How I fixed my Sea Dweller that appeared to not be self winding... by myself...

[maxpowerman]

Well done and definitely top marks go to bravery. I wouldn't dare crack the case open on one of my pieces and they're not even Rolex.

Would second the idea of taking it in once the watch tech gets back in to both discuss the shoddy workmanship and to have it pressure tested, etc

Either way, quite an impressive accomplishment!


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[amh]

[ssmith96]

Originally Posted by maxpowerman

Well done and definitely top marks go to bravery. I wouldn't dare crack the case open on one of my pieces and they're not even Rolex.

Would second the idea of taking it in once the watch tech gets back in to both discuss the shoddy workmanship and to have it pressure tested, etc

Either way, quite an impressive accomplishment!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thank you! And yes, its definitely going to go in and I'm going to have a chat with them.

[watchwatcher]

Nicely done.

[dysondiver]

have to ask , what does that wee bit actually do .

[rolexmechanic]

That part locks the beat regulator in place. The beat refers to the position of the balance/roller in relation to the pallet. If they are off the beat will be irregular, ticktick, ticktick instead of tick tick tick.

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[ras47]

There is something extremely satisfying about making a repair yourself and not screwing it up worse. I fixed the bezel spring on my GMT2 when it wasn’t clicking. It’s a dirt-simple mechanism and minor procedure, but takes a delicate touch to keep everything in place for reassembly. Very satisfying feeling when you hear the light clicking sound and feel the notches engaging.

[drmizzou]

Great job! Saved yourself a few months without your watch while at the service center had you sent it in!

[wach16]

Well done!

[RHIII]

Wow! That's pretty good stuff!

[ssmith96]

Originally Posted by rolexmechanic

That part locks the beat regulator in place. The beat refers to the position of the balance/roller in relation to the pallet. If they are off the beat will be irregular, ticktick, ticktick instead of tick tick tick.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Good to know what it actually does.

Would you recommend this go in to someone to get the error on it checked or should I just assume its fine if its keeping good time?

[kilyung]

Granted these are expensive watches but they’re not that hard to work on. In fact, Rolexes are rather simple movements.

[ssmith96]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Granted these are expensive watches but they’re not that hard to work on. In fact, Rolexes are rather simple movements.

I definitely am I not trying to claim I could just dive in and work on this. Seeing it open alone makes me have major respect for the people who work on these.

Regardless, I'm just happy this was an obvious and simple fix.

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by rolexmechanic

That part locks the beat regulator in place. The beat refers to the position of the balance/roller in relation to the pallet. If they are off the beat will be irregular, ticktick, ticktick instead of tick tick tick.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

So it is likely that the watchmaker didn't put it back correctly during regulation? I was reserving judgement just in case he had nothing to do with it. I say again - Cool thread.

[Seanken]

Well done Sir!

Ovet many years I have found that opening up an engine, a toaster, a wall to see electric stuff or a watch to be fairly simple endeavors, but you have to push through and simply LOOK at the mechanism to see if anything doesnt look right. After that "fixing" the problem is often quite simple.

Again, nicely done.

[Andad]

Originally Posted by Onikage

So it is likely that the watchmaker didn't put it back correctly during regulation? I was reserving judgement just in case he had nothing to do with it. I say again - Cool thread.

Could be but looking at the damage on the screw head the watchmaker had a damned good try?

[rolexmechanic]

Originally Posted by Onikage

So it is likely that the watchmaker didn't put it back correctly during regulation? I was reserving judgement just in case he had nothing to do with it. I say again - Cool thread.

Maybe. It it's also possible he did not adjust the beat at all, but only the timing, which is done with the screws on the balance wheel. I'd say give your mechanic the benefit of the doubt in either case.
Glad you were able to diagnose and repair your timepiece.

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[ssmith96]

Originally Posted by directioneng

Could be but looking at the damage on the screw head the watchmaker had a damned good try?

I didn’t notice any damage to the screw head, could have been me, but I don’t really notice anything, maybe a small nick on the metal but that could just be lighting. iPhone pics are good, but not the best.

[rolexmechanic]

Originally Posted by ssmith96

Good to know what it actually does.

Would you recommend this go in to someone to get the error on it checked or should I just assume its fine if its keeping good time?

As far as beat goes, hold it to your ear. Are the "ticks" evenly spaced with the "tocks"? Is so, it is probably close. If not then yes, it should be adjusted. If you moved the lever while installing the screw you might have it checked out on the graph. I would hope your mechanic would not charge just to put it on the timing machine to see if it is in beat. Or have it adjusted when h2o tested. It will not harm the watch to be out of beat. It should be in beat for optimum performance tho.

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[amh]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Granted these are expensive watches but they’re not that hard to work on. In fact, Rolexes are rather simple movements.

Indeed, one can even service it at home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PdyN2doV7A

[HONDABBQ]

As long as you opening the back of the watch doesn't void the jewelers warranty on it.
Might not be in your best interest to tell them you opened it up.

[HogwldFLTR]

Glad to see it works now; hope all goes well with the jeweler and warranty!!!

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by ssmith96

I definitely am I not trying to claim I could just dive in and work on this. Seeing it open alone makes me have major respect for the people who work on these.

Regardless, I'm just happy this was an obvious and simple fix.

No offense intended. You did good. Just pointing out to others not to be afraid to breath on their watches.

Originally Posted by amh

Indeed, one can even service it at home:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PdyN2doV7A

The most difficult part of servicing any watch is parts availability. That’s why I service my own ETA movement watches now. Parts are readily available. I leave Rolex service (beyond basic stuff) to those with a parts account.

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by rolexmechanic

That part locks the beat regulator in place. The beat refers to the position of the balance/roller in relation to the pallet. If they are off the beat will be irregular, ticktick, ticktick instead of tick tick tick.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

many thanks

[RichM]

Not something I would try but good for you. Thanks for sharing the info and photographs.

[ocwatching]

well done...
brave man!
I had the opportunity to dis-assemble and re-assemble a JLC movement and it was impossible...of course my movement didn't work afterwards...

[ssmith96]

Little update, 3 days in and its still running without any manual winding! Appears to also still be around +3/s a day, which is great.

[RXAPPP]

A braver man than I but congrats nontheless. I’d be more worried about how it happened though

[ssmith96]

An update for everyone two weeks later... The watch hasn't stopped running once since I did this repair!!