Julie sent me her Rolex Datejust to service, she said it had been left in a drawer for a few years and doesn’t work anymore – not overly surprising, watches don’t usually fair too well if just left, the oils congeal from the lack of movement, a service will easily resolve this and get it running as it should again.
Movement decased and hands removed. The dial is showing signs of age, nothing too drastic, and adds to its character.
With the dial off we can see the date disc that sits over the top of the movement and is held in place by a ‘C’ clip.
Date disc removed.
I start to dismantle the dial side. Date works removed.
The auto device ready to be stripped down.
Dismantled and too much oil in places it shouldn’t be. A common issue if a watch is serviced by someone that doesn’t know what they’re doing.
Barrel bridge removed, yet more evidence of excessive oiling.
Mainspring removed from the barrel prior to cleaning.
Working my way through the movement, train bridge and train will be next to go.
Oil! Too much, that wont be helping matters.
Getting there, train removed.
One naked mainplate.
Into the cleaning machine it goes, all the old oil will be removed here.
Back out and sparkling clean, keyless is first to be refitted. Oiled correctly, with the correct quantity and exactly where it needs to be.
The train bridge and barrel is re fitted.
Almost there, running nicely now, ill oil the escapement next. A critical part for the good running of any watch, if not done correctly it will cause all sorts of problems.
Dial side completed and functioning nicely.
Thats the automatic device back together.
One nicely serviced Rolex, now running again and ready for another few years of time keeping.
The Watch Professional
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