Gmt issue maybe?

[SILVERMX]

Hi, new here and have a question, I have a GMT II F serial bought new back in 2004, never serviced a few days ago I noticed when I took it off my wrist I felt a kind of vibration also heard it, if you shake it the vibration happens, the watch seems to keep time but the reserve seems to have shortened to about 12 hrs, I have stopped using it to be on the safe side, what could be wrong, should I just take it in for service?

[gwalker]

It's 8 years old. Time for service. Hopefully it's nothing major.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by SILVERMX

should I just take it in for service?

Yes

[xhype]

service time.

[Keeperoftime]

It's strange I bought my first Sub in 2004. It is also due for a servicing. Time flies!

[SILVERMX]

thanks for replies, I dont trust or know anyone who could do the service where I live but will be traveling to Houston Tx in a few weeks, so my plan is to do the service over there, anyone recommend a place, on the internet I found Halmartins jewlers has good rating for watch service including rolex

[kilyung]

RSC in Dallas.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by SILVERMX

Hi, new here and have a question, I have a GMT II F serial bought new back in 2004, never serviced a few days ago I noticed when I took it off my wrist I felt a kind of vibration also heard it, if you shake it the vibration happens, the watch seems to keep time but the reserve seems to have shortened to about 12 hrs, I have stopped using it to be on the safe side, what could be wrong, should I just take it in for service?

Try a full manual wind around 40 full crown turns clockwise to check its power reserve it should be around 40 -48 hours off wrist,if its a lot less you have a problem and need checking.Worst case scenario it could be mainspring & barrel or that the rotor axel are broken or excessively worn,which is possible .Or somehow they have come loose from their stake ,(most probably), or that a jewel is broken,(doubtful}.Unfortunately, Rolex still don't not use ball bearings rotors in all there range, instead there is a plain sleeve bearing, and proper oiling is critical on this part.As when the lubricant evaporates or migrates, from lack of service the metal axle experiences wear against the jewel,but replacing the axle if worn will solved the problem.Most Rolex watches have rotor axles with different size pivots at the ends. The one nearest the rotor is usually fairly large, but the one nearest the movement is relatively small. IMO this is a Rolex movements weakest point.Rolex lubricates with grease,now this grease tends to dryout especially in warmer climates and when it does, the rotor pivots are left without any lubrication.When the pivots become worn,or from lack of grease the bearing is able to move excessively from the normal plane of motion that makes the vibration or slight rattle noise,and sometimes rubs on the case back.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by SILVERMX

thanks for replies, I dont trust or know anyone who could do the service where I live but will be traveling to Houston Tx in a few weeks, so my plan is to do the service over there, anyone recommend a place, on the internet I found Halmartins jewlers has good rating for watch service including rolex

It is not unusual for the rotor axle to break or bend if subjected to a hard knock.. Still, a "vibration" isn't saying much - in 40 years of wearing a Rolex I have never felt a vibration in a watch.. You may hear a knocking sound if the rotor is broken because it will "wobble" on the watch and contact the sides of the movement as it turns, also causing friction and reducing it's ability to wind the watch efficiently..

Did you wind your watch all the way up when checking the power reserve.. Almost all watches will only run for 12 to 20 hours when you just take them off your wrists and set them down...

[alexthegreat123]

My vote for "Rolex lubricates with grease,now this grease tends to dryout especially in warmer climates and when it does, the rotor pivots are left without any lubrication.When the pivots become worn,or from lack of grease the bearing is able to move excessively from the normal plane of motion that makes the vibration or slight rattle noise,and sometimes rubs on the case back. " -

[SILVERMX]

I tried to wind it but after a few turns it kind of got hard so stopped in fear of damaging something, so yea the reserve was calculated just from off the wrist, I hope it just needs the basic service as it still works, and dont want to send it to RSC Dallas because im sure their bill will be twice as much as local place + would have to spend on shipping fees both ways dont have that much spare income for that right now

[piper]

I had this exact same thing happen with an older Rolex President from 1986. It would make a vibration sound when it was moved around quickly. Rolex technican knew right away what it was - said it was fairly common, if the watch had a hard impact. Had it serviced and the service took care of problem.

[piper]

Looked back at my work receipt and the problem was the rotor axle. Thats probably what you have.

[azguy]

Originally Posted by kilyung

RSC in Dallas.

This

[Z-Sub]

time for service and it'll come back like new

[SILVERMX]

Ok update, so I dropped the gmt for service and the vibrating was fron worn axle and hairspring so my bill will be $520.00, 345 service, 65 for axle, 55 correct hairspring and 55 crown tube, it should be ready in 4 weeks, and will get polished :) all things considered I think I did ok

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by SILVERMX

Ok update, so I dropped the gmt for service and the vibrating was fron worn axle and hairspring so my bill will be $520.00, 345 service, 65 for axle, 55 correct hairspring and 55 crown tube, it should be ready in 4 weeks, and will get polished :) all things considered I think I did ok

Not bad, hope it returns to you quickly

[azguy]

sounds fair, you'll be set for another 7-10 years

[TSW]

Service time.

[SILVERMX]

Well got my GMT back yesterday 1 week ahead of schedule, I am pleased with the service done

[dddrees]

Cool, glad you were able to get everything sorted out, and you have your watch back ahead of schedule.

[mrbill2mrbill2]

Good deal. Wear and enjoy!

[Dan Pierce]

Fixed and back early?
Well done!
dP