Ouch, Water Damage in a GMT

[The Hedgehog]

Ok, so I jumped in the water wearing my GMT Master II and realized that the crown was not tightened. No, I screwed up and don't need a lecture.

I sent the watch off to Rolex ASAP. They have a number of recommendations.

I understand the need for a complete overhaul. They are also recommending new hands and a new face. I am not sure that I understand this because it was fresh water. I would like some input on this. I would imagine that I have to do this, but just want a second opinion. I did not see any damage on this stuff but for all I know fresh water ruins a watch dial and hands?

Also, they seemed to find a crack in the hasp. I examined the whole watch before I sent it off. It did not have one then. Is that a common problem? They want an extra $575 for that one. I am calling BS on that one but could be wrong.

[dddrees]

Welcome to TRF.


Water of any kind does not belong inside the watch. Bad news, and yes water can damage anything inside the watch, especially the dial. Just be glad it wasn't any worse than what it currently is.


By the way, it sounds as if this watch had not been checked in awhile, as even with the crown unscrewed the seal if good would have prevented this from happening.

[Welshwatchman]

Which model GMT II and the approximate age?

[gwalker]

Strange. If a new GMT the trip lock crown should've prevented the water from entering even with crown unscrewed. How long has it been since last serviced and how old is the watch? Sorry but the water does in fact destroy the hands and dial. Sounds like it might have needed service anyway if the inner oring didn't prevent water from entering. It suck you found out that way though. Keep us posted and sorry about the crappy luck.

What did they find a crack in??? Clasp? Or did you mean hairspring and disnt spell it out? If there is a crack in the clasp I would get it fixed. Don't need to lose the whole watch.

[The Hedgehog]

Thanks guys. Wanted a second opinion. I sort of figured that I was toast on the face and hands. I don't understand it and would like to though.

Yes, it did need to be serviced. It had not been in for quite some time. Lesson learned there.

The crack is said to be on the part where the hasp pinches down. You better believe that I will get that fixed. I sure don't want to lose it. I just did not see it and prefer to know what I am getting fixed. If this a common problem?

[azguy]

That's to bad

[liptonnr]

Sorry!

[zeuloa]

Regarding the clasp I would ask for pictures if you don't think the crack was there. I've seen here before that RSC documents everything with pictures.

I would think water can damage the dial, and even though the hands are gold the lume might not be water resistant.

[Tridor]

As for the dial and hands, once they are exposed to water, lingering moisture from the exposed lume material can remain an issue. That could result in a problem later on as excess moisture gets released slowly over time. You don't want to pay for an overhaul and then have additional problems and expense because you didn't spring for a new dial and hands now. As for the crack in the clasp, ask for pictures. RSC is pretty good at diagnosing complex problems, but this is really a no brainer (except maybe for the clasp).

[bcor]

Can I ask how much Rolex is charging for the entire service?

[bcor]

Did not mean to put the smiley face on the last post.

[-RolexMan-]

You still havent given us an answer on what model this watch is & what year was it purchased......

[Adam K.]

I'm sure the OP is talking about a 16710 or other older GMT-II reference...obviously, these have the twinlock crown, which are unlike the Triplock in that it doesn't offer any additional protection when the crown is unscrewed. Since it wasn't properly engaged, the watch flooded.

Bummer. Hope you get it back in good shape soon!

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by Adam K.

I'm sure the OP is talking about a 16710 or other older GMT-II reference...obviously, these have the twinlock crown, which are unlike the Triplock in that it doesn't offer any additional protection when the crown is unscrewed. Since it wasn't properly engaged, the watch flooded.

Bummer. Hope you get it back in good shape soon!

Actually Adam, the twin lock would provide one seal of protection with the crown unscrewed. That is of course if the seal were good and the OP didn't exceed 100 meters which he probably didn't.

[raiderceb]

what in the world is a hasp?

sorry about the watch man!

[dddrees]

Originally Posted by raiderceb

what in the world is a hasp?

sorry about the watch man!

Probably the inner portion of the clasp.

[oneillba]

Sounds like the water did you a favor in the fact your watch is getting a much needed servicing.

[Tools]

Did you actually see that water entered your watch ???

An unscrewed crown, by itself, will not let water into the watch. The main seal is inside the tube, around the stem.

So, if water did enter the watch, kick yourself for not properly servicing and maintaining the watch, not forgetting to screw the crown down...

If you know that the watch was flooded, you may as well bite the bullet and ensure all the damaged or compromised parts are replaced... Expensive, but it only needs to be done once.

Then get that GMT serviced every 5 to 10 years if you don't want this to happen again... good seals will save you from such forgetfulness..

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Tools

Did you actually see that water entered your watch ???

An unscrewed crown, by itself, will not let water into the watch. The main seal is inside the tube, around the stem.

So, if water did enter the watch, kick yourself for not properly servicing and maintaining the watch, not forgetting to screw the crown down...

If you know that the watch was flooded, you may as well bite the bullet and ensure all the damaged or compromised parts are replaced... Expensive, but it only needs to be done once.

Then get that GMT serviced every 5 to 10 years if you don't want this to happen again... good seals will save you from such forgetfulness..

Have to agree with Larry myself once although it was a trip lock on a SD was down around 15-20m when I discoverd my crown was unscrewed but no water damaged to watch.

[GradyPhilpott]

The regular-service naysayers should take note of the wise counsel provided in this thread.

[mjclark32]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree with Larry myself once although it was a trip lock on a SD was down around 15-20m when I discoverd my crown was unscrewed but no water damaged to watch.

wow! Would have made me a bit nervous

[le_baroudeur]

Hedgehog, could you tell us how many years ran since last service? (Just to know all the facts) Is it less than 10 years?

[Roxas]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree with Larry myself once although it was a trip lock on a SD was down around 15-20m when I discoverd my crown was unscrewed but no water damaged to watch.

Do you know that how many meters the seal can protect with the crown unscrewed?

[le_baroudeur]

Precisely 134,258.

Well... only part of the rolex staff knows.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Roxas

Do you know that how many meters the seal can protect with the crown unscrewed?

Not 100% sure but when they used to test the military subs part of the test was with the crown unscrewed cannot remember if it was 30ft or 30m.But I would always recommend to check crown before total submersible in water but we all make mistakes sometimes.

[bayerische]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree with Larry myself once although it was a trip lock on a SD was down around 15-20m when I discoverd my crown was unscrewed but no water damaged to watch.

I would have freaked.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by bayerische

I would have freaked.

I was with a student at the time doing his advanced open water so not any point of getting freaked out its only a watch.My own and my students life was far more important than any watch, plus I had a computer to back me up watch was secondary if computer failed.And all my equipment including my watches were fully insured for all risks under by personal dive insurance.But around 6 months later I did loose that SD in the Red sea but thats a long story.

[Roxas]

Originally Posted by padi56

Not 100% sure but when they used to test the military subs part of the test was with the crown unscrewed cannot remember if it was 30ft or 30m.But I would always recommend to check crown before total submersible in water but we all make mistakes sometimes.

Thanks for the information.

[The Hedgehog]

It is a GMT Master II. I don't have the exact date on me. It is in my safety Deposit box.

I have asked for a pic.

Like I said, I know that I screwed up on the servicing and crown so please spare me the lectures. No, I would have rather not spent the extra few hundred on face and hands thank you.

I can afford the price of admission but at least like understanding so I can learn from my mistakes. Then lumen deal does make sense.

To those that gave a real response and not a smart Alec comment......Thanks.

To others that are reading....yes, learn from my mistake and don't do it.

Total bill....$2,100.

[slcbbrown]

Just to clarify things a little, unless you saw damage on the hands/face, it's almost certainly your choice to change them. When you get water inside the case, the parts don't instantly dissolve and fall apart-- it's just water. However, if water stays inside the watch and corrosion starts, the damage can be severe and very hard to fix. If Rolex is recommending a change of face/hands because of water damage (as opposed to just old), the damage should be visible, typically.

Sometimes a watch sent to Rolex Service by a dealer will get a quote for making the watch look like new, rather than just fixing the owner's problems. It isn't unusual for Rolex to tell you need a new bracelet when the old one is just a used bracelet. If you are saying Rolex wants to repair your bracelet clasp for $600, you can probably find a decent used stainless bracelet for that money.