Newbie stupid question!

[Butchh]

Hello everyone! I’m relatively new to vintage Rolex, and recently purchased a wonderful old 1601 Datejust with a 1.9 serial number. I love everything about the watch. It can be worn as dressy or casual and the two tone version I chose sparkles, and the profile of the case and acrylic crystal is just marvelous.

My question is this: The dealer I purchased from doesn’t guarantee water resistance on these older pieces, and I’m wondering if some dealers do? I love the idea of being able to hop in the pool without worrying about my watch. And do some dealers guarantee the water resistance after they perform a service on a watch? I’d be willing to have my watch serviced if so, although I hate to mess with it since it is keeping COSC time.

Thank you all for indulging those of us who are still learning! The knowledge here is phenomenal and entertaining too!

[Richard Carver]

Most dealers who say that are simply too cheap to replace gaskets or tube and crown or even to test it.

The worst would be a corroded gasket channel, that is terminal and cannot be made waterproof. Hopefully, your dealer doesn't deal in trash.

Take it to a competent watchmaker and tell him/her check the channel and if that's ok to seal it up!

[springer]

They are water resistant at the time they are tested if they pass. A few variables can cause a watch to leak, especially vintage watches. From a cracked crystal that isn't visible (located under the bezel), to faulty/worn gaskets or a loose crown or case back. Additionally, a watch can be known to leak at a later time after testing especially if you are prone to hitting the head or crystal on door jams or other locations.

As Richard mentioned, most vintage Rolex will pass a pressure test especially if properly serviced. Dealers that are flipping watches for profit often times forego a service - due to the additional expense of a service - it cuts down on their profit. Usually a watch needing a service is sold at a lower price and is factored into the price with the dealer.

Personally, I have all the watches I collect and sell checked by my watchmaker before or if they go up for sale. This always includes a service if necessary, timing and all are pressure tested.

[Butchh]

Originally Posted by springer

They are water resistant at the time they are tested if they pass. A few variables can cause a watch to leak, especially vintage watches. From a cracked crystal that isn't visible (located under the bezel), to faulty/worn gaskets or a loose crown or case back. Additionally, a watch can be known to leak at a later time after testing especially if you are prone to hitting the head or crystal on door jams or other locations.

As Richard mentioned, most vintage Rolex will pass a pressure test especially if properly serviced. Dealers that are flipping watches for profit often times forego a service - due to the additional expense of a service - it cuts down on their profit. Usually a watch needing a service is sold at a lower price and is factored into the price with the dealer.

Personally, I have all the watches I collect and sell checked by my watchmaker before or if they go up for sale. This always includes a service if necessary, timing and all are pressure tested.

You guys are knowledgeable and helpful. I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts. Many thanks!

[mrs_LA]

What denotes as a service is completely is dependent on the watchmaker. Same watchmakers who say they pressure test may have just conducted an air pressure test, which the machine can say it passes. This is not enough.

For the watch to be waterproof, it goes through another series of testing, where the watchmaker puts just the case in the water pressure test, and then tests if there is any condensation after putting it on a hot plate, to reveal any possible leaks in the case. After it passes this test, it goes to a real water pressure test with the actual movement inside. Only after it passes this test (according to Rolex specs, if it is an oyster or a sub, or a seadweller, for example) can they guarantee it is waterproof.

Dealers who say that vintage watches should not be in the water have not done such a test.

Since it is running under COSC specs, you can just do an extra service for air and water pressure tests, but make sure it is done by a watchmaker who has the necessary equipment to do so!



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