Question about power reserve and servicing

[Lesnerelli23]

I have a 2001 Explorer. I got it this year and have no information about service history.

Currently I have realized that it runs around +6/day if fully wound AND staying in a winder at night.

However, if I wear it all day then leave it on a table over night it starts gaining more like +15/day. I’ve concluded that when it isn’t completely wound, it runs kinda crummy. Another point to that is that I’m physically disabled and tend not to generate enough movement to keep power in my automatics hence having a winder.

Anyway, I’m fine with putting it in the winder every night but, for my long winded question, should I be concerned about having it serviced just yet if it’s running COSC at full wind? I’m usually in the waiting until there’s an actual problem camp about having a watch opened.

Any thoughts from better experienced collectors or watchmakers here would be greatly appreciated!!!


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[Lesnerelli23]

To add one other point, the actual power reserve lasts as it should. If that matters


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[WatchSmith]

You should have your watch serviced. I can assure you the oils have dried up and it is overdo. You can also try demagnetizing if it’s consistently running fast, but it really needs to go on a timegrapher to assess its health.

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by WatchSmith

You should have your watch serviced. I can assure you the oils have dried up and it is overdo. You can also try demagnetizing if it’s consistently running fast, but it really needs to go on a timegrapher to assess its health.

Thank you, I appreciate the advice!


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[Dirt]

Without service history, you probably need to factor in a service sooner rather than later.
That way you are assured that you aren't doing any uneccessary damage to the movement and to that end i would be inclined to keep it off the winder.
The reason being the movement's Achilles heel is the Self winding rotor axle which dries out and causes accelerated wear and possible further damage.

[Lesnerelli23]

So follow up question for both of you;

Should I stop wearing it for the time until I can get it into service?


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[CarlOver]

No need to stop wearing it right away.

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by CarlOver

No need to stop wearing it right away.

Thanks!


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[Tools]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

Anyway, I’m fine with putting it in the winder every night but, for my long winded question, should I be concerned about having it serviced just yet if it’s running COSC at full wind? I’m usually in the waiting until there’s an actual problem camp about having a watch opened.

Any thoughts from better experienced collectors or watchmakers here would be greatly appreciated!!!

Enjoy it, service it when you want to, there is nothing going to happen to it that a good service cannot fix.

As to the winder, they do not actually wind your watch, they keep it at a constant state of wind. If it is already run down and you put it on the winder, it will keep it at that run down state, not top it up as if you were refueling.

If you are not active enough to keep it wound, wind it manually once a week or so to ensure it stays in its best power range.

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by Tools

Enjoy it, service it when you want to, there is nothing going to happen to it that a good service cannot fix.

As to the winder, they do not actually wind your watch, they keep it at a constant state of wind. If it is already run down and you put it on the winder, it will keep it at that run down state, not top it up as if you were refueling.

If you are not active enough to keep it wound, wind it manually once a week or so to ensure it stays in its best power range.

That’s very helpful, thank you!

I was operating under the assumption that if I set the turns up to 1600 it would wind it up…


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[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

So follow up question for both of you;

Should I stop wearing it for the time until I can get it into service?


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That's entirely up to you.
Please keep in mind that only a visual inspection of the movement by a suitably qualified and trusted watchmaker can determine if the movement actually needs a service or not
The other unknown is the water resistance.
If it's been quite a while since the last service it could become problematic for you in that regard

A little experiment for you to think about.
Let the watch run down to a complete stop, then put it on the winder for 8-10 hours or so at your 1600 turns setting.
Take it off the winder and note the time and see how long it runs for until it stops again.
I think you will learn something valuable about your watch and the capability of the self winding mechanism of your movement

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

I was operating under the assumption that if I set the turns up to 1600 it would wind it up…


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You are possibly quite correct in your assumption.
Assuming the movement is basically working ok

[puma1552]

I would echo the others; if you don't know when it was last serviced, you can probably assume it's overdue and would be beneficial, but it's not critical and you can wear the watch until you decide to do it.

[VonSomething]

Originally Posted by Tools

As to the winder, they do not actually wind your watch, they keep it at a constant state of wind. If it is already run down and you put it on the winder, it will keep it at that run down state, not top it up as if you were refueling.

Not factually correct, depends entirely on the winder and its settings.

[Lesnerelli23]

I will try the winder thing mentioned for sure!

I’ve never had a watch serviced as the others in my collection were all brand new.

Part of my hold up for servicing is deciding between a local watchmaker, RSC, or maybe Rolliworks. I don’t know anyone that’s used a local person so I have no references.

I feel safest with RSC but I know that comes at a premium…


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[Tools]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

That’s very helpful, thank you!

I was operating under the assumption that if I set the turns up to 1600 it would wind it up…

Yes, this will likely do that. When the watch is fully wound, it will continue to turn the mainspring inside the barrel wearing away the metal notches in the barrel. The result here is that your watch will no longer take a full wind eventually because there will no longer be "grip" for it to hold.

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by Tools

Yes, this will likely do that. When the watch is fully wound, it will continue to turn the mainspring inside the barrel wearing away the metal notches in the barrel. The result here is that your watch will no longer take a full wind eventually because there will no longer be "grip" for it to hold.

Oof! Good to know that as well! Thanks


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[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

I will try the winder thing mentioned for sure!

I’ve never had a watch serviced as the others in my collection were all brand new.

Part of my hold up for servicing is deciding between a local watchmaker, RSC, or maybe Rolliworks. I don’t know anyone that’s used a local person so I have no references.

I feel safest with RSC but I know that comes at a premium…


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By all accounts you couldn't go too far wrong with Rolliworks.
I don't know what warranty Rolliworks provide but RSC gives 2 years, just as a point of reference

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by Dirt

By all accounts you couldn't go too far wrong with Rolliworks.
I don't know what warranty Rolliworks provide but RSC gives 2 years, just as a point of reference

Ya, I’m leaning that way (Rolliworks) because Ive heard good feedback about them and it looks like they offer 2 years as well.


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[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Lesnerelli23

Ya, I’m leaning that way (Rolliworks) because Ive heard good feedback about them and it looks like they offer 2 years as well.


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I had my sub serviced there ~5 years ago. Still running in spec.

[Lesnerelli23]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

I had my sub serviced there ~5 years ago. Still running in spec.

Awesome, thank you!


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