New Milgauss - light grey gunk/corrosion on crown?

[Horationelson]

I purchased a new Milgauss about 6 weeks ago but have been keeping it in the box since purchase. As strange as that may sound, I’ve been saving it for when we emerge from lock down and I can finally pair it with a suit and go into my office.

I took the watch out this evening to marvel at the dial and try it on the wrist, and noticed a really weird stain on the crown. It’s visibly noticeable to me when on my wrist and is even more noticeable when the crown is unscrewed. What could this be? Surely this shouldn’t be there on a new watch that came fresh from an AD? Sorry can’t do much better macro shots in high enough resolution to upload here.

I didn’t notice this at the time of purchase because the watch was handed over to me in an underground car park (the AD was closed to customers during lockdown, but this is how they were fulfilling purchases). I’m reluctant to start trying to investigate or remove this stain/gunk myself and am unsure whether to take back to the AD or maybe just drop off at RSC, as it’s possible the crown will need replacing?

Any thoughts?

[GoPackGo!]

Looks like some lubrication is coming out of the tube. I'd get it looked at...you don't want anything getting down into the movement after getting in that stuff.

[thenewrick]

Looks like dry lube. Watch has probably never been screwed down and unscrewed and just sat for a very long time

[csaltphoto]

Ya know what's weird? It looks like "pipe dope." Used when joining threaded pipes to make the seal waterproof and help prevent seizing when screwing the metal pieces together. Does Rolex use something that crude? Or maybe it isn't crude at all...

[Gab27]

It looks like white lithium grease, which I believe is what is used by Rolex, and I recall reading that sometimes it can dry out. There are several watchmakers on this forum who would be able to say if there is any reason for you to be concerned.

[Megalobyte]

Rolex uses a synthetic grease called Fomblin.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

Rolex uses a synthetic grease called Fomblin.

Correct and nothing to worry about.

[Horationelson]

Thanks all for the great insight.

So should I just try and wipe this away myself with a cotton tip or similar?

A trip to RSC is easy as it’s about a 15 minute drive for me, and the AD a few minute further away. I guess the former might involve leaving the watch there for days/weeks...

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by Horationelson

So should I just try and wipe this away myself with a cotton tip or similar?

Yes sir, you may safely do so!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Horationelson

Thanks all for the great insight.

So should I just try and wipe this away myself with a cotton tip or similar?

A trip to RSC is easy as it’s about a 15 minute drive for me, and the AD a few minute further away. I guess the former might involve leaving the watch there for days/weeks...

Just screw and unscrew the crown a few times its there to jubicate the crown tube and crown threads plus seal in crown head.

[77T]

Originally Posted by padi56

Just screw and unscrew the crown a few times its there to jubicate the crown tube and crown threads plus seal in crown head.

And I’d add this...
if the residue remains after redistribution as Peter described, take a bit of butchers twine or other cotton string to gently remove the excess.


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[Horationelson]

Thanks all. Screwed in/out a few times and gently wiped away any excess with cotton. Now looking good.

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by Megalobyte

Rolex uses a synthetic grease called Fomblin.

Is this a special type of lithium grease?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Gab27

Is this a special type of lithium grease?

Fomblin is a brand name, but, yes, white lithium grease is what Rolex has used on threads.

[Dmx]

Beautiful watch though

[fskywalker]

Originally Posted by Horationelson

Thanks all. Screwed in/out a few times and gently wiped away any excess with cotton. Now looking good.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Gab27]

Originally Posted by Tools

Fomblin is a brand name, but, yes, white lithium grease is what Rolex has used on threads.

Thanks!

[e dantes]

I appreciate these informative threads. Thank you for sharing.

[Rafeeq]

Originally Posted by e dantes

I appreciate these informative threads. Thank you for sharing.

Agreed! TRF is great for picking up tidbits on all these different scenarios and situations. I'm super-new, and I really appreciate the collective wisdom/experience here.

[FatTuesday]

Give it a shot of WD-40.