Moisture in Submariner

[megaronnt88]

Hi guys,

Hope you don't mind I pick your brains a bit on an issue I have, sold my 2005 submariner to my bro-in-law and 2 days later he came back to me saying there's moisture in the watch face and when he sent the watch to AD in Gurney Penang, claims there's a small dent on the crystal as well.

Anyways, I've not had the moisture issue ever and I told him that and suggested he got it serviced at the AD to get rid of the moisture and it's probably way overdue for servicing anyways.

Does any of you have experience with this issue? haiz... maybe best not to sell to family

[Omnipotent]

Is he new to watches? It could be that he forgot to screw down the crown after winding and setting the time. Or something could have  happened to it and he's trying his luck by blaming you

[megaronnt88]

He has a breitling so I wouldn't say he is new to watches but the sub is >10 yrs old and never serviced before so I'm not sure if o ring is faulty but again, this never happened while watch was under my watch. Anyways, it is what it is. Watch was in good condition when I passed to him but I guess I may have to share the service fee 50/50 with him since he is family

[Timeless]

used to have a 7yrs old sub date, running smooth all the while and new owner still wearing in good condition. I'd suggest u send to SC for complete overhaul service and request for the root cause of the moisture. Hopefully, u and your bro in law have a better clarification afterwards.

[JeepWH]

If more than 10 years, never serviced, there is a high chance that the orings and gaskets have deteriorated.

Once it comes into contact with a high humidity environment, or constant contact with water, there will be minor water ingress which will cause the condensation problem.

Another possibility:

You said that he brought it to an AD and they said there was a dent in the crystal.

If in this case, it might be the impact to the crystal which caused the dent, at the same time caused misalignment of the crystal, hence it might affect the crystal gasket which in turn affects the waterproofness.

IMHO, it takes quite an impact to dent a Rolex crystal......

Just my 2 cents.

But just like all others said, better bring it to RSC for total overhaul and diagnosis.

[megaronnt88]

great suggestions... thanks guys

[hotshothunk]

that's why it's always recommended to service a watch every +-5 years

[megaronnt88]

When sent for servicing, should we get it polished as well?

[JeepWH]

When sent for servicing, should we get it polished as well?

In my recollection, yes. Rolex includes full polishing of case and bracelet as part of the full service. However, if you prefer not to have it polished, do inform the receptionist when sending in for service.

[ywl23n]

When sent for servicing, should we get it polished as well?

If you intend to sell it in the near future, probably not a good idea to polish it. Some buyers like original, like "completely original", and may haggle for a bit more discount simply because it has been polished.

[megaronnt88]

I for one am not a big fan of polished goods

[Mikey C.]

I also think the same. Usually the brand will recommend us to do a service once in 3-5 years.

that's why it's always recommended to service a watch every +-5 years

[chrisyen]

I also think the same. Usually the brand will recommend us to do a service once in 3-5 years.

that's why it's always recommended to service a watch every +-5 years

water pressure test every 1-2 yrs
service 4-6 yrs

3 yrs is a bit too short

[gchee]

My sub is 6 years old. Never serviced and still running strong.

[Wee]

I think he forgotten to screw down the crown after winding it... This happened to my dad's old datejust last time. Unless u really wear the Sub to dive, it is unlikely a 10 year old rubber seal to degenerate. To be safe go to RSC for a checkup. And yes I agree not to deal or sell to anyone u are close with, to avoid unwanted akward situations

[megaronnt88]

haha... lesson learned. People closest to us can be our worst customers

[adamjohari]

Well, I don't see the reason he would try to bang his Sub within two days of receiving it. Likely the Sub has been in a change of environment and the moisture built up.

Don't think the cost of servicing a Sub will be that much. Then again, I've never serviced a Rolex...

[JeepWH]

I think he forgotten to screw down the crown after winding it... This happened to my dad's old datejust last time. Unless u really wear the Sub to dive, it is unlikely a 10 year old rubber seal to degenerate. To be safe go to RSC for a checkup. And yes I agree not to deal or sell to anyone u are close with, to avoid unwanted akward situations

FYI, rubber gaskets has a lifespan. Based on normal usage, it will last for 5 years max. After 5 years, it will start to harden and get brittle, losing the waterproof qualities. Therefore, all gaskets are changed at every service interval.

[D'Andy]

Well, I don't see the reason he would try to bang his Sub within two days of receiving it. Likely the Sub has been in a change of environment and the moisture built up.

Don't think the cost of servicing a Sub will be that much. Then again, I've never serviced a Rolex...

I just sent a M116234 for general servicing at Rolex SC, and cost was RM2,070. Was informed that sapphire replacement if necessary, was an additional RM640. I have not sent my SubC for servicing before, but the cost for my servicing of DJ could be utilised as a general yardstick. Just sharing.