9mmsubgun-m11
Member
Ummmm,he is the OP.
Recoil and automatic watch movements?
- Thread starter Super Dave
- Start date
gordon21
Member
Oh ****. I have had buying a Rolex Air King on my bucket list for years. Even though they are under $3000. Other things always came first.
Now you tell me they need a "tune-up" costing $300-$800 yearly???
What exactly do they tune up? I understand tires, oil filters and belts on a car. But a watch?? I have never spent more than $20 for a battery every two years on my Movado/Esquire Swiss watch. And I can assure you it has been beat to death with impacts. I can't remember how many times the latch has come loose and the watch wanted to fly away.
Now you tell me they need a "tune-up" costing $300-$800 yearly???
What exactly do they tune up? I understand tires, oil filters and belts on a car. But a watch?? I have never spent more than $20 for a battery every two years on my Movado/Esquire Swiss watch. And I can assure you it has been beat to death with impacts. I can't remember how many times the latch has come loose and the watch wanted to fly away.
SJshooter
Member
The servicing involves taking the entire watch apart for cleaning, replacement of any defective parts, and replacement of necessary lubricants that will keep the watch running in the promised -4/+6 seconds a day.
Watch this video of them taking the watch apart. It is mesmerizing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfNOgWGME_c
Watch this video of them taking the watch apart. It is mesmerizing:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfNOgWGME_c
gordon21
Member
Mesmerizing barely describes that video. I had no clue there were that many parts in a watch.
If the watch is sealed to pressure at several hundred feet underwater, is it REALLY necessary to strip it down every year? Or could it be done every 3-5 years? You may have just killed an item on my bucket list.
Hey, wait a minute. That only took 6.5 minutes. That's a lot of money for 6.5 minutes work............................
If the watch is sealed to pressure at several hundred feet underwater, is it REALLY necessary to strip it down every year? Or could it be done every 3-5 years? You may have just killed an item on my bucket list.
Hey, wait a minute. That only took 6.5 minutes. That's a lot of money for 6.5 minutes work............................
OP
Super Dave
Member
An overhaul of the movement should not be necessary for 5 years or longer on a basic Rolex. If you send it to Rolex it will be expensive but their are quality alternatives just like gunsmiths.
Anyway, I've had a number of Rolex watches over the years and sold most of them. The last one was a used 50th Anniversary Submariner that I bought in Jan 2010 for $4000 and sold it in Jan 2014 for $6000. There are not many man toys that go up in value. That's one reason I bought another Rolex since it's hard to go wrong with their stainless steel sports watches. The other reason I keep going back to Rolex is their movement. The power reserve seems to run longer and charge easier than the other quality automatics I've had.
The particular model I purchased is called their Explorer I and it's a little older. I feel it is undervalued. And I like the under the radar look. I'm low key and always felt a little uncomfortable with a watch that screamed Rolex on my wrist. I could be wrong...but I'd be willing to bet that this Explorer will be worth more than I paid in 5 years even if you factor in a service visit.
Take care,
Dave
Anyway, I've had a number of Rolex watches over the years and sold most of them. The last one was a used 50th Anniversary Submariner that I bought in Jan 2010 for $4000 and sold it in Jan 2014 for $6000. There are not many man toys that go up in value. That's one reason I bought another Rolex since it's hard to go wrong with their stainless steel sports watches. The other reason I keep going back to Rolex is their movement. The power reserve seems to run longer and charge easier than the other quality automatics I've had.
The particular model I purchased is called their Explorer I and it's a little older. I feel it is undervalued. And I like the under the radar look. I'm low key and always felt a little uncomfortable with a watch that screamed Rolex on my wrist. I could be wrong...but I'd be willing to bet that this Explorer will be worth more than I paid in 5 years even if you factor in a service visit.
Take care,
Dave
Snapping Twig
Member
Bought a Rolex in '82, started shooting magnums A LOT in '83.
Haven't let up since.
You gotta wind it somehow... Might as well shoot.
This question is like the, "Can I wear my Seadweller in the shower?"
Trust us, the watch is tougher than you are. If you can take it, so can a Rolex.
They are made specifically that way for a reason.
Haven't let up since.
You gotta wind it somehow... Might as well shoot.
This question is like the, "Can I wear my Seadweller in the shower?"
Trust us, the watch is tougher than you are. If you can take it, so can a Rolex.
They are made specifically that way for a reason.
NYresQ
Member
Just go buy it, you wont be sorry.
As to the service,
Its not every year, Rolex reccomends every 5 years... And it involves taking the whole thing apart and replacing any springs or gears that are out of spec and applying fresh lube where it needs to go.
This is if you want to maintain the accuracy to 2-4 seconds per day...
My sub is 8 years old and hasen't been serviced yet... I only wear it for special occasions (two to e with the serti diamond face) so it only come out of the safe maybe a dozen times a year. When I do wear it it still keeps perfect time.
My Deepsea is worn almost daily, leads a hard life, is 5 years old and is within 1-2 minutes a month... At some point I may send it in for service, but if it stays pretty close to that, it may just keep being worn...
I have seen rolex watches 15 years old, never serviced that keep time within a minute a month if worn daily or put on a winder. For $500 I can move the hands once a month...
Mesmerizing barely describes that video. I had no clue there were that many parts in a watch.
If the watch is sealed to pressure at several hundred feet underwater, is it REALLY necessary to strip it down every year? Or could it be done every 3-5 years? You may have just killed an item on my bucket list.
Hey, wait a minute. That only took 6.5 minutes. That's a lot of money for 6.5 minutes work............................
There are plenty of other mid level Swiss watch brands like Rolex out there.Keep in mind that 70% of what your paying for with Rolex is celebrity endorsements and advertisement in almost every major magazine in the world.$3000. Can buy you quite a nice watch if you shop around.Dont over look the German made watches as well.
NYresQ
Member
Another factor you pay for with Rolex is resale value. No other brand with the possible exception of Patek-Phillipe will hold its value or actually increase like a rolex.
I have several different brands of high end watches, but my Rolex's are the only ones I could sell tomorrow and recoup 90-100% of my buying price. Go price what a good deal on a new rolex is, then go look at what the same watch in excellent condition sells for thats 5 years old. Most will be within a few hundred bucks.
If you like a look or style, dont worry about a brand to sway you,I love the look of my omega and my breitlings) but if you ever think you may sell it or want to trade up, no other brand will be as good an investment as a Rolex.
For a mid level brand Rolex does hold its value better then the others do for sure.Rolex has one of the greatest business marketing plans in the world period.A yearly consistent price increase regardless of economic conditions.The most extensive marketing network in the industry.A heritage of donating all of its profits to charity ,have all helped the brand be the most recognized watch brand in the world.The ability to market itself and appear to be a luxuary Swiss brand to everyday folks has tremdously helped its value.
