16600 helium escape value position

[fransking]

Hi there,

Is there such a thing as a 'correct' position for the helium escape valve on a 16600 sea dweller? A year ago my U series SD came back from its third full service and they had replaced the valve.

The old valve (if I am remembering correctly) had a more polished look to it and was slightly recessed into the case. The new one has a darker matt appearance and was flush at the bottom but stuck out a a little at the top because of how the case angles in towards the bezel.

This bugged me for a while but after a lot of googling I managed to find a few examples that looked similar - i.e. not quite flush with the case.

About a month ago because the watch was gaining a little time and because it was under its service guarantee I took it into an AD to have it sent back to Rolex once more. I also asked them to take a look at the valve.

I got the watch back this week and now the valve is fully recessed into the case to the point that it again doesn't look 'normal'.

Any idea what Rolex would have done? Do they have long and short valves and fit depending on customer preference? Seems unlikely right?

Thanks,

Frans

[J!m]

Wow. I have no idea but I've never seen one sunk that deep in the case.

[BoomerSooner]

That doesn't appear correct, it being so sunken inward.

[BoomerSooner]

Found this site with a similar angle with a sunken valve....

http://www.ginault.com/Rolex/Comex-Sea-Dweller.html

[fransking]

Thanks. Yes it does a look a lot like that picture. Not sure how I prefer it - sticking out or sunken in.

I'll have to stop worrying about it :)

[Fredrik]

I would expect dirt to accumulate in the recess and not be happy. It is flush on all of the new ones, isn't it?

[strafer_kid]

I have had quite a few SDs through the years though have not seen a valve set s deeply as that. That said, if Rolex have already serviced it and checked it out, you should be okay.

[fransking]

It was rolex that did it so they must have been happy with it to leave the RSC.

Dirt shouldn't be a problem - nothing a dunk in some water won't clear away.

[fransking]

On the new 4000's yes I think it is perfectly flush. I read another post about some of the 16600's coming back from servicing with slightly non-flush HEVs sticking out of the case as mine was before I sent it back.