Vanessa's Parts Insp. #3... Rotor Axle and Lower Axle Jewel..

[Tools]

If there is a weak part in the Rolex 3135 movement, it is likely the Rotor Axle. This piece provides the pivot point for the self-wind counterweight (Rotor) that rides on top of the movement and it is always in motion when the watch is worn. It extends into the reverser module bushing and rides on the Rotor Axle Jewel..

Lubrication of this item is critical for the auto-wind mechanism to function properly...

Here is where the part that we are talking about is located.......
http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr202/WatchWorkshop/Vanessas%20Tech/Rotor%20Axle%20and%20Jewel/RotorAxle-1.jpg

Here is what it looks like when removed from the rotor:

http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr202/WatchWorkshop/Vanessas%20Tech/Rotor%20Axle%20and%20Jewel/RotorAxle3.jpg

The Rotor Axle is another tiny part, and although it is easy to see in these overgrown photos, it isn't much bigger than one of the dots on your Rolex dial:
http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr202/WatchWorkshop/Vanessas%20Tech/Rotor%20Axle%20and%20Jewel/RotorAxle.jpg

Looking more closely at this part, we can see the wear and tear and why it is a good candidate for change-out at service time. A new one will not have the ridge and flat top like shown as this is where the jewel rides and provides a bearing surface.
http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr202/WatchWorkshop/Vanessas%20Tech/Rotor%20Axle%20and%20Jewel/RotorAxle2.jpg

Speaking of Jewels, here is the rotor jewel that also required replacement. You can see the damage and can easily see why the axle would no be held securely in place and allow the oscillating counter weight to wobble, hitting the top of the movement case and bridges.
http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr202/WatchWorkshop/Vanessas%20Tech/Rotor%20Axle%20and%20Jewel/RotorAxleJewe2.jpg

http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr202/WatchWorkshop/Vanessas%20Tech/Rotor%20Axle%20and%20Jewel/RotorAxleJewel.jpg

Placing the two together, you can see how these fit together during use:
http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr202/WatchWorkshop/Vanessas%20Tech/Rotor%20Axle%20and%20Jewel/RotorAxleJewe3.jpg

And, lastly, you can see how the broken and worn Rotor Axle Lower Jewel is a poor fit on an already worn axle....Both of these Rotor Axles are worn beyond serviceable use.
http://i484.photobucket.com/albums/rr202/WatchWorkshop/Vanessas%20Tech/Rotor%20Axle%20and%20Jewel/RotorAxleJewel4jpg.jpg

[JF23]

Thanks Vanessa and Larry! Very informative. :thumbsup:

[Vanessa]

Well done once more Larry! :thumbsup:

[onkyo]

Thanks Larry for those great close up pics!

[Skutt50]

Great info Vanessa and Lary. Many thanks!

I also wonder how often the problems you describe occur. Could you try some rough estimate on how often you have to change parts like in this tread the rotor axis. One in every 100:d watch or perhaps 10, 25 or even 50 out of 100?

[JJ Irani]

Hey guys.....this is absolutely superb information and so damn interesting. :clap:

Thanks a million!!! :thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Latrodectus]

Wow, it is getting better and better...if that is possible. Thank you guys!

[buz-lh]

Excellent illustrations and explanations. How long did it take these rotor axles and jewels to get to this stage? Why has Rolex never used ball bearings on their rotor axles as most other manufacturers have?

[Vanessa]

Great info Vanessa and Lary. Many thanks!

I also wonder how often the problems you describe occur. Could you try some rough estimate on how often you have to change parts like in this tread the rotor axis. One in every 100:d watch or perhaps 10, 25 or even 50 out of 100?

70%?? It is the most common problem. (the axle, not the jewel)

Usually it's caused by impact... So it can happen to a 1 year old watch (which is under warranty) or a 15 year-old watch that's never been serviced before, you just never know.

This is the reason why some recommend not to golf with your watch on, unless you NEVER hit the ground :dummy: That kind of impact could be enough to hurt the rotor axle.

[Vanessa]

Excellent illustrations and explanations. How long did it take these rotor axles and jewels to get to this stage? Why has Rolex never used ball bearings on their rotor axles as most other manufacturers have?

The ball bearing is patented by ETA I believe.

[diablojota]

70%?? It is the most common problem. (the axle, not the jewel)

Usually it's caused by impact... So it can happen to a 1 year old watch (which is under warranty) or a 15 year-old watch that's never been serviced before, you just never know.

This is the reason why some recommend not to golf with your watch on, unless you NEVER hit the ground :dummy: That kind of impact could be enough to hurt the rotor axle.

Thanks for the information Larry and Vanessa.

I think that my last golf outing is what caused my watch to go wonky, hence the send off for servicing. I don't take my watch off, ever. Although I don't have a tendency to grind my clubs. The first question they asked me was if I had dropped the watch. Impossible for me to do, since it doesn't leave my wrist. But after five years, it was time for a service. It was looking a bit beat up.

[SSD]

Excellent information, superbly illustrated! Thanks, guys!

[Nods]

70%?? It is the most common problem. (the axle, not the jewel)

Usually it's caused by impact... So it can happen to a 1 year old watch (which is under warranty) or a 15 year-old watch that's never been serviced before, you just never know.

This is the reason why some recommend not to golf with your watch on, unless you NEVER hit the ground :dummy: That kind of impact could be enough to hurt the rotor axle.

Thank goodness I hate golf! But what about Clay Target shooting, should I take it off to shoot? (I hate taking my GMT off.)

[hwilsdorf]

This is the reason why some recommend not to golf with your watch on, unless you NEVER hit the ground :dummy: That kind of impact could be enough to hurt the rotor axle.


good thing I couldn't afford a Rolex then, when I used to play golf (now I don't have spare time for it). :rofl: