Triplock Crown Winding Question

[illiguy]

My 14060 recently had a movement service, but the Triplock Crown does not wind as buttery smooth as my SubC Date, nor does it “catch” and tighten/screw down as smoothly as my other Rolex watches.

Did some forum searches, and it seems like this shouldn’t adversely affect the watch. In other words, so long as the watch winds and screws down then it shouldn’t be a major problem.

Do I have this right, or should I send it in to my watch repairer to get a new OEM Triplock Crown put in?

[007Sub]

Winding smoothness doesn’t depend on the crown so much as many other parts inside the movement... so if this feels rough that may be an issue with the movement. However threading the crown back to case is a separate issue. If this doesn’t feel right please explain a bit more as to why... it should be smooth.

Also the newer movements will feel a little less resistance when winding compared to the older ones (not while threading to case though).


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[illiguy]

Thanks, Greg. Appreciate your input and follow-up. To be more precise, I think winding the watch feels ok, but certainly different and less smooth in comparison to my 2019 Submariner Date (116610LN).

For my other Rolex watches (e.g., Datejust 116234 and Submariner Date), after winding and when I go to screw back down the crown, I’ll turn slightly backwards so the thread “catches” and then I tighten clockwise until I feel slight resistance.

With my 14060, the crown doesn’t “pop out” as easily when loosening from a screwed down position and it also requires a bit more force to thread and screw down in comparison to my other watches. I never get the tactile “catch” feeling of the thread on the 14060.

Hope that helps.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by 007Sub

Winding smoothness doesn’t depend on the crown so much as many other parts inside the movement... so if this feels rough that may be an issue with the movement. However threading the crown back to case is a separate issue. If this doesn’t feel right please explain a bit more as to why... it should be smooth.

Also the newer movements will feel a little less resistance when winding compared to the older ones (not while threading to case though).


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I am going to take this one into my watchmaker.

[037]

Who did the service work? Was the movement simply cleaned, reassembled and oiled or were worn parts replaced?

As Greg mentioned above, it sounds like the tube and crown might need replaced as well. He's correct in that it wouldn't affect how smoothly it winds. I suspect worn parts (reversing wheels for example) might not have been replaced. But, that's just a guess based on minimal info.

[illiguy]

Originally Posted by 037

Who did the service work? Was the movement simply cleaned, reassembled and oiled or were worn parts replaced?

As Greg mentioned above, it sounds like the tube and crown might need replaced as well. He's correct in that it wouldn't affect how smoothly it winds. I suspect worn parts (reversing wheels for example) might not have been replaced. But, that's just a guess based on minimal info.

Sorry for delayed response. I am wearing my 14060 (N Serial - c. 1991) today and noticed the winding issue when powering up. Bought this watch in Fall 2019. Reputable seller had noted that the watch movement had recently been serviced (back in Fall 2019) with “good amplitude“. It’s running about -9 seconds/day right now.

Separately, I had the watch pressure tested by a local, respected watchmaker. I also had the watchmaker check out the winding mechanism and he did a repair using genuine OEM Rolex parts.

That all said, when I wind the watch it definitely feels more “stiff” or “gritty” (can’t think of better termS) compared to my other, more modern Rolex watches. This includes a a 116520, 116610, 14060M, 116234, etc. For all the others, the winding action feels smooth (“buttery” or “velvety” - again, can’t think of better words).

I guess I am wondering if this sounds like an issue with my watch or something that’s par for the course for a now, 29 year old watch.

P.S. Not sure if this is relevant (and an issue), but changing the time/minute hands forward is reverse from my other Rolex watches. Meaning the movement of the crown - clockwise v counter-clockwise. This always catches me a bit by surprise when I haven’t worn the 14060 in a while. Normal?

Thanks!

[illiguy]

Update: Took to a local, CMW21 and Rolex Certified Watchmaker for service.


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[214270Explorer]

"Grittiness" is not a good thing. Some resistance can be felt on occasion with new seals compared to older very worn ones, but the gritty feeling . . . .

[watchmaker]

Just got clarification, is your watch a 14060 (as you have said) or a 14060M?

If it is the former, that has a different movement generation (30xx vs 31xx) so you’re comparing apples and oranges.

If it’s the latter then there shouldn’t be a substantial difference between the two so it may indicate something isn’t quite right.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by watchmaker

Just got clarification, is your watch a 14060 (as you have said) or a 14060M?

If it is the former, that has a different movement generation (30xx vs 31xx) so you’re comparing apples and oranges.

If it’s the latter then there shouldn’t be a substantial difference between the two so it may indicate something isn’t quite right.

Its from 1991 so 30xx movement.