Sky Dweller Rotor

[handsfull]

Can anyone confirm if the Sky Dweller has the first Rolex in-house ball-bearing rotor implemented in the line??

[Ironstark]

No its not. The 4130/60 are in house movements with ball races in the rotor weight.

[handsfull]

Thanks Stark....I'm hoping this is a trend they will continue throughout the line

[padi56]

Originally Posted by handsfull

Can anyone confirm if the Sky Dweller has the first Rolex in-house ball-bearing rotor implemented in the line??

Rolex still don't not use ball rotor bearings rotors for most of there watches like the cal 3135 (but now present in the new 4130 Daytona YM11 4160 and the Skydweller 9000 )Instead, there use a plain sleeve bearing,which is very efficient in winding and quiet compared to some movements, but it has its weak points, and proper oiling is critical so important to service every 5-7 years. When the lubricant evaporates or migrates, the metal axle experiences wear against the rotor shaft jewel bearing.Replacing the axle if worn will solved the problem,most Rolex watches have rotor axles with different size pivots at the ends. The one nearest the rotor is usually fairly large, but the one nearest the movement is relatively small,IMHO this is a Rolex movements weakest point.Rolex lubricates this with special type grease,now this grease tends to dry-out especially in warmer climates and when it does, the rotor pivots are left without any lubrication.When the pivots become worn,or from lack of grease the bearing is able to move excessively from the normal plane of motion that makes the very slight rattle noise,and sometimes rubs on the case back.But in general the sleeve type Rolex rotors are quite problem free and well proven over the years.

[emagni]

Originally Posted by padi56

Rolex still don't not use ball rotor bearings rotors for most of there watches like the cal 3135 (but now present in the new 4130 Daytona YM11 4160 and the Skydweller 9000 )Instead, there use a plain sleeve bearing,which is very efficient in winding and quiet compared to some movements, but it has its weak points, and proper oiling is critical so important to service every 5-7 years. When the lubricant evaporates or migrates, the metal axle experiences wear against the rotor shaft jewel bearing.Replacing the axle if worn will solved the problem,most Rolex watches have rotor axles with different size pivots at the ends. The one nearest the rotor is usually fairly large, but the one nearest the movement is relatively small,IMHO this is a Rolex movements weakest point.Rolex lubricates this with special type grease,now this grease tends to dry-out especially in warmer climates and when it does, the rotor pivots are left without any lubrication.When the pivots become worn,or from lack of grease the bearing is able to move excessively from the normal plane of motion that makes the very slight rattle noise,and sometimes rubs on the case back.But in general the sleeve type Rolex rotors are quite problem free and well proven over the years.

Great info! Thanks.