Older rolex sounds?

[iliketime]

Hey everyone, out of curiosity, does your vintage rolex make sounds, such as noisy rotor? Thanks!

[DevinH]

My Sub was built 84-85 and it makes no sounds coming from the case unless I literally put it almost inside my ear.


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[Aceldama]

My 5513 made a noise every time I swirled my watch or raised it to look at the time. Sounded like a squeak. I was sending my watch in for a period correct crown, crystal and a new reversing wheel, so I sent it in for a service as well. Ended up not needing a full service, but the rotor did need lubrication. No more squeak.

[thenewguyguys]

Originally Posted by iliketime

Hey everyone, out of curiosity, does your vintage rolex make sounds, such as noisy rotor? Thanks!

My 1603 sounds a bit when I shake it, I believe its the rotor.

[rootbeer7]

Big-block makes a great sound as you move your wrist and you can feel the rotor, almost like it's breathing!

[themaninblack]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Big-block makes a great sound as you move your wrist and you can feel the rotor, almost like it's breathing!

Valjoux/ETA automatic rotors were markedly more noisy than Rolex movements IME.

[Richard Carver]

If your rotor has been in there long enough to wear/dry out and start making noise that's a great indicator you need a full service.

[michael067]

Both my 71 GMT and 72 DD do not make any unusual sounds.

[jdmi32]

My creaky knees make more sounds than any of my watches.

[offrdmania]

Originally Posted by iliketime

Hey everyone, out of curiosity, does your vintage rolex make sounds, such as noisy rotor? Thanks!

When was the last time your movement was serviced? Is it dry, does it need to be lubed up?

[hartenfels]

Originally Posted by Aceldama

My 5513 made a noise every time I swirled my watch or raised it to look at the time. Sounded like a squeak. I was sending my watch in for a period correct crown, crystal and a new reversing wheel, so I sent it in for a service as well. Ended up not needing a full service, but the rotor did need lubrication. No more squeak.

I made the same experience with two of my 1675. Rotor suffered a lack of lubrification and that was it

Best, Heiko

[thenewguyguys]

If the watch keeps perfect time but the rotor sounds should you be worried or not?

[Richard Carver]

A Rolex will perform long past the point the oil has dried up but it really isn't good for it. All the other parts are wearing along with the rotor, you just can't hear them. Depends on your world view, some people service it when it needs it (like now), some guys would rather take a beating than spend money on maintenance. Up to you, if it starts to run poorly you can always flip it and let the next guy give it what it needs.

I take care of mine, I rarely sell one so maintenance is important. I've never understood owning an expensive watch and not taking care of it.

Wearing this one today, serviced in August of 2014.

[crowncollection]

Lack of lubrication causes rotor axle wear that is likely the sound IMHO


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[victorescu]

I;ve owned many vintage Datejusts and they all had that sound even after servicing. My vintage Sub (5513) on the other hand never sounded like that.
I am assuming that the rotor gets very little loose after many decades of work and touches the inside of the caseback which is thinner on Datejusts.

[brandrea]

I can hear my 5513 rotor hum a little bit. It's a beautiful sound

[sitka39]

Originally Posted by Richard Carver

A Rolex will perform long past the point the oil has dried up but it really isn't good for it. All the other parts are wearing along with the rotor, you just can't hear them. Depends on your world view, some people service it when it needs it (like now), some guys would rather take a beating than spend money on maintenance. Up to you, if it starts to run poorly you can always flip it and let the next guy give it what it needs.

I take care of mine, I rarely sell one so maintenance is important. I've never understood owning an expensive watch and not taking care of it.

Wearing this one today, serviced in August of 2014.

What a beautiful watch you have there sir...

[Richard Carver]

Originally Posted by sitka39

What a beautiful watch you have there sir...

Thank you sir!

[iliketime]

ah i see, perhaps its best to take it in then! thanks everyone