Thread: What types of watches do you like?

I'm shocked it's still running. Usually with a Rolex after about 10-15 years it just stops because the lube dries out. I know that's what happened to my brothers which is exactly the same as yours.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I'm shocked it's still running. Usually with a Rolex after about 10-15 years it just stops because the lube dries out. I know that's what happened to my brothers which is exactly the same as yours.

It seems to run a bit fast. I have manually wound it usually 10-15 times in the AM and then in the PM. With no manual winding, just relying on arm movement, it's stopped (maybe a hint that I'm not active enough). In a 24-48 hour period it seems to be a 1-3 min fast? Can't ask for much better given the amount of time it's gone this way. Also, this watch was kept in a drawer unused for years. Perhaps that prolonged its mechanical life?

ChrisL

Just remember when a watch like that which normally runs within around 3 sec a day starts getting erratic that's a cue it needs service. Running it like that will cause additional wear issues with the components.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Just remember when a watch like that which normally runs within around 3 sec a day starts getting erratic that's a cue it needs service. Running it like that will cause additional wear issues with the components.

Guy told me years ago, referring to mechanical railroad watches, 'they make their own dirt.' IOW, as the lube dries out, moving parts that bear against each other wear, the minuscule debris begins to add up. From the pix I would just get it serviced and maybe a new crystal. For a band I would look around for an original replacement.

I had a Submariner that I bought brand spanky new, full retail, in Lawton Jewelers in the Midway Mall out in Miami FL. Circa 1972 or '73 and paid $350.00 .......... full retail. That was back when a Colt 1911 was $135.00 brand new, and a S&W Model 19 4" blue was $120. I sold the watch to a friend. It was too heavy, the crown dug into the top of my hand. Great watch, but just not my thing.

Those watches sold in the PX overseas in the 60s for $150 or so. Now they are over 7 grand for essentially the same watch with a few upgrades.

A replacement bracelet for that from Rolex will cost around a grand and an overhaul is another thousand. Parts are extra.

In the old days lube was natural based and over time it would gum up or dry out and it's true microscopic particles from wear would contaminate it too. These days the lube is all synthetic and lasts much longer.

Modern watch especially the finer movements basically run on the lube. A cheap Seiko has loose tolerances so it can run much longer as opposed to a finer piece with closer tolerances. Also the more complications the watch has the more often it needs to be serviced.

Pocket watches have large parts so they can usually go 10 years at least if it's worn all the time.

If you have a watch you rarely wear you should wind it up at least once a month to keep the lube flowing.

Hi Chris, please don't send this watch off to Rolex, it is worth a considerable amount of money as original as it is. I hope that you have the original oyster bracelet. If you want some service done, there is an expert watchmaker in Arlington TX that specializes in vintage rolex refurbishing. They do not, polish, or relume anything, and will treat your watch with care. His name is Bob Ridley, watchmakers international. Good luck!

Originally Posted by ChrisL

Here she is: 1964 Submariner

This watch has been in Vietnam, was worn by a paratrooper (my Dad), has never been serviced and still keeps good time! I'm wearing it now. Sacrilege, I know, to have an inexpensive leather band, but it will have to do until I decide which band should be more permanent. The original band is not to be found.
Pretty amazing that even though this watch has clearly taken some beatings, after 52 years with no service and still running well. Wow.

Attachment 240809Attachment 240810

ChrisL

Back from a return to it's homeland, 3 months in Japan at the Seiko factory.

Can't believe it, something like 25 years ago my girlfriend (now wife) bought me this watch, only went into the shop a few times, always a great timepiece, decided I wanted a complete overhaul, get it all cleaned up and completely restored, Seiko did it all in for $113.00....Seiko really stands by their warranty, at Odyssey Watch (Seiko Toronto) they said no problem, just will take awhile...glad to have one of my favorite Talisman's back on my wrist.

Seiko 7T59 1/100 Chronograph

Phrank:

That's very good business etiquette on Seiko's part. Nice watch, glad you're pleased with it.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Keep in mind a watch is designed to be taken apart. The hard part is dealing with the escapement and manipulating the small parts and that's on a basic movement.

Most watch repairs involve similar situations. It's when everything looks good that a master watchmaker earns his keep.

I don't have patients to deal with wrist watches but I will buy old U.S. made broken 18s and 16s pocket watches and repair them. Most sold as not working really just need to be cleaned or have a broken main spring. Some are missing parts or have broken jewels. Some of those things I can't fix and will need to find a watchmaker but for the most part the watch needs to be taken apart and cleaned. Since Waltham, Elgin, Hampden, Illinois, Columbus, and Hamilton watches are all slightly different I take pictures as I take them apart so I can remember how to put them together. Very helpful especially when I take it apart and then wait a couple of weeks to put it back together.

Originally Posted by ChrisL

Here she is: 1964 Submariner

This watch has been in Vietnam, was worn by a paratrooper (my Dad), has never been serviced and still keeps good time!

Nice one ChrisL. I'm not surprised a bit. Rolex made and still makes good solid dive watches. My two cents: Take it to your local authorized Rolex dealer, in person.
Talk to them and tell them you are thinking about maintenance. It was your dads watch, and it has a great history. Don't worry to much about the strap. It was and still is fairly common among the SF and Airborne to change it to something with less bling. Anyway, don't sell it - if you don't need the money to save someones life. Your grandchildren or grand nephews will thank you.