Servicing my Rolex Explorer - NOT BY ROLEX
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- Опубліковано 4 лип 2019
- This video is sponsored by davidcarpenterwatches.com
/ davidcarpenterwatches
Hi Guys,
My Rolex Explorer felt odd when I was winding it, so I thought it was best to get it serviced. I know a couple of watchmakers so I decided to go down the route of using an independent watchmaker to service my Rolex rather than going to Rolex themselves.
The problem with getting watches serviced by the manufacturer, Omega, Rolex, Tag Heuer, Tudor etc, is that they tend to return the watch to factory standard - like new. For a newer watch, this can be great, but for old vintage watches, this could ruin it.
My Rolex Explorer 14270 is from 1998 and I wanted to keep the aged parts.
Here is what I found out when getting my watch serviced.
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The watchmaker’s enthusiasm and almost poetic description of movements was great to hear.
I love the way the dude talked about the ElPrimero movement. The way he defined it as art that lives and needs time to "wake up". Love the passion 😍🙌🏽
Golly i missed that he was describing the el primero...thank you for pointing it out :)
Agreed - I have a soft spot for a Zenith Hi-Beat.. Specifically a Rainbow Elite Diver... One day!
If you watch Federico- his watchmaker Hans also named the Zenith 400 as his favorite movement.
To listen and watch your watchmakers passion and joy of working on a Zenith, this is the man you want to service all your watches ! And a sense of humor too 😆👍
I really liked that moment too. His passion really showed.
And we loved the uncomfortable moment of silence after he said “it’s a fake” 😂
Adrian, this is perhaps your best video. You are a good interviewer and should do more visits and interviews of experts like this. Cheers.
Thanks buddy. Videos like this are actually the most enjoyable to make. I'm glad you like it too.
The watchmaker's accent might be hard to understand for some. He mentions this cal. 3000 movement doesn't like to be manually wound. The winding issue was caused by me manually winding the watch too often and wearing down the cogs. Lesson learnt for me.
You can see more about David Carpenter here:
instagram.com/davidcarpenterwatches
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Bark and Jack Odd that such an expensive watch has this issue. My Grand Seikos have never had a problem being hand wound a lot. Even the 36000 high beats. It causes me to wonder about Rolex hype.
Sounds like you need to wear it more, so as to not let the movement wind down.
Alas, the sacrifices we must make for the sake of our watches.
That is rather unbelievable that a Rolex cannot be manually wound too much without destroying the cogs! WTF?
Sounds like you're going to be doing the Seiko Shuffle from now on!
@@tuhkathri9126 There's no doubt that grand seiko make better watches than Rolex. This movement was a bit of a flop for Rolex, it was heavily criticised for being an overpriced movement. This issue is one of the reasons.
I enjoy the chronicles of your watch adventures and the sharing of the experience. I have a couple items to share regarding my dad's vintage Rolex 6426.
I avoided getting my (likely) never before serviced dad's vintage 6426 OP until I started to feel some grittiness when turning the crown for time setting. I got it serviced, not by official Rolex Service Center, and the problem was fixed. I was hoping after an overhaul it would be more accurate, but it wasn't. I am still averaging -15 to -20 secs per day. A bit disappointing this vintage Rolex could not be pulled up to perform closer to my modern seiko and eta based movement watches which i have personally regulated to +/-1to2 secs per day. Oh, well. It was my dad's, only manual wind, and it is about 45 years old so I only wear it when I feel like it so no big deal on the performance. It is what it is.
In regards to the aesthetic and cosmetic work. I didn't want to clean up then many wear and scars my father left on the watch. But, i at least cleaned it up from all the years of built up grime within the crevices of the watch and its original bracelet.
The only component i thought to polish and renew was the acrylic crystal. I figure that was one of the perks to having an acrylic crystal was to be able to clean up scratches and make it like new again.
Additionally, the cleaned up crystal did wonders to refresh the entire feel of the watch without losing any of the more significant scars amd character recorded in the case itself.
Lastly, the lume is long since dead. Well.. nearly. It lasts for like less than a minute. I was going to leave it. But, i am a lume junky. So, I decided to re-lume it myself. I've done lume work before. Some might think it's madness. But, my reasobs are these.
1) the watch is now a family heirloom and will never be sold.
2) the watch is not exactly the most popular and expensive rolex model anyways.
3a) i wanted to both be able to enjoy the watch at night like my father probably did.
3b) when i pass the watch to my children i want them to have and enjoy the full experience also.
4) the original lume hadn't patina'd to wear i would have liked it, given its age, so i would add some patina while i was restoring the lume.
That watchmaker seems like a really cool guy.
Now since your Explorer is officially fake just send to me and I'll properly dispose of it ;)
Stuck at home I’m working through the back-catalogue of your videos. Last year I sent in my dad’s 1954 Omega Seamaster to be refurbished at the service center in Switzerland. I don’t recall dad ever bringing in the watch for service, but he probably did a handful of times in nearly 60 years. It cost around usd$600. I was surprised how very few parts were actually replaced, but the watch looks great and runs like a top, but still has the character as I remember it as a kid.
I love listening to watchmakers talk about watches. They can appreciate things so well. I’m envious.
Great video Adrian and absolutely love the discussion about the movement and his experiences. Do you think they would be up for more technical videos, talking about their watch making/ maintenance equipment and how undertake their craft. So interesting thanks for giving us the insight 👍🏼
Great vid, thanks for sharing your experience. And if you don't mind my saying, try not to regret the polishing too much. At least you were there on site to see it done and to ensure it was done to your exact specifications. Now at least you have a beautifully polished watch, done correctly.
My 114270 has a somewhat gritty feel when winding too. How does it feel after servicing? What causes the grittiness?
Great video, just bought an Explorer as a knock about watch and love it. I'll send it to an independent service centre rather than rolex, as long as they use original rolex parts. More videos of the service centre would be great.
Love what he was saying about the El Primero...will definitely own that watch within the next decade
Nice video mate. Would have liked a bit more detail on the grittiness. My OP 116000 is not buttery smooth either so was interested in that.
nice but the story is unfinished. The watchmaker mentioned that the winding was a weakness with the movement but more detail and what have you been playing with?
Nine Bolts Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but the rotor isn’t attached with a ball bearing, basically meaning there’s a lot more friction created by the rotor on the movement (meaning it wears down quicker).
As far as I know this has been fixed on the new 3255 movement ( you can see the ballbearing if you check some pictures of the 3255).
I think what the watchmaker meant is to not wind the watch much with the crown and let the rotor do the winding. I heard that quite often as well for 2824 movements - the winding mechanism isn’t the best, so leave it to the rotor for longevity.... at least that’s what I heard....
I'm a watchmaker but not Rolex certified. When the watch is over wound the thicker grease let's it slid within the housing so it doesn't damage the movement. The amount is limited and eventually you will damage the inside of the spring house and the spring and housing will need to be replaced. It's not life or death but its extra wear and possibly extra cost
@@koolpep You heard right, Ralf. The keyless works on the 2824 blows. If I just had $100 for every click spring I've sent into orbit from that launch pad.
Chris Bannister thanks for the response. Appreciated.
I managed to hit my watch against a car door mirror... it was a week old Tag Grand Carrera RS and it had a bad scuff on the frame... didn’t wear the watch for the next 2 months as I wanted to get it checked at an authorised centre in a different city. As soon as I landed .. went straight to the centre and he looked at my face and then at the watch and said - you look really sad ! They serviced the watch free and buffed it out ... I was beaming with relief and joy !! Great service and sheer empathy by the service guys.
My 2013 Sub just started feeling crunchy as well
Did you find out what causes this?
Hi Adrian it may be a good idea to use a watch winder on your explorer. I have about 5 automatics that I wear regularly so keeping them wound is impossible. I find putting the one you want to wear in the morning on a watch winder over night saves putting wear on the movement by hand winding it.
Just recently subscribed and started watching your videos. Love em! Nothing too cheeky or pretentious, just love for these beautiful little machines. Keep em comin mate!
What parts did the watchmaker replace in the movement to get your Explorer to wind properly. Was it the ratchet wheel on top of the mainspring barrel or the clutch in the keyless works or some other issue. Sounds like some gear teeth were stripped or worn down.
what size is the datejust on the watchmakers wrists? 36mm 39mm? any good guess at least, thanks
Does anybody know what reference Augustin is wearing (Rolex white Datejust)? And is the dial white, or silver? Although it looks pearl, maybe 'cause of patina..
I gave my dad's 1960's Omega Seamaster to Tourneau (Los Angeles) to get serviced. Apparently, the jeweler servicing the watch got robbed (this happened in the late 1990s). The offered to give me another Omega Seamaster but it is not the same....I am forever in search of lost time. I wish I new the serial number on the watch...
Hi, I have a 114270 explorer 2010, and it’s very consistently running at +3sec/day.
Is it worth taking for a service? Will a service get it running sweeter than this? Thanks
Adrian- the technical opinions of the watchmaker are REALLY interesting. If I were you, I would strongly recommend having a regular "from the workbench" assessment of different pieces from the perspective of a watchmaker.
Hey Adrian, good video. Just a quick question if I may? I can buy two Rolex explores like yours age 2015 & 2017 both with full set for £4995. Is this good value? The 2015 model looks polished as its more shiny compared to the 2017 one. Would appreciate the advice. Thanks
Hi there Adrian , great to see you on form. So positive, so enthusiastic; and constructively critical about your decision to have the Explorer polished. Excellent. Keep up the content, nice touch with David Carpenter; smashing insights.
Great video, I remember you posted in instagram that you will discuss what the service would have cost if it wasn't sponsered?
Oh yeah. I'll try and find out tomorrow and update the details.
Thanks mate 👍🏽
adrian whats the cost of this kind of servicing? whats the difference between your watchmaker and rolex?
great video, shows how the care of vintage watches is different from the care of new models and the things you have to take into account for each type of watch you have. As collector of vintage watches, you need to find a great watchmaker to service the watch. If you want to preserve the original condition of the watch. If you don't want to preserve the original provenance of a vintage watch, then send it back to the manufacturer.
Disappointed you still feel the need to use Clickbait titles...
nah, just keep Watching and enjoying B&J.
I hope you (anyone) reading this has a ballin' day!
I agree, this clickbait helps views in the short term but will mess with him in the long term. Same thing with The Time Teller, too much clickbait.
Snowflake.
🤓
It was a joke xD very well done
Did you resolve your gritty winder issue ? (What was the problem ?)
Love the videos, always look forward to the next one. Keep up the good work Adrian. By the way when and where are you moving to Scotland ?
After two years I still crack at that “that’s weird… the watch is fake” joke 😂 brilliant
My new Explorer 124270, 1 year on wrist, just measured -5.11 seconds per day over the last 9 days! What is slowing it down?
Great vid Adrian, very interesting indeed. I totally agree with you on the polishing side of things. I think I’ll go down the same route as you when my Explorer has a service. Got a few years of bumps and scrapes yet...
Fascinating video. Loved the way the watchmaker talked about the movements. Brilliant!
It's interesting that so many watchmakers mention El Primero as their favourite movement to work on. As for servicing, I used to give my Rolex to the RSC's in Paris and then Singapore when I was living there, and the service was always impeccable. I stopped a few years ago as my models are predominantly vintage and they now systematically insist on swapping at least the tritium hands for luminova ones. In Hong Kong for the past 6 years, I have exclusively used the services of Classic Watch Repair, which are brilliant and I highly recommend. I will soon give them my new Datejust 36 for them to apply a brushed finishing on the top of the lugs, as I know the result will be flawless.
Great “interview” (you just let the awesome guy talk) love the way you debate yourself and change your mind. Keep em coming.
Haha thanks David. I'm glad it came across as I just let him talk. It means the editing worked ;)
After watching your videos I'm now in full pursuit of an Explorer, can't wait to make it my daily. Keep up the great vids!
Thanks so much for watching mate, and enjoy the hunt for your explorer. It really is an awesome watch. 👍🏻
That's why you never polish your wedding ring! Every scratch tells a story about your time together. I used that anecdote in my wedding speech 😆
Dog's danglers that mate! I like the intimacy you have with the camera and how you present content. It'll keep me coming back for more.
Love my Explorer and after 12 months on the wrist, I find the clean minimalist aspects still a great joy. I'm still a few years away from a services, however i dare say I'll go through the same dilemma as yourself on whether i should use an AD or a service centre.
Nice video as always Adrian 👍🏻
I got my vintage DJ serviced (looks like the same ref as the watchmaker) by Rolex in Sydney about 4/5 years ago.
They did an OK job, I took it back to them as the tick wasn’t right and there was a weird rattle. They sorted it out with no issue.
They replaced the acrylic crystal and cleaned up the dial nicely.......I opted for them to change the hands (I don’t think they were original anyway).
They polished the case, I’ll be honest I wasn’t that fussed, they took all the major blemishes out but did leave some of the dings.
I also got a new bracelet, the original jubilee bracelet had stretched lots. This is something I’m not sure was the ‘right’ thing to do. It had one of the original Made in USA jubilee with the longer clasp which I sorta miss as the replacement is the smaller more modern one........they obviously never gave me it back.
I’m not sure if I’d rush back to get it done again there.......anyone know any good watch service places down here in OZ??
Good to know that this exact issue is not only happening on my 14060 with the same movement. Anyone have a recommended person to service watch in Sydney?
What brand is the polo that you're wearing?
great video, it would be nice to know how much do they charge for a service and how long would it take.
Excellent video, thanks! I just had my 1999 Sub serviced by an AD here in Northern California, and I had them polish it as part of the service. And I’ve regretted it since I’ve gotten it back. It lost those years of “character” that it had earned by my wearing it. It looks like a fairly nice new Sub, but it doesn’t have my mojo on it any more!
Brilliant video, Adrian! I loved hearing the watchmaker talk. Don't worry about the light polish--you'll get the watch nicely scuffed up again in no time--it'll always feel like yours. Your Explorer and your relationship with it are awesome!
Great stuff...really laid back atmosphere and the love showed through...😲🤭you polished her😑 let’s just hope as your beater you’ll bash into another story-history soon!!
My first ‘kinda proper expense’ watch my Sinn 104 is back in Frankfurt having its day/date complication looked at and has been away 3 weeks and will be the same again at least...I’ve sent it off without any marks on her whatsoever and I’m ‘dreading’ our reunion...I’m sure things will be fine. Maybe one day she’ll have stories all over her like my SKX007 that I bought with someone else’s history on it...it’s great hearing a clunk as a shelve or doorway is misjudged...maybe take your Explorer down to Brighton beach again and roll around in the pebbles!!
Great video as ever and worth waiting for.
So, what was the reason for the winding feel?
Hi Adrian, great video revealing some of the mysteries behind servicing.
Don’t worry too much about the polishing. I had my 2001 GMT Master serviced at Rolex Geneva as I couldn’t find any good independents locally. I’d been wearing it every day at work as a commercial pilot for 8 years so it had a good build up of scratches and dings.
It came back looking brand new, and I totally regretted it! I had exactly the same feeling as you, it just didn’t feel like my watch anymore. Then after a few months of sitting in storage, I started wearing it more often and have come to love it again as it looks simply stunning.
So hang in there, hopefully you’ll soon get over the regret of polishing it and will appreciate its new clean look.
P.S. Just picked up a 16570 polar dial thanks to your videos, it’s just awesome.
Hi there !!
I bought a Rolex Explorer ref.214270 at the Rolex boutique in Sao Paulo in 2018, unfortunately I'm kind of disappointed because it doesn't hold the 48 hours power reserve once I wind the watch... what should I do ?
Thank you
Cracking job, makes me wont to send mine there when the time comes. Cheers. But what did he find wrong with it, any sand or debris?
Buffing! Saying you regret the polishing was an example to us all, and shows great honesty. Thankyou. I have never had a watch re-conditioned. Every scratch is mine, and mine alone.
My explorer 2 was polished last year during its service, but the dents on the bezel and desk grinding on the clasp are so sever it came back with that character still intact.
How many times have you had that watched fixed?
Nice video Adrian. Must feel great to have your baby back running so well. Congrats
Wow, the expert should have his own UA-cam channel where he opens up and and discusses the movements and his passions in different movements. I could hear him talk about watches all night.
So there was an unofficial part in your explorer from the previous owner? Still not sure I follow why/how he called it a fake...
always nice to see the work being done, cheers :)
How long time it took and at what cost? Well if there is not a problem.
Another great vid Adrian, I've not had my 1998 GMT serviced in 10 yrs, still keeping good time and no winding issues so think I'll leave it a bit, maybe take the time to check out some independent service centres. Haha loved the 'it's a fake......' 😀 👍
I wore a little steel omega manual watch for many many years until... well it just looked like it was falling apart. I had it serviced by Omega via the AD in Selfridges who convinced me to get a new strap, and dial restoration. It wasn’t cheap and the watch that came back was like a different watch, it was definitely the same one as they couldn’t polish out my initials I’d scratched on the back with a compass when I was at school! But what came back was breathtaking it was like it had been reborn. Just stunning. I know what you mean about polishing its the character of your own experience. But this dial was in need of serious TLC and what came back was a work of art.
5.30 that's weird? the watch is fake! Lol, another good video 👍
One of your strap pins wasn't official? Yoyr watch was used?
So why was it grinding when you winded it?
What an insight into what actually happens when an expert takes your pride and joy apart and then makes it all good shy! I’ve been delaying putting my omega planet ocean away now for 3 years but I might now bite the bullet! Great vid 👍
It was refreshing to hear why the movement is actually good and what the weaknesses are. People usually just say and presume its good but I like to know it in more detail.
You were correct the first time. The Rolex movement IS a GREAT movement! After wearing two of them with the 3135 movement for the past 29 years I can tell you they are great and the accuracy you stated is not rare but rather the norm. I am fortunate to have a watchmaker with over 40 years experience that keeps them working amazingly well.
I know this is nothing to do with the video but I am contemplating buying a 34mm Rolex oyster perpetual or a 34mm Rolex date. Is the date overpriced compared to the oyster perpetual or is it actually worth the £1000 extra?
Hi Adrian, can you do a segment on watch insurance. I have a Tudor Harrods addition and looking for a good insurance broker. It's a mind field... You have to look at the T&C...
My dad's 1972 25th work anniversary Omega DeVille needed service. All they found was a broken winding spring and it's been running like a treat ever since. Not bad for 47 years old. My 2012 DeVille small seconds just stopped running. The shop I purchased it from (used) said because it was under their warranty they would do a full service and replace the winding spring (again?) at no charge. Runs great. My new Seamaster 41mm's power reserve was not running exactly to spec. I know, picky picky. Omega service center agreed to do a full service (under warranty) including new hands at no-charge. All three are running great now so sorry, no horror stories here. :-)
Cool vid, I would have liked you to have provided more footage of the service and discussion with the servicer chap.
I dont have the budget you have but i like collecting my fossil watches, Problem i have though is i also like wearing them from time to time and i have a large wrist an cant find links for some of my models. Do you know if anyone carries extra links for them? thanks
You can see more about David Carpenter here:
instagram.com/davidcarpenterwatches
davidcarpenterwatches.com
Only service experience I've had is with Rolex and my 16570. From Start to finish, it was a smooth and painless process. They sent me a box and instructions for shipping the watch. I shipped the watch and about a week later they called me to confirm what I wanted them to do. About six weeks later they called to let me know the watch was ready and it would be shipped immediately. The watch is running like new (+2 seconds per week) and looks great. Very happy with their service.
Recently had my Tudor Black Bay serviced under warranty and it went fine. I was worried they would polish it because of how Rolex operates but they didn't. They also tossed in a nice little Tudor branded watch pouch. Only down side was they had the watch for 2mos. That said, my AD advised me ahead of time this was the standard turnaround.
Great video, having hard times finding a service provider for vintage seiko, any recommendations?
I think a seiko forum would be the best bet for something vintage. Parts might be a struggle to find.
Much obliged
Thanks bud
Great one Adrian ! Thanks for sharing, it was a really cool vid, it’s always a + when you can see a professional wprk on a watch IMO :)
Cheers !
Thought it was click bait, but your watchmaker actually has a sense of humor.
Great video, I wish them all the best; lord knows if the market will go up or down with the world of horology being as it is as we move into a more digital era. I met an elderly fella who ran a guitar shop in London, turned out it used to be an "Umbrella repair shop" - don't think I've ever even thought that was something someone would do, yet it used to be an entire industry. Watch servicing is quite the knack to have!
What was the actual problem with your watch? I note it wasn't just a general lubrication and clean that was required... you replaced parts. Was that because it hard worn down?
Issue with my 14270. Smooth for the first 10 winds, then starts to feel super rough compared to other Rolex calibers. Serviced it with a well regarded independent and still came back the same :( No issues with timekeeping / power reserve though.
What reference Datejust was he wearing?
Nice video Adrian. I have two Rolex watches, and have sent one of them for service to Rolex. They did a brilliant job, and they did polish the watch, which I did like. It is a vintage oyster, so it has a lot of great character by itself. They didn’t touch the dial or anything like that, so it looks like a brand new vintage watch, keeping all its character.
Clickbait-ish title, mate.
Nice video Adrian, would love to see more like these!
Cool insights!
So what caused the winding problem?
Neill Levine winding.
What was the reason the crown wasn’t turning smoothly?
Hi and thank you for the video is really pleasant to hear the opinion of the Zenith El Primero as I am owner of one ! and BTW, how can I get the Explorer poster behind you in the video?
Great stories and video pal ! I’m looking for a Rolex for my 50th and it will be a pre owned one ..... your videos are very helpful to me .. cheers . 👍
For what it's worth, I've used Nesbit's and Jerry's in downtown Seattle many times for Rolex, Omega and Waltham. Both are outstanding. I use Nesbits for my newer stuff and Jerry's for vintage. Nice vid, BTW. I think you should include your watchmaker in future vids. Well done.
Didn't I see the same watchmaker in an Armand the Watch Guy (Watch Chronicler) video last year? Great to hear his passion for his craft.
But what was actually wrong with your watch? I would have liked to know what that grinding was - did a little bit of grit get in?
7:25 My $100 Seiko 7s26 runs about +0.5s/day as well 😄 (+20s in 40 days). What differs the Rolex from it accuracy-wise I think is the consistency regardless of wind levels (???) and positional variation. Rates close to 0s/d can off course happen with any good movement when lucky and/or well regulated. Anyways, it's pretty nice, for once having an automatic that actually keeps to ca. the same time deviation that it was the day before.
Yey been looking forward to this one. Keep up the good work
Great timing Ade, think my 114270 needs some attention. Would be interested to know what your service would of cost? Atb, Dazza. 🇬🇧
I once sent my Omega Geneve with the Cal. 1012 to a repair shop and it came back worst. the second's hand had intermittent stoppages the date was lined up with the window, the ticking felt off and the manual winding was rough. When asked what happened, he said it was normal for vintage watches to be like that. Took his word for it but something just felt off. Went to another repair shop with good reviews and my goodness, the initial repair shop had glued my balance wheel to the bridge due to a screw being missing, the watch was dirty inside and nothing had been done to service the watch. After a good service, the Omega Geneve now ticks properly and keeps really good time
Great video mate, you have me love those Rolex explorers, simple but perfect 👌 you should have talked for another 20 seconds to gain ad revenue , don’t you have to go past 10 minutes ?
You're right, but this channel isn't a money maker for me, so I don't need to worry about that. I make the video to be around 10mins long as that's the youtube norm, but I don't worry about using filler content to make them 10min for ads.
So what caused the winding issue?
I should have summarised what the watchmaker said. Basically the cal. 3000 movement doesn't like the be manually wound. The gears get worn down easily and that's what happened, I wound the watch too often. It just needed a basic service.
Thank you