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Old 21 July 2017, 03:52 AM   #1
MorganDavies
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Water resistance of unworn, aged stock

Hi everyone

I wonder if somebody could help. I'm considering buy an Explorer I - in unworn condition - from 2001. My question is: can I use assume it will be as waterproof as a brand new watch...or will time and lack of use have played a part in a lack of efficacy in this or any other regard? I swim in the sea most days...

Many thanks in advance and apologies if it's a stupid question!
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Old 21 July 2017, 04:02 AM   #2
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Not a stupid question, I assume it's OK but for peace of mind just have it tested. Most watchmakers can do it and usually it's quick and cheap.
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Old 21 July 2017, 06:05 AM   #3
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Thanks. Sound advice.
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Old 21 July 2017, 06:47 AM   #4
rootbeer7
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I would definitely have it tested.
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Old 23 July 2017, 12:40 AM   #5
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Replace the gaskets.
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Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
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Old 23 July 2017, 07:39 AM   #6
flintsghost
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It needs to be pressure tested and all watchmakers don't have that equipment. Most have somebody they can send it to for that. Gaskets and seals may or may not be good with time. Having them replaced is not guarrantee that it will be water tight. Only pressure testing will guarrantee it will be water tight.
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Old 23 July 2017, 09:37 AM   #7
TG3N
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The watch's water resistance largely depends upon gaskets.

Gaskets are made of rubber, and rubber degrades, stiffens & becomes more brittle with age, so even if the unworn watch has (as is likely) been kept in clement environmental conditions, I wouldn't go near water without at very least a quick & easy pressure test from an AD. That will probably be a 'dry' air pressure test though.

As regards the internal movement, you'll encounter many schools of thought. Being unused, the parts will be new & unworn, but their remaining so in later usage will very much depend upon the efficacy of the oil used. Modern oils don't displace or degrade as readily as their predecessors, and the biggest cause of thickening is exposure to oxygen. My opinion is that degradation happens most readily through 'churn' of oil in movement - certain parts within a watch move upwards of half a million times a day - i.e. as parts move, more of the oil surface is exposed to oxygen. So, the oils may still be ok at present.

All that said, I personally wouldn't be keen to spend that much on a quality 16-year old watch and then jump into the ocean. Plenty of cheap (but excellent) Seikos or G-shocks can do that for you and be kept in a changing bag, if you must know the time whilst swimming.

Better to pressure test it, wear for a while on dry land to gauge the performance, and factor in a full service in a few years - after that, you'll have zero cause for concern about sporting such a lovely & capable watch in any conditions, wet or otherwise.
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Old 23 July 2017, 11:33 AM   #8
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Salt & sand are pretty hard on metals, even SS.
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Old 23 July 2017, 09:09 PM   #9
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It needs to be pressure tested and all watchmakers don't have that equipment. Most have somebody they can send it to for that. Gaskets and seals may or may not be good with time. Having them replaced is not guarrantee that it will be water tight. Only pressure testing will guarrantee it will be water tight.
Of course it needs to be pressure tested. But the thing is 16 years old, new gaskets are cheaper than dirt, I would have them replaced anyway.
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Old 23 July 2017, 09:17 PM   #10
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That was funny Bas.

Not much about Rolex is 'dirt cheap'.

If he takes it to a RSC will they insist on a full service?
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Old 23 July 2017, 10:02 PM   #11
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That was funny Bas.

Not much about Rolex is 'dirt cheap'.

If he takes it to a RSC will they insist on a full service?


They can't force a customer anything, customer is king. Personally I'd recommend a full service (minus polishing) as well, lubricants are likely to be dry after 16 years.

But I'm serious, gaskets are really cheap and they have to be replaced.
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Old 23 July 2017, 10:09 PM   #12
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Old 25 July 2017, 08:39 PM   #13
MorganDavies
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Thank you, everyone - for advice that's both interesting and sensible.
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Old 25 July 2017, 08:46 PM   #14
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Thank you, everyone - for advice that's both interesting and sensible.
Follow Bas advice and you'll be fine.
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Old 25 July 2017, 09:26 PM   #15
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Bas is right.
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