My Rolex Explorer is POORLY - Rolex Service or Local Watchmaker Service?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ค. 2018
- Hi guys,
My Rolex Explorer 14270 is poorly, she's in need of a service, but I'm debating whether to send her off to Rolex or use a local watchmaker.
The cost of a Rolex Service is around £600 plus parts, a local watch maker would charge a lot less.
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It seems like the AD was talking bollox when he said the rotor can only charge the watch to 20% power. Please disregard that comment.
Yep, any Seiko 6309 owner can tell you that lol. Great work, I enjoy your content! BTW, thought you might find this interesting. My 1603 Datejust was having what I thought were crown issues in that it felt very tight while hand winding, and didn't want to restart from hack when depressing the crown. I took it to my watchmaker and it turns out it wasn't the crown at all, the mainspring was having an issue.
It's clear your heart is wanting to go local. Go local.
Haha so true Adrian...BOLLOX indeed!
Bark and Jack is watch reviewing your full time job. Just discovered the channel and love it!
Bark and Jack so question Adrian - if the watch has no papers or service history included would you send to Rolex to validate the watch as well as a service - I have a GMT master 1675 with no papers, I know it was serviced by Rolex in 1997 but have no service card to prove that. For the next buyer (if I do sell it) I would like to give them reassurance, as there are lots o fakes out there, does it help value? Help! John ps love your NATO’s, got one last month and it’s a beaut.
I'm not a Rolex (or any kind of watch) expert, but I find it hard to believe that the rotor can only provide 20% of the power to the watch. I think if you wear an automatic for a day it should be fully wound. I have a Hamilton with an 80 hour power reserve H40 and if I wear it to work for one day, (sitting at a desk) it will stay running for three days. I think the AD who told you that must be confused.
I have a seiko special edition diver. I’ve had it for 13 years. My dad bought his Submariner a year after I bought the seiko. We’re both avid scuba divers. He’s had two issues with his Rolex that required servicing from Rolex. My Seiko is running like a champ. Case in point, but a Seiko
Great video, I just picked up a brand new Explorer 214270 39mm at my AD today and I absolutely love it! I really enjoy my Rolex ceramic submariner but there's something about the explorer that catches my attention more than my sub. I hope a watch maker does a great repair job on your explorer, please keep us posted.
I purchased a preowned DJ TOG and then sent it to a the Dallas RSC all within the same week. My choice was two-fold: needed authentication verified (had papers only) and needed the movement regulated as it was running too fast. Also, I live in a city which has a service center and I was able to drop it off during my lunch break. The diagnosis was that it had been magnetized. I went ahead and authorized the full service and requested no polishing. They obliged, and they even retained the sticker on the case back. Apparently, it's atypical they do that as they will give your watch a solution bath before opening the case. Overall, I was pleased with the whole servicing experience and have a 2-yr warranty (minus coverage due to impact damage) to boot.
Adrian, it's a shame your experiencing a faulty movement, and I hope you have much luck with servicing your Expy. Great content as always!
I had the same exact problem when winding my air king with the same 3000 movement. They fixed in one day just setting some screws
Thank you! Very interesting! From my point of view, my Rolex watches are serviced only if they require. That means it stops. An exception was my 1680 Sub which had some rust even on the date rotor. After paying a huge account
everything was new: Dial plexi glass, white gold hands and even the wind spring was changed. End product my Sub became its third dial and looks like new. No more beating it is babed and kept for special ocations. It was a present I got from my dad when I was18. This used to be a tool watch for surfing and not a luxury watch like it is today!!
Before you send it in for a service, have the watch demagnetized and see if that does it. (You can also buy a cheap demagnetizer online.) A grinding feel when winding a watch is a sign that the watch has been magnetized. That's what happened to my 16613, and the problem was fixed in 30 seconds.
This is exactly what happened with my ORIS recently (ETA movement) It was repaired under warranty. Something about a "reverser wheel"
I had a similar feeling with the winding mechanism of my explorer II. When you described “knife through sugar” it was the perfect way of describing it. I thought it was just the feel of the 3186 movement. However, it had a faulty mechanism that operated the hour hand (12 hr). When that failed, I took it to a local A.D. for Rolex, Who had a watchmaker on the staff. Got a full service on the movement, without any other work. That saved me a significant amount of money. If you can find an AD with a watchmaker on staff, hopefully you can do the same thing. Additionally, I got it back in five weeks.
I recommend a watch repairer in Piccadilly tube station, it's a tiny shop counter that's been there for decades. If you can't find it ask station staff. Go early to avoid queue best before 11am. My hero, got me into watches - some people say his a legend, I say his a highly skilled watch maker with huge character.
Hi Adrian. Firstly, big fan. How did you resolve this issue and who did you pick to get this fixed? I recently inherited a Rolex 1500 (which is definitely not going anywhere or to anyone) and has stopped running even after winding. Oddly, the watch does begin running when I'm turning the crown and changing the time. Grateful for any advice! Thanks!
Hey Adrian love your videos. I have a birth year Submariner that has a grainy wind, but still has been running incredibly strong for 3+ years now. I know us watch guys can be picky about these sorts of things, but if the watch is still functioning well, you could probably hold off and save the money for now.
You have to take into account of the much larger crown on the Kermit Sub, which gives the extra leveraging advantage over the Explorer with the smaller crown, so even if both watches were brand new, the winding would feel easier on the Sub. Keep in mind that the movements are similar (except for the calender wheel)
I had the same problem with my Vacheron Constantine. A plumber pal of mine told me to place the watch on a flat stable surface and give it a couple of firm taps with a ball peen hammer. Of course I covered the face of the watch with a towel. Anyway the watch is as good as new now apart from the cracked glass.
I hope you are able to find a local watchmaker who wants to partner with you and give you a discount. I agree with you the Explore is like a stealth Rolex (because it doesn't scream Rolex like most of their watches) and it is perfect in so many ways (a definite keeper). I hope service is quick and painless...I am looking forward to the updates :).
The rotor is capable of fully winding your watch.
Ian Hand . Your right but you still need to move the watch for it to wind up. Sitting at a computer all day then driving, then taking whe watch off to sleep might not be enough especially if the rotor only winds up in one direction
Stephen Weare not if you have a grand seiko spring drive
Yes, if you move a lot!
Are you giving the crown a half turn in counter clock wise direction until the clutch is engaged before you start winding? By doing so you will ensure the clutch spring inside the crown to engage to its proper working position. Then you could wind the crown in clock wise direction to give the movement power.
Hi, what happened in the end, what did you decide and what was the outcome? Thanks
My 1990 Explorer II just started doing the exact same thing! I was going to take it to a local Swiss watch repair place, I'm guessing it's a simple fix, but maybe I'll wait and see how yours turns out :) I assume you'll give an update shortly?
My 2016 GMT crown started to be harder to turn for several days. I started keeping it on it's side, crown down at night and now it's back to normal. Unsure if it fixed itself or if I fixed it. Maybe the seals needed some lube which now makes it smoother to turn.
Another cool and very informative post. Really enjoy your channel, please keep up the good work.
Ps. Where did you get the explorer poster in the background
Hey Adrian. I am so glad you made this video. If you recall, I picked up the Explorer this January, largely based on your recommendation video that you did for me. My watch does the EXACT same thing! I noticed it straight away. If my watch has not been worn and has stopped, then when I wind it manually (I give it about 15 to 20 winds, it is quite smooth. However, if its running and I want to charge it up, then it feels exactly the way you describe it(running a knife through a jar of sugar). I obviously don’t wind it and stopped immediately. I have only tried to do this twice, the second time to check if the first tie was a one-off. Knowing that it’s under warranty, I have not yet spoken to my AD but I am planning to do it now. I’ll let you know what they say is the issue and then maybe you can decide basis that...cheers
BJORN M which explorer did you purchase?
Pudge Otamus >> The current model 214270
BJORN M I would also like to know what the AD tells you. I'm trying to decide on the 114270 or the latest 214270.🤔
Adrian, I am sorry to hear that you are having issues with the explorer :(
Here are my 2 cents, I had some issues with one of my watches and went local 3 tines they tried to fix and re-fix... ended up sending to JLC anyway.
I suggest you contact rolex directly and work with them, even though I know it will be more expensive, but this is truly one of those "you get what you pay for"
Your Explorer I might be fine. Some of my watches feel like that when I hand wind them. How is it keeping time? I personally wouldn't fork out for a service unless the weird winding action is impacting it's time keeping. My 2c
A 36mm Rolex Explorer is a
bout as perfect a wristwatch as anyone would wish to own.
Amen to that a legend in its own right
So far only had the experience of an independent Rolex Service Center that a few of my co workers have used for their watches. Turn around time was fast and overall was about 95% pleased with the service. Next time around will try either the Dallas Service Center or the Rolex school in PA aka Lititz Watch Technicum
Hi Jack. A Rolex service costs 600 quid but does it include changing the dial, hands, crystal and polishing or are all of these over and above the oiling and cleaning ?
On my IWC Portuguese 7day, the watch’s power indicator will only show that it will winds to about the 4day mark when on the watch winder. However a day on the wrist will take it up to max (7days). I can only conclude the inertia on the wrist is sufficient to turn the rotor while the gentle motion of the watch winder will not.
My seamaster and my CW trident both charge to full on the rotor. I know this because when manual winding these you can hear the "no over-wind" mechanism kicking in when it is fully wound. I can leave them on the winder all day, and when I manual wind I already hear the "no over-wind" sound.
The RSC at St James assured me that my 90s Sea Dweller with tritium dial would only get a movement service , no external parts would be replaced (ie dial hands bracelet). The lady there also asked if I would like the case polished at all, or a “light” polish. I went with the light polish.
They said it would take 5 weeks and was quoted just under £500 for a full movement service.
Hope this helps. I havent received it back yet, so cant give you a definte answer - they may still eff it up.
A few users on the vintage rolex forum have reported quite positive reviews of sending their older pieces into the St James center.
You still have not posted an update on the repair
I had my explorer 2 services recently, had to go back to Rolex to refinish the sunburst bezel, I think it was only away for 4 or 5 weeks, total service cost was just 450 quid.
I would suggest if it was checked in 2016 to just send it to a local watchmaker who you are comfortable with. If it turns out to be a major repair then I would send it to Rolex.
Hey, your question about the rotor only providing 20% power without hand wind. I have 2 orient watches with power reserve. WIle one of them does hand wind, both can be brought to "full" with just the rotor.
Can you keep the bracelet and send just the watch to Rolex?
Good videos man.. I also have a Kermit.. bought mine for $7k so understand why you do not wear much.. I am older so wear all my watches.. lately mostly wear AP diver and Kermit. Cheers
Same thing happened to my GMT 16710 and my less than 1 year old Explorer 214270. Took them to 2 different watchmakers. They both said it was fine. So now I just wear them and enjoy them.
Hi Adrian, Did you ever get this repaired and what was wrong with it? Thank You
Superb substance.I suspect the winding train has an issue? This will not effect the watch beating but yes a tooth or two damaged on the winding gear? Love the honesty.
I’m getting my dj serviced at London Rolex service soon. The guys are very good and are a big part of the community running a couple of Rolex groups on Facebook.
I used to watch the urban gentry (tgv) a lot and to be fair I’m enjoying your Channel a lot more. Your my first stop for watch content now. Keep up the good work 👌
Wow, thanks so much Chris. That's really great to hear.
The Urban Gentry guy has some nice points and is always going into details but I find that guy kinda creepy and unnatural for some reason. Like he is desperatelly trying to be as classy as he can and he looks like Marvel's bad guy. XD
@@predragjo5977 He's obsessed with horology, so his personality quirks seems to come with the obsession/love.
Love your channel, Adrian. My vote is for local as well
Sorry if I missed it. How much did you purchase the '88 explorer for?
I was under the impression a service by Rolex would mean replacement parts - including dial, hands etc. and they would restore the case back to factory fresh. Essentially it would be as close to factory as they can get it. Me personally, I would find a good local independent watchmaker. Also, that Kermit is f**king AWESOME, so so nice to see it again!
I would have said get it serviced by Rolex for a full service, as even if it will be an heirloom it is good to have the service cards. Not sure now though. I have an explorer so it would be interesting if you did a follow up vid
That's a tough decision. If it were me I would go local watchmaker, at least initially. It's worth trying to keep the hands and dial as they are too. The scuffs are kind of cool in a way. Well earned scars. You can always send it to Rolex at some point in the future if needs be.
Do let us know what the issue is pls - have a similar issue with the manual winding of my vintage GMT Master.
Hi Adrian, what's about the accuracy after the service? I serviced my 1997 14270 with an indipendet watchmaker for 400€ polishing included it loose 6sec a day, is it good or could be more accurate? Cheers from Italy
Love the explorer I - after watching your videos I recently got myself one too. Fantastic watch!
I support the consensus on going to the local watchmaker first!! Too many horror stories about Rolex servicing...
Hey Adrian ! I think you should go with the non-rolex service, as long as you know someone trustworthy, it's probably more appropriate for that kind of piece. I've also heard quite horrible stories on vintage pieces fron the rolex servoce. I have one peticularly good address in Brussels, but no contact in London in my mind. I'm sure you'll find someone top-notch that will take care of your baby 😀
Please keep us posted, a lot of us can or will be able to relate to this for our watches !
My explorer had same grinding noise wound it till oils got going and noise disappeared I think your explorer is fine
No need for Rolex service, mine does it from time to time it is a 114270 and runs perfectly. The cure was to wind it with very short back and forward (very little advance) and then longer winds and it feels like butter... not sugar lol. I don’t know exactly why but after a couple of those “short” ones it engages perfectly. It is the same for my Omega speedmaster reduced from the nineties. Hopefully it helps.
Nice comments mate! Cheers from Stoupa Messenia 🍻🍻🍻
I would like to hear your thoughts and perhaps a review of the Seiko SARB033
why is the clasp so small? was that how it was for that particular reference numbers?
Good afternoon, it's Mark from Hertfordshire (Datejust 36 blue). In my opinion, the answer to this question depends on whether you have Papers. Mine came with box and "Watchfinder" warranty card, therefore when this happens to me, I will pay extra take the opportunity to acquire Rolex papers. Seeing as you already have Rolex papers etc I would get it done by a recommended independent with a bricks and mortar service centre (ideally taking it there by hand) - save yourself a few quid buddy! Happy weekend
Hi Adrian, if I were you, I would try a local watchmaker. For my watches I maintain relationships with a few in my area. Sometimes we just have a nice talk about watches. Always a good opportunity to learn more about these little things.
Which way did you go? Did you get it fixed? What was the issue?
My friend's father had an Explorer always ran horribly and no one could ever regulate it it was fast it was slow took it to three different places here in South Florida including Miami and no luck we were at the Daytona 24 hour race and met the head of Rolex and told him of the problem and he had given my friend a card and said to send it to New York to this man and he will fix the watch he did and when the watch came back it has run flawlessly ever since
I give my to Rolex, there is the service center in cologne and you can speak directly to the watchmaker. Got it back quick and all was done accordingly.
But the Rolex movements are not tricky so if your AD has experience give it there and you’ll be alright. Oye, which camera you going to get???
Regarding the camera you did think about the Fuji right? I asked that before but mixed it up😱😱
I've always been under the impression you should hand-wind an automatic as minimally as possible.
RS Watch Repairs comes highly recommended. Search them on FB. Also is the only difference of the Kermit the green bezel to a standard sub? I have the Sub but wouldn’t mind the green insert for a change.
probably sounds like my dad's older date just , need to wind to get watch running. if shake , the automatic function no longer works to power the watch . need service
Would rolex change the hands if you bring it to the rolex service? And if so why do they change those?
Hi, Matthias Wohne in Munich is really good, fair prices and good work on Rolex. Cheers
Oh and a secondary relevant reply.I as have mentioned a Winner Rolex sub homage with a Chinese unified movement of sorts.It is ridiculously accurate on the wrist????? Rough to wind by hand sometimes but is going and going etc.I have dropped it onto a hard surface in the act of purpose several times!!!!!!! She still runs?
Hi Adrian. If it has already been serviced by Rolex then it's 99% certain that the hands have already been changed. That's not really a big issue with modern Rolex though. They don't change the dial unless they need to as it costs them money and you would need to give them the go ahead for those extra costs. You shouldn't need to worry about the dial. The only reason I would send it to Rolex is for the following reason. The 2 year warranty on the work. You can then send it back to them every 2 years within the warranty and they will check it over. If you keep doing that every 2 years then you basically have no service charge from Rolex as it counts as a come back. They will check out the movement and pressure test it for you. If any work needs done then they will do it FOC. If you don't want it polished then I would send them the head only and write no polish in marker on the case and tell them it belonged to a dead relative and you want it to look exactly the same. There is always some risk involved sending the watch somewhere else for a service.
Flip it for a new 214270 Mk-II.....as your Explorer video from the rooftop might suggest.
I like it so much I bought a pair of them....very difficult to beat the latest 214270...
My explorer do the same thing. Did you figure out what the problem was?
Hey Adrian, why not send it in to rolex but remove the bracelet. That way they don't mess with it and get it serviced, but yes I would also go with a local shop that way they just work on movement. I learned the hard way and went to an Omega shop here in San Diego ca and wanted to get my 1dt luxury piece checked out, speedmaster automatic 3511.50, it was from the 90s and never had been serviced. I ended up paying $850, was blown away by the service cost.
I would say getting only 20% power reserve from the rotor is pretty conservative, unless you're really sedentary. Just from personal experience, my DateJust has been running for 250 days straight without ever being hand wound and there are 2 or 3 days a week when I don't wear it. Which means it sits around not moving for at least 36 hours (way over 20% of its 48-hour power reserve).
My biggest concern about using a local watchmaker to service my Rolex movement is the chance that they may knowingly or unknowingly replace some of original Rolex parts with parts from a cloned movement. If that's not a concern for you then you should get it serviced at your local watchmaker.
I use a watchmaker in Tampa, FL, here in the states. He has already worked on my Omega Seamaster Pro Chrono, a Rolex Bluesy and my SeaDweller; did a great job on all. The SeaDweller needed a new mainspring, in fact he told me that he puts new mainsprings in all watches he services. So us a local trusted watchmaker, help out the small guy.
I’ve got to know where you got that explorer poster?
Had my Longines serviced by Longines after 9 years of everyday wear. My watch had gotten beaten badly by me but Longines fixed it truly. They polished the bezel but still left my marks on there. The mechanics got a real overhaul though which was the true purpose but the guys in Switzerland knew how to take care of my watch and horror stories are often just stories. Specify what you want done and Rolex will most likely do it. But if something is broken they will fix it.
I never hand wind my watches. Set the time, shake it twice, wear it. Never had one stop on me.
Off to Rolex my friend, I sent my Speedmaster 2007 to Omega for a full overhaul and I don’t regret it at all. They did a beautiful job and I enjoy having my watch like new. The polishing is non agressive and was very well done. I am in Montreal Canada 🇨🇦 They kept the original dial and changed only the hands. I love everything they did
I sent my 14270 to watchguy last year for a service. No polish, £200something pounds. Now it's keeping near perfect time. Recommend him although you may have to queue (once you send the watch he is very quick and takes photos of the service).
What happened to the original, super British title: "my Rolex is poorly" ? 😂
Have you got it fixed yet ?
20%?!? That sounds a bit odd. I have a "desk" job and my SKX009 lasts almost 2 days on a 4 minute Seiko Shuffle.
How about David Duggan in the Burlington arcade? Certified Rolex service center and yet they focus on selling used Rolex. They may hit the sweet spot you are after?
I am looking at getting my first luxury watch, currently have a raymond weil watch my parents got me for my 21st but I want a real luxury watch, currently looking at a jlc master ultra thin moon or a submariner no date, jlc for work days (accountant) or sub for weekends, which watch would/should I get
My Local AD is a Rolex authorized watchmaker so I got to get a brand new RSC card, took half the time, and followed everything to a T. I also had the choice where the AD would send to the RSC in Dallas but that would be the same cost and take twice as long as well as the chance they could mess it up.
Poorly... what? Poorly made? Poorly serviced? Poorly brushed?
Mircea Costin Poorly means sick, or unwell in the UK
Always send my watches back to manufacture for service even send wife’s quartz swiss watches back to factory for battery changes etc. Nice comfort factor knowing it’s been done correctly
Watching this 4 years later I'm glad I waited until I got a new one. I've got it into my mind that for a 5k plus watch I'd only get new or not have at all....
I alternate services between Rolex Service and a local horologist that is an ex-Omega employee from Bath, but now lives in Canada. I find the local shop does a better service job than Rolex but in Canada independents have a hard time getting official parts, which is why I alternate.
Is it a Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control in the background of your Rolex picture
The numbers look like they are lumed. I thought Rolex only started doing that after 2016 on the explorers? Perhaps I'm mistaken.
Hey there.
You’re right about the blackout dial. It’s my most worn watch!
Talk to Russell Talerman.
Regards
Sanjiv
You lucky chap! It’s one of Rolexes best looking watches.
If the rotor gives only 20 percent what happens with a Seiko skx?
What did you do? And at what cost? We need a follow-up vid ;)
It’s in the pipeline. I’ve found a watchmaker to work with. He’s just out of London, so it’s taking a bit of planning. I should do a little update video though, you’re right. 👍🏻
Hi. If I could ask. You say it's dated 1998 yet it has the post 2016 dial with lume 3,6,9 has it not?? Was the face replaced?
Hi buddy, the numerals have white paint in them, not lume. This was done between 1990-2010. This dial is the original tritium dial, you can tell this by the T
You are just a normal guy, its great! Unusual these days on TH-cam! Hope she gets better soon!
Best, IC
Hi mate,
I know it’s not of the subject but I need to add links to my new Rolex explorer 214270.
Would you use lock tight on the bracelet screws?. I’ve heard either 212 or 222 strength. I’m not bad at changing straps and adding links etc,, do you think I will be ok doing it myself or would you take it to a AD.
Please help.
Thanks
James
Hi, I would definitely advise against using lock tight on any part of any watch, whatever the brand or quality, but particularly on a Rolex. You will cause problems in the future when someone needs to adjust the bracelet. The only bad experience I’ve had with a bracelet was on a Tag Heuer Link chronometer I own, where one of the friction pins on the bracelet worked loose and my watch fell off my wrist while walking in the park!. This just won’t happen with a Rolex bracelet under any circumstances, so just install the screws, nice and tight, without exerting undue force.
Best Regards, Charles Flint
Is it a Tritium Dial? I heard that Rolex must to replace tritium dials, even if the owner / customer says keep the dial. Would be great if anyone could verify this?
New subscriber and Loving the videos mate! good informative content.
Thanks a lot Joe, welcome on board. 👍🏻
Local watchmaker definitely, those are your scratches, your history with your watch.
2:36 I'm crying with laughter 😂🤣😂🤣
That little pause before saying something is not right