Rolex Reversing Wheels

[JimT123]

I just took my two tone Rolex Sub (about 20 year old model) to my local jeweler to get it serviced as its been losing a few minutes a week. It also got a little moisture in it when i was away on vacation and went swimming with it. I have a feeling it was the crown gasket where that leak came from. Anyway....
the jeweler is now saying i need two reversing wheels at an additional cost of $450 installed. Ive never heard of a reversing wheel, is this a common thing to replace?
thanks

[ltmgeller]

Send it to a Rolex service Center. I wouldn't trust a local Jewler to work on my watches.

[JimT123]

thanks...but its there now and getting it back without paying for the work completed would be difficult. Im more curious if anyone else has needed the reversing wheels to be replaced.

[sleddog]

If you did I fact have moisture in your case, then think yourself lucky you aren't having to replace more parts!
As for the watchmaker, does he have a Rolex parts account to acquire genuine parts for repair??
The reversing wheels would be my least concern......

[JimT123]

once again, thanks but answers relating to my question would be helpful... i already did the research on the jeweler and i know they work almost exclusively on Rolex, Audemars, Patek etc. I didnt think twice about it when they told me the watch needed the reversing wheels replaced....however, as i did more research and digging around, i cant really find any info or others who have needed them replaced, so now my curiosity has increased.

[sleddog]

Relating to your question then, I've moved this thread to the Rolex Tech section where you may connect with our forum resident watchmaker, Vanessa.
If anyone can explain why wheels are replaced (or parts in general), the correct section may help your 'specific' question......

I will say however, given the fact your watch is 20 years old, think yourself lucky you aren't replacing more....

[handsfull]

Common if it's 20 years old....check out this recent thread w/pics of some highly worn reversing wheels:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=453618

[lew07]

I have just had My vintage snowflake Tudor Submariner serviced. One of the reversing wheels was replaced as it was wearing. It was done with in the cost of the service.

[Vanessa CW21]

Originally Posted by handsfull

Common if it's 20 years old....check out this recent thread w/pics of some highly worn reversing wheels:

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=453618

Thank you, I was just about to go look for that picture of the reversing wheels in my phone! You saved me quite some time.

The reversing wheels do indeed need to be replaced often, if the service intervals have been excessive, or moisture has entered the movement. The price of $450 extra is ridiculously high though...

[JimT123]

thanks Vanessa....that helps a lot. I have yet to pick up the watch, i will try to get him to come down on price. Would you think that $250 would be a more fair amount to replace the two reversing wheels?

[Vanessa CW21]

Originally Posted by JimT123

thanks Vanessa....that helps a lot. I have yet to pick up the watch, i will try to get him to come down on price. Would you think that $250 would be a more fair amount to replace the two reversing wheels?

I hate to determine other people's pricing, but yeah that's definitely more in the right direction.

Sent from my phone.

[michael067]

I hope a reversing wheel isn't something akin to a "bolt stretcher", or "Chem light recharger"