Rolex Service

Rolex ® Watch Service and Repair

The complete service of a Rolex mechanical watch is labor intensive and it is imperative that each step is carried out within strict guidelines. Any shortcut becomes the “weakest link” and usually means the watch will not function properly or develop problems much sooner than it should. Below is a very basic list of procedures. If you scroll down further you will find a more detailed explanation of each step. Complete service comes with 1 year warranty.

 

Complete Rolex Service (Simple List):

  1. The exterior is examined for damage or potential problem areas such as chips in the crystal or worn screws in the bracelet.
  2. The movement is pre-cleaned. This first cleaning removes the majority of dried oils and dirt for better inspection of individual parts.
  3. I will call you with a detailed estimate.
  4. Repairs are made to existing parts, needed parts are replaced, and all parts go into the cleaning machine for the second cleaning.
  5. Movement is reassembled and lubricated by hand using 6 to 8 different types of oils and grease.
  6. A timing machine is used for an initial timing check  and adjustments are  made before reinstalling dial and hands.
  7. The case and bracelet are refurbished as best possible and new seals/gaskets are installed for water resistance.
  8. After re-casing the movement all functions are tested and a second timing check is made.
  9. The case and seals are tested for water resistance using 2 or more specially designed machines.
  10. A final timing analysis is carried out over 4 days. Back to top

Complete Rolex Service (Detailed List):

  1. When the exterior is carefully examined, potential hazards can be found that the customer may not be aware of. High power magnification can reveal a crack in the crystal that only appears to be a small chip to the naked eye. Pins in the clasp or screws in the bracelet can be worn almost completely through without the customer being aware of it.
  2. Ultrasonic cleaning machines specifically designed for watch repair are used to pre-clean the assembled watch movement.  The machine  oscillates the movement in the jar while  creating  ultrasonic vibrations in the cleaning solution (again, specifically formulated solution for the watch industry) The combination of cleaning solution, vibrations, and motion all work to loosen the contaminants trapped in the tiny recesses of the watch parts. The machine moves through cleaning, rinsing and drying cycles. The movement will need to be cleaned again but this removes the majority of dried oil, grease and dirt. Clean parts are much easier to inspect for wear patterns, especially when checking for a worn groove on a  pivot thinner than a human hair.
  3. When a Rolex is overhauled, there are certain parts that are included in the Base Price for each model. Things like gaskets for water resistance, most crowns, case tubes, and most spring bars are included and replaced each time.  In the movement, the constant friction between small parts that are moving against each other 24 hours a day for years on end means a certain level of “wear and tear” is expected. For example, the axle for the oscillating weight is a high friction area. Even a little wear on this part can cause a bind in the self-winding mechanism so replacement is expected. PLEASE NOTE: EXTENDING THE TIME BETWEEN SERVICE INTERVALS CAN COST MORE IN THE LONG RUN. ONCE  THE LUBRICATION DRIES UP, THE PARTS WEAR MUCH FASTER.
  4. New parts are placed with the watch before the second cleaning. Even new parts are to be cleaned before installing. There are dozens of checks or “controls” to be made at this time and any adjustments are completed before the second cleaning.
  5. After the second ultrasonic cleaning, the movement is reassembled and lubricated by hand using 6 to 8 different types of oil, grease, and surface treatments. The specially formulated watch lubricants used today are synthetic with many advantages and generally last longer than natural oils. The placement, the amount, and the type of lubricant are extremely important to proper service. If even one friction point is missed or incorrectly oiled the watch can stop or run poorly within days or weeks. This usually requires a complete service to correct.
  6. Once the movement is basically assembled the timing can be checked and adjusted on a timing machine. Readings are taken with the watch fully wound and also with it half wound. Since gravity has an effect on mechanical watches, the movement is checked in 5 (sometimes 6) different positions at both full and half winding. All 10 or 12 readings are recorded and results are compared with factory specifications. If it is not within tolerances, adjustments are made if possible. If it cannot be brought within tolerances at this stage, the service procedure would have to start over systematically looking for something initially missed.
  7. The case and bracelet get refurbished as best possible. Deep scratches are sometimes left alone to avoid removing too much metal but usually the customer is surprised at just how good the watch can look again. This is accomplished using several tools and techniques and takes time to get it right. This is one of the most important aspects of the repair since it is really all you can see when I am finished. The goal is to bring it back to as close to showcase condition as possible.
  8. After refinishing, all new seals are installed and the case is tested for water resistance. The first test is without the movement to avoid possible damage in the event of a failure. After passing, it can be retested with the movement.
  9. After re-casing the movement, all functions are tested and a second timing check is made.
  10. With the movement installed the case is retested for water resistance and a third timing analysis is carried out over 4 days. The timing machine gives indications of the watches performance at that moment but a longer test is needed to make sure of actual time keeping, automatic winding function, calendar function, and see how long it runs after being fully wound (roughly  48 hours depending on the model)
  11. This service includes a 1 year warranty. This means it should keep time to the standard Rolex has specified for that model. The automatic mechanism should wind the watch properly. The watch should run its full duration after a full winding. It should also remain water resistant to its rated limitation. Back to top

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