Service for NOS unworn 2007

[Atlanta]

First post in many years although I read all the time. I just acquired an unworn NOS 2007 Explorer that will be my daily wearer. When a watch has sat for 15 years, are there concerns or things to be mindful of?

[emersm]

I don’t have the answer, but would love to see some pictures of the Explorer.

[winst]

Congratulations, sounds great - some pictures would be nice! It sounds like you wouldn’t need a full service but I would think you would be wise to ask a dealer / watch maker to check it out and lubricate it.

[shaunylw]

Oils have a shelf life, personally i would service the movement then wear it another 10 years without issue. Seems odd since it’s just been sitting there, but i think it’s worth the $500. I would want seals changed and in general the piece of mind that comes with pressure testing, changing seals and servicing. Post some pics!


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[Henrimontgomery]

The faster you bring it to RSC, the faster you know what needs to be done ;)

[Atlanta]

Picking up at 3pm tomorrow and will post pix! Think I’ll go ahead and do the service.

[zjd168]

I would just wear it for like 1 month and see if there is anything abnormal. If everything is ok and running accurately, then I won't worry about the service for now.

[Oystersteel92]

Originally Posted by Atlanta

First post in many years although I read all the time. I just acquired an unworn NOS 2007 Explorer that will be my daily wearer. When a watch has sat for 15 years, are there concerns or things to be mindful of?

My personal philosophy on this is to wear it for a couple months and see how she runs, but also not to trust the seals. If it runs well, plan on a service within the year, if it runs poorly, service right away. Once she's back from RSC, 2 year warranty and you know the Oyster integrity is there.

[mmaggi]

Why not just wear the watch and monitor it's performance first? That's what I always do with any watch I buy. If the performance is acceptable to you then why would you bring it in for service?

[Nikrnic]

Personally I wouldn't go the RSC route. I'd have a professional watch repair tech service it. Most likely only oil & pressure test. I have a 2005 Gmt thats practically unworn until i bought it one year ago from the orig owner, it's never been touched, now running +3 with a power reserve of 43 hrs so just debating when to drop it off. RSC, not for me, not on this one.

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[jamesbondOO7]

I bought a NOS 16600 from 2008 4 years ago and only had it serviced 2 years later when it became slightly fast.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Atlanta

First post in many years although I read all the time. I just acquired an unworn NOS 2007 Explorer that will be my daily wearer. When a watch has sat for 15 years, are there concerns or things to be mindful of?

Depends on how it's been stored.

The biggest concern may be the different seals that may have degraded if it's been exposed to extreme conditions.

[Little machines]

Good luck !! I think service would be a good precaution usually oil , seals probably be only needed .

[csaltphoto]

Just depends how it runs. Mine was manufactured 2009-2010. Bought 2 years ago in almost unworn condition. It was running fast and oils were dried out so needed a service. But as always, YMMV. Seals were fine (it pressure tested OK and visual inspection) but were replaced as part of service.

[Mr DateJust]

My NOS 5 digit Explorer 2 had sat in the AD for about 4 or 5 years (back when they were totally not wanted). I got around 5 years wear before it needed a service. Obviously 15 years could be a different story. The oil will be the weak link as it could have dried out.

[doramas]

I wouldn't do you any service. I'm sure the watch is in perfect condition and even to put it in the water.
I know many Rolexes that are over 20 years old that have not been serviced and are still watertight.

[Kliminator]

If it runs fine I wouldn't send it in for service immediately.

[Geckobros]

Personally I would have it serviced, why worry?

Looking forward to the pictures.

[THC]

Wear it and see, then decide later

[Verdi]

Originally Posted by THC

Wear it and see, then decide later

This!

[Rashid.bk]

Those seals would be my only concern, a lot is riding on them still being in fully serviceable condition. After finally finding such a lovely watch would be a shame to take such a risk.
A cursory look by your local ADs watchmaker would let you know it's status and that would be very easy to do. Then decide from there.

[214270Explorer]

Jim, I would STRONGLY suggest that you contact by phone or email, one of the true CW21-trained watchmakers -- Bob Ridley in Texas, or his son Phillip, in Mesa, Arizona.

Phillip has done work for me. You can email him at phillip@ridleywatchmakers.com

He can advise you via phone or email and he will NOT suggest a full service UNLESS it is absolutely necessary. The Ridley's are honest and forthright. They both have experience beyond belief and will know if/what your NOS watch needs, if anything.

Get the straight story instead of the "50-50" you are receiving with the above responses. Don't potentially compromise your watch with possible misdirection.

(Definitely do not put it into water until you know for certain!)

[joli160]

If it runs fine leave it alone or even better as Rashid suggested have a watchmaker test it on a time grapher