GMT Repair

[hondas57]

Opinions:
I sent my vintage GMT Master in for a tune up. It had been about ten years.
The watch is failing the water pressure test. The company noted that they could send the watch back to me but DO NOT wearing it in the shower etc.
My concern is will the watch be damaged by general moisture?
They noted that the body might be worn. Does anyone think the body could be worn to create this issue? How would you reply to them?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

[RHJ]

I would send it for a full service to RSC

[hondas57]

I sent it to a certified Rolex dealer in California and I owe them 1000. Just not sure how I should ensure I get a good warranty and how to ensure my watch is properly fixed?

Thans

[TimeToGo]

Welcome to the Forum!
Unfortunately, if you would have sent this to RSC and they determined it did not meet the right specifications, they would recommend a case replacement (if this is the case - no pun intended). If you did not want it done, then you may get a couple of X's on your case back (declining recommended service/replacement parts, etc..).
This happens with vintage watches.
Just do not expose them to water..

[springer]

Any competent watchmaker can tell where the sealing issue is located. It is either the winding crown/tube triplock seal, the case back gasket or the crystal. Once the location is determined, one should be able to isolate the issue and repair it - unless it is beyond repair.

[hondas57]

Thanks folks. I will note this to where it is being repaired and keep it away from water moisture.
Thanks for your input.

[datejust24]

Sooo wait a minute...you owe them $1k just to tell you you can't get the watch wet?!?! I re read this and I have to be missing something....but I'm not...sooo is the $1k bill a quote on servicing the piece I'm assuming?

[omitohud]

Originally Posted by datejust24

Sooo wait a minute...you owe them $1k just to tell you you can't get the watch wet?!?! I re read this and I have to be missing something....but I'm not...sooo is the $1k bill a quote on servicing the piece I'm assuming?

This ☝️n pretty expensive too.


I blame it on the autoconnect.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by hondas57

. . .
They noted that the body might be worn. Does anyone think the body could be worn to create this issue? How would you reply to them?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

The old ones used to corrode where the case back seals against the case. If this gets too corroded it will not pass a pressure test because the gasket does not have a smooth enough surface to press against.

A restoration specialist watchmaker can frequently fill in and machine down cases, or in worst case, press in a new sealing surface.

These are not cheap fixes, but if the watch is worth it, it is a way to go.