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DDG · 27 January 2010, 01:05 PM

Each time I unscrew the winding crown on my Daytona, I worry about the tiny o-ring wearing or galding on the inside of the crown, eventually destroying the seal. Does it make any sense to lube it with a tiny amount of silicone grease? Dry o-rings can't last very long.........Can they?

SLS · 27 January 2010, 01:24 PM

Not an issue to be concerned about, the crown & tube are usually replaced during a service, as are the gaskets.
Scott

cshecks · 27 January 2010, 01:44 PM

No, dry o-rings wont last long. Too much chafing. I use slippery stuff when my o-ring gets all chafed up.

ParisDakarBmw · 27 January 2010, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cshecks

No, dry o-rings wont last long. Too much chafing. I use slippery stuff when my o-ring gets all chafed up.

No comment

14060MSUB · 27 January 2010, 02:10 PM

hahaha

sheldonsmith · 27 January 2010, 04:05 PM

I have dropped a few drops of silicon spray onto the outside o-ring. I dont spray silicon spray onto the stem, but rather just spray a little out into the air, then let the drops of residue from the hose fall onto the o-ring.

Yes, I have noticed that when Rolexes are new, there is a slight amount of silicon seal on the outside o-ring that dries out in time.

-Sheldon

poppydog · 27 January 2010, 04:43 PM

I never use the crown on any of my watches. I ignore the date function and when I need to change the time, I just let the watch stop then shake it at the correct time. Works for me.

clubsta · 27 January 2010, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cshecks

No, dry o-rings wont last long. Too much chafing. I use slippery stuff when my o-ring gets all chafed up.

Thats what she said............

everose · 27 January 2010, 05:31 PM

For a brief moment i thought i was on a different forum

To be seroius.....i would not spray or apply anything.How can you be sure it will not get inside......or it may react with the oils inside the watch.

IMHO,Leave it alone!!!!

Even though you do not put the lubricant inside.....screwing the crown in and out may enable it to go inside.

(Boys, try to resist any innuendo about that last sentence please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

)

Andad · 27 January 2010, 05:34 PM

If water can't get in I don't expect grease will either.
This would need to be done during a service IMO.

padi56 · 27 January 2010, 08:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDG

Each time I unscrew the winding crown on my Daytona, I worry about the tiny o-ring wearing or galding on the inside of the crown, eventually destroying the seal. Does it make any sense to lube it with a tiny amount of silicone grease? Dry o-rings can't last very long.........Can they?

Well you could wind unscrew the crown and wind watch every day with no harm whatsoever.Although manual wind Rolex are twinlock they got wound unscrewed for decades without any problems.I have a watches almost 30 years old that get worn daily with triplock crowns never ever had a problem.And like poster said above crowns o-rings tubes etc are serviceable items you guys worry to much about your watches.

mattmartin · 28 January 2010, 01:28 AM

I apply a very small 'dot' of silicone grease (the type that comes in a small tub; non-aerosolized; use ONLY the silicone type, not any other kind) to the gasket will a small plastic toothpick and let the screw down action apply it evenly. I've seen (first hand knowledge) a rolex service technician at an AD do this at service. I've used this basic process on the crown threads of all of my dive watches for the last decade and it is a good idea.

scl6118 · 28 January 2010, 01:35 AM

I would leave anything like that to a Rolex certified watchmaker!

ParisDakarBmw · 28 January 2010, 01:36 AM

You could really extend the service life on the o-ring by putting the correct lube on it. In the Air Force we worked on many parts of the jet. Mainly the weapons systems. If there was an O-ring installed, we lubed it very lightly, and wiped the excess off.
We had them go bad, and it caused serious issues. They were covered in oil to prevent drying while in packages. Some even came in a cosmoline grease. I wouldn't suggest using that, but it worked. They tend to dry rot in dry conditions.The little drop of silicone grease shouldn't hurt any.

110108 · 28 January 2010, 02:58 AM

good to know

Speedmeister · 28 January 2010, 04:25 AM

Every application that I've ever used an o ring for required a CLEAN and DRY one...

PeterT · 28 January 2010, 04:51 AM

The type of grease Rolex use on the threads is called Fomblin.

Peter

MagedMS · 29 January 2010, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poppydog

I never use the crown on any of my watches. I ignore the date function and when I need to change the time, I just let the watch stop then shake it at the correct time. Works for me.

Steve, shaking your watch to start it is not recommanded.. It's better to use the crown to adjust it and then give it some burst before using it.

MagedMS · 29 January 2010, 07:00 PM

I use NYOGEL for lubricating my Sub O-ring.. I apply a very small quantity using my Swissknife plastic toothpick.. It works greatly !
NYOGEL is originally used to lubricate O-rings of professional flashlights, it is clear, non sticky, metal lubricant, O-ring(all kinds)lubricant, waterproofing.
You can check more at this website: www.smartgrease.com

Singslinger · 29 January 2010, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cshecks

No, dry o-rings wont last long. Too much chafing. I use slippery stuff when my o-ring gets all chafed up.

Tools · 30 January 2010, 03:28 AM

Watchmakers will use Fomblin brand White Lithium grease to lubricate the threads and o-ring in the crown..

I don't think that a good silicon grease would be an issue at all.............. it is used to lubricate the case-back gasket and other o-rings...

eagle_lex · 30 January 2010, 04:57 AM

be very careful sraying lubricant on the stem and o-ring. i have exprienced a cross threaded crown tube on a NON rolex watch and my watchmaker stated he found alot of dirt particles on the tube which he thinks is from the lubricant attracting dirt. this in turn cause the threads to strip. i wont be spraying anything on my o-rings in the furture. i did this for the very reasons stated above but i dont think the risk out weighs the reward.

Rikki · 30 January 2010, 01:08 PM

Fomblin grease is what i use and recommended by Rolex for all gaskets except crystal gasket. It is impervious to cleaning solutions and is homogenous stays where you put it. Rik

MagedMS · 4 February 2010, 05:25 AM

I use NYOGEL for lubricating my Sub O-ring.. I apply a very small quantity using my Swissknife plastic toothpick.. It works greatly !
NYOGEL is originally used to lubricate O-rings of professional flashlights, it is clear, non sticky, metal lubricant, O-ring(all kinds)lubricant, waterproofing.
You can check more at this website: www.smartgrease.com

armoredsaint · 4 February 2010, 05:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterT

The type of grease Rolex use on the threads is called Fomblin.

Peter

i see a joke in there somewhere

ParisDakarBmw · 4 February 2010, 05:45 AM

You don't have to lube your o-ring. some do, some don't. I don't want mine to snap, so I lube it once a month

27 January 2010, 01:05 PM	#1
DDG Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Dennis Garrett Location: Land of Oz Watch: Rolex Explorer II Posts: 405	Crown O-ring lubricant ?? Each time I unscrew the winding crown on my Daytona, I worry about the tiny o-ring wearing or galding on the inside of the crown, eventually destroying the seal. Does it make any sense to lube it with a tiny amount of silicone grease? Dry o-rings can't last very long.........Can they?

27 January 2010, 01:24 PM	#2
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,401	Not an issue to be concerned about, the crown & tube are usually replaced during a service, as are the gaskets. Scott __________________ "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of lower price is forgotten." -Benjamin Franklin Member No. 922

27 January 2010, 04:05 PM	#6
sheldonsmith 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Member 202♛ Posts: 1,815	I have dropped a few drops of silicon spray onto the outside o-ring. I dont spray silicon spray onto the stem, but rather just spray a little out into the air, then let the drops of residue from the hose fall onto the o-ring. Yes, I have noticed that when Rolexes are new, there is a slight amount of silicon seal on the outside o-ring that dries out in time. -Sheldon __________________

27 January 2010, 05:31 PM	#9
everose Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: World Citizen Posts: 593	For a brief moment i thought i was on a different forum To be seroius.....i would not spray or apply anything.How can you be sure it will not get inside......or it may react with the oils inside the watch. IMHO,Leave it alone!!!! Even though you do not put the lubricant inside.....screwing the crown in and out may enable it to go inside. (Boys, try to resist any innuendo about that last sentence please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

27 January 2010, 05:34 PM	#10
Andad 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Real Name: Eddie Location: Australia Watch: A few. Posts: 37,475	If water can't get in I don't expect grease will either. This would need to be done during a service IMO. __________________ E

27 January 2010, 01:44 PM	#3
cshecks Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Seattle Posts: 92	No, dry o-rings wont last long. Too much chafing. I use slippery stuff when my o-ring gets all chafed up.

27 January 2010, 02:10 PM	#5
14060MSUB Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Mike Location: Washington Posts: 69	hahaha

27 January 2010, 04:43 PM	#7
poppydog Banned Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Steve Location: UK Watch: Rolex Seadweller Posts: 253	I never use the crown on any of my watches. I ignore the date function and when I need to change the time, I just let the watch stop then shake it at the correct time. Works for me.

28 January 2010, 01:28 AM	#12
mattmartin "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: City Limits Posts: 82	i usually use a little silicone grease I apply a very small 'dot' of silicone grease (the type that comes in a small tub; non-aerosolized; use ONLY the silicone type, not any other kind) to the gasket will a small plastic toothpick and let the screw down action apply it evenly. I've seen (first hand knowledge) a rolex service technician at an AD do this at service. I've used this basic process on the crown threads of all of my dive watches for the last decade and it is a good idea.

28 January 2010, 01:35 AM	#13
scl6118 "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Shawn Location: United States Watch: SS GMT IIC Posts: 1,624	I would leave anything like that to a Rolex certified watchmaker! __________________ Current: SS GMT IIC Former: Panerai 114 Former: Breitling Hercules :

28 January 2010, 01:36 AM	#14
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	You could really extend the service life on the o-ring by putting the correct lube on it. In the Air Force we worked on many parts of the jet. Mainly the weapons systems. If there was an O-ring installed, we lubed it very lightly, and wiped the excess off. We had them go bad, and it caused serious issues. They were covered in oil to prevent drying while in packages. Some even came in a cosmoline grease. I wouldn't suggest using that, but it worked. They tend to dry rot in dry conditions.The little drop of silicone grease shouldn't hurt any.

28 January 2010, 02:58 AM	#15
110108 Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: california usa Posts: 50	good to know

28 January 2010, 04:25 AM	#16
Speedmeister "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Hollywood Watch: 16600, 145.012-67 Posts: 164	Every application that I've ever used an o ring for required a CLEAN and DRY one...

28 January 2010, 04:51 AM	#17
PeterT "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: England Watch: 16613 16710 16600 Posts: 1,021	The type of grease Rolex use on the threads is called Fomblin. Peter

29 January 2010, 07:00 PM	#19
MagedMS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Maged Location: Egypt Watch: SUBMARINER 114060 Posts: 514	I use NYOGEL for lubricating my Sub O-ring.. I apply a very small quantity using my Swissknife plastic toothpick.. It works greatly ! NYOGEL is originally used to lubricate O-rings of professional flashlights, it is clear, non sticky, metal lubricant, O-ring(all kinds)lubricant, waterproofing. You can check more at this website: www.smartgrease.com

30 January 2010, 03:28 AM	#21
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,490	Watchmakers will use Fomblin brand White Lithium grease to lubricate the threads and o-ring in the crown.. I don't think that a good silicon grease would be an issue at all.............. it is used to lubricate the case-back gasket and other o-rings... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

30 January 2010, 04:57 AM	#22
eagle_lex "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Real Name: Ed Location: Lexington, Ky Watch: AP and Rolex Posts: 541	be very careful sraying lubricant on the stem and o-ring. i have exprienced a cross threaded crown tube on a NON rolex watch and my watchmaker stated he found alot of dirt particles on the tube which he thinks is from the lubricant attracting dirt. this in turn cause the threads to strip. i wont be spraying anything on my o-rings in the furture. i did this for the very reasons stated above but i dont think the risk out weighs the reward.

30 January 2010, 01:08 PM	#23
Rikki TechXpert Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rik Dietel Location: Seminole Fla Watch: 5512 s/s Sub Posts: 1,818	Fomblin grease is what i use and recommended by Rolex for all gaskets except crystal gasket. It is impervious to cleaning solutions and is homogenous stays where you put it. Rik

4 February 2010, 05:25 AM	#24
MagedMS "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Maged Location: Egypt Watch: SUBMARINER 114060 Posts: 514	I use NYOGEL for lubricating my Sub O-ring.. I apply a very small quantity using my Swissknife plastic toothpick.. It works greatly ! NYOGEL is originally used to lubricate O-rings of professional flashlights, it is clear, non sticky, metal lubricant, O-ring(all kinds)lubricant, waterproofing. You can check more at this website: www.smartgrease.com

4 February 2010, 05:45 AM	#26
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	You don't have to lube your o-ring. some do, some don't. I don't want mine to snap, so I lube it once a month

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