Water in movement

[Deroya]

If water has been pooled inside a Rolex movement for up to a year, is the movement 100% trashed? Or can some of it be salvaged. The watch will be coming to me in a few days I will be able to take the caseback off and inspect more.

It is my Mother's older DJ, and she saw it had water in it one day and threw it in the drawer while she looked for a new one. A year later and I am just finding out about this blasphemy! She wore it daily for 15 years traveling the world that kind of sentimental value I couldn't let her scrap it. I asked to take for a project / potential gift for my wife someday but it isn't looking very promising.

The dial is absolutely ruined and it is safe to assume a movement/dial would prob cost more than the watch is worth anyway, but maybe I could source something on eBay and have a third party do the work. Will post pictures momentarily of what i have.

[Deroya]

This is going to hurt the eyes.

IMG_8645.jpg


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SemperFi]

That is sad. I don’t know what the outcome will be but keep us posted.

[MikeyV]

Wow, it's actually full of water. Bummer.

[inadeje]

The fact its still full of water means that it hasn’t evaporated or escaped = little to no oxygen has entered to create oxide (rust). So, I am not trying to build up your hopes, but it would be worse if the water wasn’t there, understand?

[Bigblu10]

I can guarantee you the movement is trash. Water can destroy a movement in far less than a year

[SN13]

This hurts my soul more than my eyes.

[usling15]

Sorry to say, that movement is trash. Puts the "T" in Tropical. You'll have to start a search for a new movement & gaskets.

[Chaching]

I would parts it out and get another that is jacked!

[pickettt]

Put some sea monkeys in it.

[oldman2005]

Looks bad, wonder how much RSC wants for to replace dial/hands/movement

[RJRJRJ]

As somebody who has had water in the movement, I can tell you that thing not only needs a full service, but probably a new movement and dial entirely + more.

[ltmgeller]

Thats terrible. See what RSC would charge to repair it. It might be worth it.

[shaunylw]

Originally Posted by ltmgeller

Thats terrible. See what RSC would charge to repair it. It might be worth it.

It’s getting a dial and hands for certain. Hopefully not a full movement but it would be cool to have it restored either way. Especially something your mom wore for so long.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bigblu10]

Originally Posted by oldman2005

Looks bad, wonder how much RSC wants for to replace dial/hands/movement

More than the watch cost brand new, likely

[Deroya]

We will see in a few days. I will post some pictures of the movement once it comes in... I am really curious what it looks like


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Bxtek]

Wow, that is sad! Those pictures were definitely hard to look at. I'm looking forward to what you find out and what it may cost to repair. It's definitely too valuable (sentimentally) to scrap. No matter what, it would be nice to keep in the family with the cool history behind it.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Deroya

We will see in a few days. I will post some pictures of the movement once it comes in... I am really curious what it looks like


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Looks like a job for Rikki.

What caused the water to get into the watch in the first place.
It's rather catastrophic.

Please don't tell us she left the Winding crown unscrewed

[bluered]

My dad had the crown broke of his DD in a pool.water entered the case . "Two weeks" later it was at Dallas being looked at. Verdict new movement needed!

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by shaunylw

It’s getting a dial and hands for certain. Hopefully not a full movement but it would be cool to have it restored either way. Especially something your mom wore for so long.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

IMO the movement is the only thing that makes it the same watch someone wore. Bracelets can get replaced, dials, hands and even a case... but the movement is the watch to me. Once that's gone its a different watch. I would trash it at that point as there would be no sentimentality left

[SkyJuice]

Originally Posted by dirt

what caused the water to get into the watch in the first place.
It's rather catastrophic.

+1

[SearChart]

That watch is most likely trashed and a new movement is not cheap.

[BLNRasDanko]

Ded

[Rebel]

I hope it comes out acceptable to you and for you.

[GoingPlaces]

Sad day. Hurts the eyes. Good luck and let us know!

[christo4]

Ouch!

What a horrible fate.

Instead of repairing the movement, you could pursue a used DJ with identical dial ....and simply swap-in/on your Mom's bracelet.

A quick service and polish and TA DA: Mom might never be the wiser and you might save some money.

[77T]

As it is now a project, let’s refocus on what is unharmed. Be an optimist vs. giving up...

The bracelet and clasp and endlinks just need DIY cleaning. The midcase and caseback and crystal also just need cleaning. (You can source another crystal if you like but the existing one may be fine)

The dial can be refinished for a fraction of the cost of a new dial. Remember, we’re not needing a new dial if your Mom can still wear it proudly - only a WIS would see a refinished dial.

The hands may only need ultrasonic if they are 18k gold.

You will need a gasket kit that any watchmaker would get for a regular service anyway.

Now for the biggest cost - a used movement. I’ve been down this road and can tell you there are perfectly good, old movements around that will include the crown and date disc - and they needn’t cost more than half the value of the watch. Just be patient - it may take a year or more of searching.

It can be done - and if you are up to it - then you will be very happy when you succeed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Deroya]

Originally Posted by 77T

As it is now a project, let’s refocus on what is unharmed. Be an optimist vs. giving up...

The bracelet and clasp and endlinks just need DIY cleaning. The midcase and caseback and crystal also just need cleaning. (You can source another crystal if you like but the existing one may be fine)

The dial can be refinished for a fraction of the cost of a new dial. Remember, we’re not needing a new dial if your Mom can still wear it proudly - only a WIS would see a refinished dial.

The hands may only need ultrasonic if they are 18k gold.

You will need a gasket kit that any watchmaker would get for a regular service anyway.

Now for the biggest cost - a used movement. I’ve been down this road and can tell you there are perfectly good, old movements around that will include the crown and date disc - and they needn’t cost more than half the value of the watch. Just be patient - it may take a year or more of searching.

It can be done - and if you are up to it - then you will be very happy when you succeed.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

I love this... Appreciate your optimism! Small goals will go a long way. They are shipping it to me today so I am pretty anxious to get it. I will be nervous to open it right away as one guy mentioned the oxygen will be its worst enemy. It may be wise to take it to someone immediately but I want to get in and see the damage. Maybe I can open it get the water out and try to get the movement and inner case as dry as I can quickly with a low heat air dryer or something.

And the water got in I am pretty sure due to a broken seal in the caseback. Nothing to do with the crown or crystal.

[MTBer]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

IMO the movement is the only thing that makes it the same watch someone wore. Bracelets can get replaced, dials, hands and even a case... but the movement is the watch to me. Once that's gone its a different watch. I would trash it at that point as there would be no sentimentality left

I'm not disagreeing, considering it's fair to say the movement is the 'soul' of the watch, but I find it interesting that it's the movement that makes it 'the same watch someone wore', because the movement is the only part mentioned that in all probability is never seen nor touched by the wearer. Likewise, it's the only component that doesn't show the wearer 'patina', 'battle scars', 'tell a story', or whatever sentimentalism can be ascribed.

Reminds me of the Theseus' Ship Paradox.

[Chadridv]

Good luck! Will be following to see what happens.