Rolex vibration

[petereoin]

My Rolex sub is 7 years old and has never been serviced. Recently when I move my hand in a motion from side to side I feel a vibration.

Could it be a rubbing of the rotor on the baseplate, if so, would my watch just need oiling or a full service?

If it is not the rotor rubbing any ideas what it could be?

Thanks in advance

[padi56]

Originally Posted by petereoin

My Rolex sub is 7 years old and has never been serviced. Recently when I move my hand in a motion from side to side I feel a vibration.

Could it be a rubbing of the rotor on the baseplate, if so, would my watch just need oiling or a full service?

If it is not the rotor rubbing any ideas what it could be?

Thanks in advance

Well the Achilles heal in the 3 series of movements are the rotor shaft,its because Rolex still don't not use ball rotor bearings rotors for most of there watches (now present in the new 4130 Daytona).Instead, there use a plain sleeve bearing,which is very efficient in winding and quiet compared to some movements but still can be heard if you put ear to case, but it still has its weak points, and proper oiling is critical so important to service every 5-7 years. When the lubricant evaporates or migrates, the metal axle experiences wear against the rotor shaft jewel bearing.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,IMHO this is a Rolex movements weakest point.Today Rolex lubricates this with special grease,now this grease tends to dry-out 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 very slight rattle noise,and sometimes rubs on the case back.But in general the sleeve type Rolex rotors are quite problem free and some go on for many many years without trouble but some fail so best have it checked out.

[petereoin]

Thanks for the information and your response Peter

[Rikki]

Your rotor axle is dry which is causing the vibration sorry but time for service. Rikki

[petereoin]

Thanks for the confirmation Rikki

[nerdest9u]

I never had this problem, however the thing is that it keeps close at appropriate time, so nothing appears to be wrong generally.

[Farmerkid]

I have a P3 as well...

73
W9KB