Will not wearing rolex cause damage?

[csd1rolex]

I could use some help with a concern i have about not wearing my watch(es) for extended periods of time.

I now own 7 Rolex's (a few subs, a couple GMT's and a Datejust). They are all less than 10 years old and I will not be wearing some of them for long periods of time (maybe months or longer?). I have a watch winder and realize that it is a good thing to use the winder once every week or two but what happens if they sit and don't get wound very often? I was at a local AD today and the Rolex repair person told me it would not be a big deal and i have read some comments that suggest if you don't wind the watches whether by wearing it or on a winder the watches will get damaged badly. I have a fair amount of money invested in the watches and quite honestly bought them with the intention of enjoying them as they sit because i love the way they look and the quality of the watches.

I'm sure someone out there has had these questions and quite honestly after reading some comments on different sites it has me scared that i may end up with a bunch of watches that will be damaged badly if and when i decide to wear them, sell them (doubtful) or pass them on to my son.


Can anyone shed some light on this and simplify it for me?

Thanks

[Kanger]

Nah. Modern Rolex can withhold not being used for extended periods of time.

[csd1rolex]

Glad to hear you say that, thanks.

[Singslinger]

Rolexes can go several months without use with no problem.

However, it's best not to leave them idle for years - I have friend who did that and ended up with a hefty repair bill.

[Alcan]

Any Rolex watch serviced in the last 10 years or so has probably been cleaned and then lubricated with current synthetic oils. These tend not to pool, creep away from critical bearing points, or evaporate, as older lubes tended to do (gotta love capillary action!). That being the case, they can easily be put away for at least a year or so and still retain the critical lubrication of vital components such as the escapement and balance staff.

If the last service date is unknown, then prudence would dictate that the watch be disassembled and serviced. After that, its duck soup.

Btw, here are a few oiling charts for some older Rolex movements. Should give you an idea of what's involved in keeping them ticking properly:

[crhfish]

I compare them to a car. Every car needs to be turned over once a month or so. Oil needs to be changed on a regular basis, and kept in a nice spot (garage). But, when I'm not driving the car, i don't run it. Same with my watches.

[sea-dweller]

I wear mine in a rotation, my 14060 probably gets worn 8-10 times a year. No issues at all.

[Alcan]

Originally Posted by crhfish

Every car needs to be turned over once a month or so.

No it doesn't. I put my Riviera away every Fall and recommision it the next Spring. The battery remains disconnected from October to April. That's worked for the last 10 years with this car.

[csd1rolex]

Thanks much, that helps.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by csd1rolex

I could use some help with a concern i have about not wearing my watch(es) for extended periods of time.

I now own 7 Rolex's (a few subs, a couple GMT's and a Datejust). They are all less than 10 years old and I will not be wearing some of them for long periods of time (maybe months or longer?). I have a watch winder and realize that it is a good thing to use the winder once every week or two but what happens if they sit and don't get wound very often? I was at a local AD today and the Rolex repair person told me it would not be a big deal and i have read some comments that suggest if you don't wind the watches whether by wearing it or on a winder the watches will get damaged badly. I have a fair amount of money invested in the watches and quite honestly bought them with the intention of enjoying them as they sit because i love the way they look and the quality of the watches.

I'm sure someone out there has had these questions and quite honestly after reading some comments on different sites it has me scared that i may end up with a bunch of watches that will be damaged badly if and when i decide to wear them, sell them (doubtful) or pass them on to my son.


Can anyone shed some light on this and simplify it for me?

Thanks

Myself got many modern and vintage watches in my collection all I have done for the past 30 odd years.If I remember now I just give them all a small manual wind once a month.At the moment wearing a 1922 Rolex silver Unicorn still alive and ticking and not worn this one for a few months now.And expect it will be still ticking when my ticker finally stops,when I meet old Hans either upstairs or down below.

[Lion]

Al and Padi, thanx for the information.....someday when I grow up I'd like to have a few vintage pieces myself!!!

[RRGHOST1]

If its just for Rolex you can throw the winder away, and just wind the watches whenever.Rolex AD'S can have them in the window for months, doesn't bother the watches.

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Alcan

Btw, here are a few oiling charts for some older Rolex movements. Should give you an idea of what's involved in keeping them ticking properly:

Cool chart Al, thanks for sharing.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by Alcan

No it doesn't. I put my Riviera away every Fall and recommision it the next Spring. The battery remains disconnected from October to April. That's worked for the last 10 years with this car.

Correct!! Also have many watches that have sat and work fine for long periods of time. Great chart above too Al!

[mike]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan1965

Correct!! Also have many watches that have sat and work fine for long periods of time. Great chart above too Al!

Spot on. I'm aware of several that have set for long periods of time with no damage.

[csd1rolex]

Thanks for all the comments everyone.

[TCSM]

Q: Will not wearing rolex cause damage?

A: Only to your ego!

[GradyPhilpott]

I think that with 7 Rolex watches, you could wear each enough over the course of a couple of months to give them some workout.

In fact, I think your watches deserve no less.

After all, they were built to run uninterrupted for years at a time.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by csd1rolex

I could use some help with a concern i have about not wearing my watch(es) for extended periods of time.

. . . Can anyone shed some light on this and simplify it for me?

Thanks

Sure..

If you are not wearing your watch.. and it is in a relatively dry and safe environment, it is incurring exactly zero wear.. As was mentioned earlier, modern synthetics will take years before they migrate from where they are placed and do not break down over time.

[cr6man]

I wear my 5 in rotation,not to preserve them,but it's just soooo much damn fun!!!!