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dinosaysrawr · 19 July 2019, 12:27 PM

Got a very clean 1996 explorer ii yesterday with 0 service history. It still has the green Rolex sticker on the caseback which makes me think it's been sitting in a closet for many years without ever having been serviced by Rolex. It's currently running +7 seconds/day.

I want to get it serviced not for the movement overhaul but to verify the watch's waterproofness. What do you guys think I should do? Is it worth sending it in to Rolex for the peace of mind when it comes to waterproofness and at the same time get the movement cleaned? Or should I look for a local watchmaker who can work on it for much cheaper than Rolex?

ExplorerTime · 19 July 2019, 12:43 PM

23 years w/ out a service - possibly

If you can bring it in to a RSC they can tell you, by the serial number, if the watch has been serviced by Rolex

If it has been, as you suspect, a safe queen for many years, that's certainly better for the gaskets etc -

also, it's running 1 second faster than COSC standards, though thats still pretty damn good for a 23 year old watch

What would I do?

I'd bring it in to RSC and have them give it a full service. I'd pay the high price for genuine Rolex parts and not do a polish but when you pick it up you'll have peace of mind that the thing is safe to take in the water and use like it's meant to be used and you could probably wear it for 10 years or more daily w/out another service

that's what I would do

Muxi · 19 July 2019, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExplorerTime

23 years w/ out a service - possibly

If you can bring it in to a RSC they can tell you, by the serial number, if the watch has been serviced by Rolex

If it has been, as you suspect, a safe queen for many years, that's certainly better for the gaskets etc -

also, it's running 1 second faster than COSC standards, though thats still pretty damn good for a 23 year old watch

What would I do?

I'd bring it in to RSC and have them give it a full service. I'd pay the high price for genuine Rolex parts and not do a polish but when you pick it up you'll have peace of mind that the thing is safe to take in the water and use like it's meant to be used and you could probably wear it for 10 years or more daily w/out another service

that's what I would do

Same. Just had a WG Daytona serviced at RSC and I am very happy with the results. + 0.25 seconds per day.

csaltphoto · 19 July 2019, 01:06 PM

I'd do a service. I bought a 10 year old sub that was a safe queen and it looked great but ran fast. It was totally dry on the inside (but looked completely new. Like catalog picture new.). Had a service and runs great now. My understanding is that running the movement when it is dry will accelerate wear on components and I didn't want that with what was essentially a new watch.

At that age I would worry about the gaskets no matter how it was kept.

dinosaysrawr · 19 July 2019, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ExplorerTime

23 years w/ out a service - possibly

If you can bring it in to a RSC they can tell you, by the serial number, if the watch has been serviced by Rolex

If it has been, as you suspect, a safe queen for many years, that's certainly better for the gaskets etc -

also, it's running 1 second faster than COSC standards, though thats still pretty damn good for a 23 year old watch

What would I do?

I'd bring it in to RSC and have them give it a full service. I'd pay the high price for genuine Rolex parts and not do a polish but when you pick it up you'll have peace of mind that the thing is safe to take in the water and use like it's meant to be used and you could probably wear it for 10 years or more daily w/out another service

that's what I would do

Thank you for your input, I'm going to take it to RSC to get it serviced.

Just one more thing, I reside in NYC but am currently in Texas until the end of next month, do you think I should wait until I return to NYC to personally take it to 5th ave Rolex RSC, or should I find an AD near me (I'm in San Antonio so going up to Dallas isn't an option) to get it sent to Dallas?

I assume the service might not be done by the time I have to return to NYC, which would create a bit of a logistical twist but at the same time I've heard that Dallas RSC is better than NYC RSC.

andrewjb88 · 19 July 2019, 01:15 PM

Service, mechanical sympathy and also to be sure the gaskets/seals are still intact.

RJRJRJ · 19 July 2019, 02:09 PM

If it's consistently +7 I would leave it and just get a pressure test locally for $20-30 or whatever they charge you there. A full service is gonna be $700-800. Not worth it imo.

Seibei · 19 July 2019, 06:04 PM

It would be simpler to just avoid swimming with the watch. I would enjoy it as is and if and when it started running badly I would give it a service. If you have to have a watch for swimming just get a Casio. Much easier and cheaper than having your Rolex serviced.

In general I believe that the less your watch is messed with the better.

faimag · 19 July 2019, 06:55 PM

First, the presence of the green sticker on the back means nothing about the history of the watch. Many people wear their watch with the sticker on, and taking it for a service does not mean they would remove the green sticker.

In my opinion, I would suggest an overhaul which will set you back $750-1000 but give you peace of mind and 2 years of warranty.

The other option is to do nothing and just avoid swimming with it. It should still be fine for washing hands, rain, shower, etc.

gunhose · 19 July 2019, 09:00 PM

It's new to you I would wear it until it stops then service it. Minus 7 you can live with unless you're OCD about accuracy.

SearChart · 19 July 2019, 09:05 PM

RSC service and clearly state that you do not want it polished.

1William · 19 July 2019, 09:22 PM

I would get it pressure tested at local AD in Texas and see what the results are. If it is good I would leave it alone until I got home and decided what I wanted to do. I would be tempted to just get the watch regulated if all else was good and wear it until it was not. Any other issues then off to the service center.

chris242 · 19 July 2019, 09:27 PM

When I purchased my 16570 it was 16 years old with the green sticker on it as well, sent it in to RSC for peace of mind. I’d do it, especially if you’re going to be around/in the water with it.

kbutler1 · 19 July 2019, 09:47 PM

Just go to an AD and have them dry pressure test it, they should be able to do that. Have them take a look and advise if it needs a service or if it just needs to be calibrated.

enjoythemusic · 19 July 2019, 10:04 PM

That long without a service record... send to RCS.

WatchBrothersLondon · 19 July 2019, 10:07 PM

Take it to Rolex. Let them put your mind at rest regarding authenticity, movement condition and waterproofness.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

fsprow · 19 July 2019, 10:09 PM

I assume the service might not be done by the time I have to return to NYC, which would create a bit of a logistical twist but at the same time I've heard that Dallas RSC is better than NYC RSC.[/QUOTE]

I have used both the Dallas and NYC RSC’s in person and have found both outstanding.

stevedssd · 19 July 2019, 11:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SearChart

RSC service and clearly state that you do not want it polished.

+1

As it is a 96 model it should be a late Tritium dial. I'd suggest also stating that you do not want the dial or hands replaced.

usling15 · 19 July 2019, 11:27 PM

Even if a safe queen, wouldn’t you have to assume the lubricant has dried. So you got a mint watch with gears running without oil.

dysert · 20 July 2019, 02:48 AM

Dallas RSC is awesome.

Rolexsd4000 · 20 July 2019, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinosaysrawr

Thank you for your input, I'm going to take it to RSC to get it serviced.

Just one more thing, I reside in NYC but am currently in Texas until the end of next month, do you think I should wait until I return to NYC to personally take it to 5th ave Rolex RSC, or should I find an AD near me (I'm in San Antonio so going up to Dallas isn't an option) to get it sent to Dallas?

I assume the service might not be done by the time I have to return to NYC, which would create a bit of a logistical twist but at the same time I've heard that Dallas RSC is better than NYC RSC.

Have Dallas do the service and send it back to you in NY.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mr.Rolex1 · 20 July 2019, 05:12 AM

Its a little fast but i wouldn't worry about it until selling time

dinosaysrawr · 20 July 2019, 05:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rolexsd4000

Have Dallas do the service and send it back to you in NY.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm going to take it to an AD near me, do I need to bring anything other than the watch itself?

ExplorerTime · 20 July 2019, 05:57 AM

No

Just bring the watch

BlueNote · 20 July 2019, 08:26 AM

After 20 years even synthetic oils dry up. It might run, even well, but lack of lubricants can cause scoring / damage. Definitely don’t let whoever services it change the dial or polish the case.

dinosaysrawr · 20 July 2019, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlueNote

After 20 years even synthetic oils dry up. It might run, even well, but lack of lubricants can cause scoring / damage. Definitely don’t let whoever services it change the dial or polish the case.

Got it. Is there anything else I should tell them not to touch? Also, why is polishing/replacement dial bad?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

boogiebot · 20 July 2019, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dinosaysrawr

Got it. Is there anything else I should tell them not to touch? Also, why is polishing/replacement dial bad?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Lots of people just enjoy that work look.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

19 July 2019, 12:27 PM	#1
dinosaysrawr "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: USA Watch: 16570 Posts: 32	To service or not to service Got a very clean 1996 explorer ii yesterday with 0 service history. It still has the green Rolex sticker on the caseback which makes me think it's been sitting in a closet for many years without ever having been serviced by Rolex. It's currently running +7 seconds/day. I want to get it serviced not for the movement overhaul but to verify the watch's waterproofness. What do you guys think I should do? Is it worth sending it in to Rolex for the peace of mind when it comes to waterproofness and at the same time get the movement cleaned? Or should I look for a local watchmaker who can work on it for much cheaper than Rolex?

19 July 2019, 01:15 PM	#6
andrewjb88 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2018 Location: United Kingdom Watch: 16302 Rolex OP Posts: 748	Service, mechanical sympathy and also to be sure the gaskets/seals are still intact. __________________ Rolex Datejust 16203 Omega Seamaster Professional 300m Tudor BB GMT Luch one hand

19 July 2019, 10:04 PM	#15
enjoythemusic 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Real Name: Steven Location: Glocal Posts: 19,401	That long without a service record... send to RCS. __________________ __________________ “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'” -- Hunter S. Thompson Sent from my Etch A Sketch using String Theory.

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19 July 2019, 12:43 PM	#2
ExplorerTime Banned Join Date: May 2019 Location: Los Angeles Watch: 116200/14270 Posts: 95	23 years w/ out a service - possibly If you can bring it in to a RSC they can tell you, by the serial number, if the watch has been serviced by Rolex If it has been, as you suspect, a safe queen for many years, that's certainly better for the gaskets etc - also, it's running 1 second faster than COSC standards, though thats still pretty damn good for a 23 year old watch What would I do? I'd bring it in to RSC and have them give it a full service. I'd pay the high price for genuine Rolex parts and not do a polish but when you pick it up you'll have peace of mind that the thing is safe to take in the water and use like it's meant to be used and you could probably wear it for 10 years or more daily w/out another service that's what I would do

19 July 2019, 01:06 PM	#4
csaltphoto "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: US Watch: sub Posts: 2,290	I'd do a service. I bought a 10 year old sub that was a safe queen and it looked great but ran fast. It was totally dry on the inside (but looked completely new. Like catalog picture new.). Had a service and runs great now. My understanding is that running the movement when it is dry will accelerate wear on components and I didn't want that with what was essentially a new watch. At that age I would worry about the gaskets no matter how it was kept.

19 July 2019, 02:09 PM	#7
RJRJRJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: USA Posts: 3,496	If it's consistently +7 I would leave it and just get a pressure test locally for $20-30 or whatever they charge you there. A full service is gonna be $700-800. Not worth it imo.

19 July 2019, 06:04 PM	#8
Seibei Banned Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: New Zealand Watch: 114060 Posts: 2,630	It would be simpler to just avoid swimming with the watch. I would enjoy it as is and if and when it started running badly I would give it a service. If you have to have a watch for swimming just get a Casio. Much easier and cheaper than having your Rolex serviced. In general I believe that the less your watch is messed with the better.

19 July 2019, 06:55 PM	#9
faimag "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: US, SG, DK, GR Watch: Reverso Posts: 3,069	First, the presence of the green sticker on the back means nothing about the history of the watch. Many people wear their watch with the sticker on, and taking it for a service does not mean they would remove the green sticker. In my opinion, I would suggest an overhaul which will set you back $750-1000 but give you peace of mind and 2 years of warranty. The other option is to do nothing and just avoid swimming with it. It should still be fine for washing hands, rain, shower, etc.

19 July 2019, 09:00 PM	#10
gunhose Banned Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Belgium/ USA now Watch: what's on my wrist Posts: 575	It's new to you I would wear it until it stops then service it. Minus 7 you can live with unless you're OCD about accuracy.

19 July 2019, 09:22 PM	#12
1William 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: North Carolina Watch: Rolex/Others Posts: 44,651	I would get it pressure tested at local AD in Texas and see what the results are. If it is good I would leave it alone until I got home and decided what I wanted to do. I would be tempted to just get the watch regulated if all else was good and wear it until it was not. Any other issues then off to the service center.

19 July 2019, 09:27 PM	#13
chris242 2024 ROLEX DATEJUST41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: The Bahamas Watch: 116610lv Posts: 1,034	When I purchased my 16570 it was 16 years old with the green sticker on it as well, sent it in to RSC for peace of mind. I’d do it, especially if you’re going to be around/in the water with it.

19 July 2019, 09:47 PM	#14
kbutler1 "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2013 Real Name: Kevin Location: Colorado Watch: This one Posts: 633	Just go to an AD and have them dry pressure test it, they should be able to do that. Have them take a look and advise if it needs a service or if it just needs to be calibrated.

19 July 2019, 10:07 PM	#16
WatchBrothersLondon 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Real Name: Ben Location: London, UK Posts: 589	Take it to Rolex. Let them put your mind at rest regarding authenticity, movement condition and waterproofness. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

19 July 2019, 10:09 PM	#17
fsprow "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Real Name: Frank Location: Dallas,NY,Colo. Watch: Patek 5168, 5170P Posts: 2,394	I assume the service might not be done by the time I have to return to NYC, which would create a bit of a logistical twist but at the same time I've heard that Dallas RSC is better than NYC RSC.[/QUOTE] I have used both the Dallas and NYC RSC’s in person and have found both outstanding.

19 July 2019, 11:27 PM	#19
usling15 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 253	Even if a safe queen, wouldn’t you have to assume the lubricant has dried. So you got a mint watch with gears running without oil.

20 July 2019, 02:48 AM	#20
dysert "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 190	Dallas RSC is awesome.

20 July 2019, 05:12 AM	#22
Mr.Rolex1 Banned Join Date: Apr 2019 Real Name: Mike Location: San Diego, CA Watch: Submariner Posts: 1,197	Its a little fast but i wouldn't worry about it until selling time

20 July 2019, 05:57 AM	#24
ExplorerTime Banned Join Date: May 2019 Location: Los Angeles Watch: 116200/14270 Posts: 95	No Just bring the watch

20 July 2019, 08:26 AM	#25
BlueNote "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Connecticut Posts: 153	After 20 years even synthetic oils dry up. It might run, even well, but lack of lubricants can cause scoring / damage. Definitely don’t let whoever services it change the dial or polish the case.

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