy; you change the oil/filters/plugs in your car at very regular intervals to prevent the need for a full engine rebuild where each part is billed to you.

You are right, wrong analogy. But a Rolex service is always a full rebuild with standard new parts, regardless if it was working or not before the service

[Brenngun]

Originally Posted by joli160

(Have you ever heard somebody disassembling a complete engine just to confirm that it is working fine )

Happens all the time. Pilots rely on it to help keep them safe. I know you didn't mean it quite that way but just saying....

I actually agree with you and the AD with respect to watch service intervals. There's a lot of pros and cons on both sides of this decision.

[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

if it ain't broke don't fix it

x2

[Mad Hatter]

Definitely leave alone if running well, but you should drop by a store that has a watchmaker and have them put it on their pressure test machine to ensure continued water resistance. About once a year for this, they shouldn't charge you.

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by joli160

You are right, wrong analogy. But a Rolex service is always a full rebuild with standard new parts, regardless if it was working or not before the service

FWIW I agree, only ribbing you

[watchmaker]

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

Definitely leave alone if running well, but you should drop by a store that has a watchmaker and have them put it on their pressure test machine to ensure continued water resistance. About once a year for this, they shouldn't charge you.

Outside of the sales warranty an AD you haven't purchased from may/probably will charge for checking alone, never mind actually resealing it if it is required.

YMMV however I would stress that it is not the norm for this to be done free of charge.

[Mad Hatter]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Outside of the sales warranty an AD you haven't purchased from may/probably will charge for checking alone, never mind actually resealing it if it is required.

YMMV however I would stress that it is not the norm for this to be done free of charge.

Yeah, I guess you're right, there may be a small charge. Build a little relationship with a friendly salesperson and up the chances of a no charge for this.

[RJRJRJ]

A car engine can have a catastrophic/expensive failure. Most likely your watch just starts running poorly at some point and then it gets a regular service.

Pressure testing every few years isn't a bad idea though, because that can actually lead to catastrophic failure.

[SearChart]

As long as you're careful around water with that watch then by all means keep it going until it is acting up. No need for service if it's running fine.

[Mike_M]

I’m cautious with water so I’m going to stick with the opinion of my AD and not service at this time. Thanks for all the input!

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Brenngun

Happens all the time. Pilots rely on it to help keep them safe. I know you didn't mean it quite that way but just saying....

I actually agree with you and the AD with respect to watch service intervals. There's a lot of pros and cons on both sides of this decision.

Precisely

Besides, there's an enormous gap between the amount of time to disassemble and reassemble a watch movement as opposed to anything that runs on the combustion process.
Even the average ICE is more complex in that regard in some respects.

[Tools]

As you see, there are two camps that are about evenly divided.

One camp is the don't fix it if it isn't broken...

Second camp, routine maintenance is common for any fine machine.


The critical area for a good running watch is the seals. They are at the case-back, in the stem tube, the crown, and under the crystal. These will, and do, get brittle or deformed over time. A service and fresh seals are insurance against a catastrophic water incursion when you fall in the pool.

[Brewersbrunch]

Keep that baby running until you know it needs servicing. Best not to jump to conclusions


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[J_1964]

Originally Posted by RJRJRJ

A car engine can have a catastrophic/expensive failure. Most likely your watch just starts running poorly at some point and then it gets a regular service.

Pressure testing every few years isn't a bad idea though, because that can actually lead to catastrophic failure.

Yeah, it's not like your watch is going to "Drop A Valve".