The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > Rolex & Tudor Watch Topics > Vintage Rolex Discussion

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 9 July 2018, 02:30 PM   #31
Jfullm42
2024 Pledge Member
 
Jfullm42's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2013
Real Name: Jeff
Location: Seattle, WA
Watch: 16600
Posts: 4,052
Private message sent with a local watchmaker who will pressure test it for you and be able to help if it doesn't pass :)
__________________
Instagram - Jfullm42time / Jfullm42time2 (backup)
Jfullm42 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 July 2018, 08:36 PM   #32
fastfreddie
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Uk
Posts: 164
He first rinsed it in ice water, yes straight down.Did not seem to hold any terroirs for him.
fastfreddie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 9 July 2018, 08:41 PM   #33
fastfreddie
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Uk
Posts: 164
He rinsed it in ice water first,yes straight down, didn’t hold any terroirs for him.
fastfreddie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 July 2018, 12:43 AM   #34
fastfreddie
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Uk
Posts: 164
Have tried to post twice please ignore if repeats. Rinsed in ice water first then straight down Did not hold any terroirs for him.
fastfreddie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 July 2018, 12:45 AM   #35
fastfreddie
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Uk
Posts: 164
A little hiccup.
fastfreddie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 July 2018, 01:29 AM   #36
bmwlightfoot
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 4
Thanks to all for your suggestions and help. The watch is now with Watchmakers International, Inc. in Arlington, Texas. The owner there assures me that the watch can be made watertight again.

The culprit from the last fix, which caused the problem, seems to be the crown and case tube. The crown wasn't long enough to provide a seal. Screwing down the crown resulted in less than one full turn. The watchmaker tells me it should be two to three turns.

Not cheap and not fast but I'm confident it will be done right this time.
bmwlightfoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 10 July 2018, 01:32 AM   #37
AJDay
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: NJ
Posts: 88
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwlightfoot View Post
Thanks to all for your suggestions and help. The watch is now with Watchmakers International, Inc. in Arlington, Texas.


It’s in great hands!
AJDay is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 14 July 2018, 03:30 AM   #38
pozer
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: Austin
Posts: 35
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwlightfoot View Post
Thanks to all for your suggestions and help. The watch is now with Watchmakers International, Inc. in Arlington, Texas. The owner there assures me that the watch can be made watertight again.

The culprit from the last fix, which caused the problem, seems to be the crown and case tube. The crown wasn't long enough to provide a seal. Screwing down the crown resulted in less than one full turn. The watchmaker tells me it should be two to three turns.

Not cheap and not fast but I'm confident it will be done right this time.
How long did he say, out of curiosity?
pozer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 July 2018, 08:45 PM   #39
fastfreddie
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Uk
Posts: 164
Just the amount of time it takes to say, out of curiosity
fastfreddie is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 31 July 2018, 07:48 AM   #40
bmwlightfoot
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Seattle
Posts: 4
Wait Time

I was quoted 6-8 weeks in the queue before they can work on the watch. That's a long time for my left wrist to be without my watch. I'm trying to be patient.
bmwlightfoot is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 07:30 AM   #41
R.W.T.
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 1,973
I just made a 76 year old one waterproof last week.
R.W.T. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 08:16 AM   #42
Richard Carver
"TRF" Member
 
Richard Carver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: US
Posts: 2,237
Quote:
Originally Posted by R.W.T. View Post
I just made a 76 year old one waterproof last week.
Good to see you!
Richard Carver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 08:29 AM   #43
R.O.L.E.X
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: N/A
Posts: 213
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwlightfoot View Post
I was quoted 6-8 weeks in the queue before they can work on the watch. That's a long time for my left wrist to be without my watch. I'm trying to be patient.
It sounds like you need more watches.
R.O.L.E.X is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 08:49 AM   #44
77T
2024 Pledge Member
 
77T's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Real Name: PaulG
Location: Georgia
Posts: 40,568
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwlightfoot View Post
I was quoted 6-8 weeks in the queue before they can work on the watch. That's a long time for my left wrist to be without my watch. I'm trying to be patient.


This sounds like a good reason to shop the classifieds here. Everyone needs a pair - both don’t have to be Rolex of course.

I’ve had one vintage Omega in the shop for more than a year.

Good luck with the rework and both my 49 y.o. DJ and my Dad’s 55 y.o. Omega were both waterproof after their recent service. So you should expect the same.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
__________________


Does anyone really know what time it is?
77T is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 1 August 2018, 09:34 AM   #45
R.W.T.
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 1,973
Quote:
Originally Posted by 77T View Post
This sounds like a good reason to shop the classifieds here. Everyone needs a pair - both don’t have to be Rolex of course.

I’ve had one vintage Omega in the shop for more than a year.

Good luck with the rework and both my 49 y.o. DJ and my Dad’s 55 y.o. Omega were both waterproof after their recent service. So you should expect the same.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
My only quarrel with Omega is the crown...so much is in the crown...it's akin to "super oyster" crown basically as most non screw down waterproof crowns are/were. They don't work very well after a time and many of the crowns for vintage omega...are not available. There really is no repair for them. A Screw down Rolex crown has to get pretty bad to not pass with a new gasket or gasket and tube.

The Omega 5xx series movements are very nice movements. They run well and time well generally.
R.W.T. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2022, 02:34 AM   #46
Paka
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Europe
Watch: IWC Big Pilot 5002
Posts: 248
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwlightfoot View Post
...and this was his response:

[I]Waterproofness isn’t a permanent state. A watch this is watertight will not remain so in perpetuity (even if left unserviced) — and — each time a watch is serviced (taken apart, cleaned, polished, and put back together again), it affects watertightness.
This is 100% bullshit. Vintage submariner is as waterproof as a new submariner IF the seals and tube are new.
Paka is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2022, 03:51 AM   #47
TimeLord2
2024 Pledge Member
 
TimeLord2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Valencia, CA
Watch: GMT Master 1675/3
Posts: 2,028
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paka View Post
This is 100% bullshit. Vintage submariner is as waterproof as a new submariner IF the seals and tube are new.
Old post but your assessment is still accurate.
TimeLord2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2022, 04:19 AM   #48
Dan S
2024 Pledge Member
 
Dan S's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Colorado, USA
Posts: 5,841
It depends.
__________________
@oldwatchdan on IG
Dan S is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2022, 05:13 AM   #49
Black Bay Dan
2024 Pledge Member
 
Black Bay Dan's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Real Name: Dan
Location: Chichester
Watch: Tudor Black Bay
Posts: 1,483
My Datejust 1601 which was manufactured circa 1967 was serviced by Rolex in 2009 and is fully waterproof. Strange to hear otherwise.
__________________
Tudor Heritage Black Bay 79220R (2015)
Tudor Black Bay GMT 79830RB (2022)
Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight 79030B (2023)
Black Bay Dan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2022, 05:47 AM   #50
TimeLord2
2024 Pledge Member
 
TimeLord2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: Valencia, CA
Watch: GMT Master 1675/3
Posts: 2,028
Perhaps I was a little too hasty in my agreement. @Dan_S is definitely correct in that there are other factors involved in water resistance—that have already been mentioned I might add. That would include the mating surfaces of the steel and the quality of the crystal, and the newness and pliability of the seals, also no warpage on the case, quality of surfaces without pitting, etc… Rolex is not manufacturing any "new" parts for these watches either. Acrylic crystals may become compromised by age, even those NOS that look fine may be brittle enough to develop a hairline crack below the press fit seal. Dependence will turn to after market parts, really already has, with companies like TruDome.

My own watch was serviced recently and passed the pressure test but I would never knowingly take it in water given the rarity of the dial. Just not worth it. I have other watches for that assuming I even need to wear one. Nice to know it has passed just in case I get pushed off a pier or something. Keep your vintage dry unless you really don't give a rats ass about the cost of replacement if that is even possible with some of the rare dials. Would you dive with a COMEX Submariner? Is it that important that it still performs its original function?
TimeLord2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2022, 09:27 AM   #51
zapokee
"TRF" Member
 
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Japan
Posts: 4,342
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paka View Post
...Vintage submariner is as waterproof as a new submariner IF the seals and tube are new.
Not necessarily. If the groove in which the rubber caseback seal sits is in an advanced state of corrosion, a new seal (gasket) even with a healthy dollop of grease won't make it waterproof.

You'd need either a new case or laser welding to make it waterproof.

Edit: Just realized I've essentially said the same thing as you, TimeLord2. I'd be interested in hearing the set of circumstances that would end in you being pushed off a pier.
zapokee is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2022, 05:36 PM   #52
TuRo
"TRF" Member
 
TuRo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Real Name: Paul
Location: Cantabrigia - G.B
Watch: ing the detectives
Posts: 2,418
The best bit of this thread is the great man Richard Carvers (r.i.p) 'absolute idiocy' comment in 18 - I do love a non-fence-sitter!
__________________
These are the seasons of emotion
And like the wind, they rise and fall
This is the wonder of devotion
I see the torch, We all must hold
RAIN SONG - Led Zeppelin.
TuRo is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2022, 06:02 PM   #53
fmc000
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: Fabio
Location: Como - Italy
Posts: 4,811
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paka View Post
This is 100% bullshit. Vintage submariner is as waterproof as a new submariner IF the seals and tube are new.
Even ignoring corrosion within the tube and the caseback, this is not true for the watches with plexy crystals. To maintain waterproofness they have to be changed too because they degrade over time.
fmc000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 16 September 2022, 07:33 PM   #54
Old Expat Beast
TRF Moderator & 2024 Patron
 
Old Expat Beast's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2013
Real Name: Adam
Location: Hong Kong
Watch: SEIKO
Posts: 28,262
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paka View Post
This is 100% bullshit. Vintage submariner is as waterproof as a new submariner IF the seals and tube are new.
If you must dig up four-year-old posts, make sure it's to post something correct, please, and tone down the language.
__________________
_______________________
Old Expat Beast is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 17 September 2022, 06:51 AM   #55
Filipćo
"TRF" Member
 
Filipćo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2018
Real Name: Filipe
Location: Lisbon & Wadesdah
Watch: Never too many
Posts: 1,898
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paka View Post
This is 100% ******. Vintage submariner is as waterproof as a new submariner IF the seals and tube are new.
Well, Paka has forgotten the crystal's tendency to crack with age and elements' exposure.
Filipćo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 September 2022, 12:39 AM   #56
Paka
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Europe
Watch: IWC Big Pilot 5002
Posts: 248
Quote:
Originally Posted by Filipćo View Post
Well, Paka has forgotten the crystal's tendency to crack with age and elements' exposure.
I didn't know that crystal may crack over time. Without any hit?
Paka is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 September 2022, 12:46 AM   #57
TuRo
"TRF" Member
 
TuRo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2022
Real Name: Paul
Location: Cantabrigia - G.B
Watch: ing the detectives
Posts: 2,418
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paka View Post
I didn't know that crystal may crack over time. Without any hit?
Yes the older tropics, which truly look fabulous of course with their immense domeage, can literally crack overnight - happened to me (I had been on a flight the prior day though - but doubt that is apposite!)
It's why the service acrylics from RSC are designed/shaped differently, higher sides and harder edging from vert to horiz angle - downside is they loose a lot asthetically though!
__________________
These are the seasons of emotion
And like the wind, they rise and fall
This is the wonder of devotion
I see the torch, We all must hold
RAIN SONG - Led Zeppelin.
TuRo is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 19 September 2022, 12:51 AM   #58
fmc000
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: Fabio
Location: Como - Italy
Posts: 4,811
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paka View Post
I didn't know that crystal may crack over time. Without any hit?
Yes, plexy crystals degrade over time. And, in case of radium dialled watches, can even develop inner cracks and eventually shatter.
fmc000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 September 2022, 06:38 PM   #59
Paka
Banned
 
Join Date: Apr 2021
Location: Europe
Watch: IWC Big Pilot 5002
Posts: 248
Wow. I have several vintage Rolex watches with plexi crystals and I swim with them all. And I think I will continue to do so - the plexi shattering is propably quite rare.
Paka is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 19 September 2022, 07:38 PM   #60
fmc000
Banned
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Real Name: Fabio
Location: Como - Italy
Posts: 4,811
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paka View Post
Wow. I have several vintage Rolex watches with plexi crystals and I swim with them all. And I think I will continue to do so - the plexi shattering is propably quite rare.
Indeed but it's the wear caused by age that can be problematic and may cause water ingress without warnings.
fmc000 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

Asset Appeal

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.