A quick question about a 1980s Rolex Datejust
Discussion
I have a Rolex Datejust 16030 from I think 1988 (I bought it used).
A couple of weeks ago I left it on the side while I was showering and it fogged up inside. So far that doesn't seem to have caused a problem, but I'm just curious as to what the official rating was for the waterproofing when it was new?
I've googled and found 100 metres but I suspect that it's less.
Thanks!
A couple of weeks ago I left it on the side while I was showering and it fogged up inside. So far that doesn't seem to have caused a problem, but I'm just curious as to what the official rating was for the waterproofing when it was new?
I've googled and found 100 metres but I suspect that it's less.
Thanks!
Oh, I don't know now. Probably about 15 years ago (last service and it's still keeping perfect time so I never thought about it).
The incident was weeks ago and it seems fine at the moment. The crown was screwed down - it's just the aging seals. I was just curious as to what the official rating was and that incident made me think about it.
The incident was weeks ago and it seems fine at the moment. The crown was screwed down - it's just the aging seals. I was just curious as to what the official rating was and that incident made me think about it.
Yes, but its good advice anyway and your question doesn't suggest that I am preaching to the choir. Now that you know that moisture has managed to get in you need a service and new seals to preserve the watch.
There are a couple of repairers on this sub-forum who should be able to service a Datejust for a fraction of the Rolex cartel price, too.
There are a couple of repairers on this sub-forum who should be able to service a Datejust for a fraction of the Rolex cartel price, too.
BHC said:
I have a Rolex Datejust 16030 from I think 1988 (I bought it used).
A couple of weeks ago I left it on the side while I was showering and it fogged up inside. So far that doesn't seem to have caused a problem, but I'm just curious as to what the official rating was for the waterproofing when it was new?
I've googled and found 100 metres but I suspect that it's less.
Thanks!
Does it matter what it was then as clearly it is zero metres now and 'Not Showerproof'. I am sure that when you get it serviced they will be able to tell you.A couple of weeks ago I left it on the side while I was showering and it fogged up inside. So far that doesn't seem to have caused a problem, but I'm just curious as to what the official rating was for the waterproofing when it was new?
I've googled and found 100 metres but I suspect that it's less.
Thanks!
Pip
1. I know plenty about watches, but thanks.
2. I happen not to know this detail and wanted to know out of curiosity what the answer might be.
3. I'm not in the UK and there aren't really any Rolex agents around here, so I have decided to wait until I'm back in the UK although I had already made the decision to do it.
I didn't ask the question in order to be patronised about how the members of this website perceive my attitudes to my own property.
2. I happen not to know this detail and wanted to know out of curiosity what the answer might be.
3. I'm not in the UK and there aren't really any Rolex agents around here, so I have decided to wait until I'm back in the UK although I had already made the decision to do it.
I didn't ask the question in order to be patronised about how the members of this website perceive my attitudes to my own property.
BHC said:
1. I know plenty about watches, but thanks.
2. I happen not to know this detail and wanted to know out of curiosity what the answer might be.
3. I'm not in the UK and there aren't really any Rolex agents around here, so I have decided to wait until I'm back in the UK although I had already made the decision to do it.
I didn't ask the question in order to be patronised about how the members of this website perceive my attitudes to my own property.
What a rather strange reply to peoples perfectly reasonable posts.........in future if you want some information about your watches I suggest you goggle it2. I happen not to know this detail and wanted to know out of curiosity what the answer might be.
3. I'm not in the UK and there aren't really any Rolex agents around here, so I have decided to wait until I'm back in the UK although I had already made the decision to do it.
I didn't ask the question in order to be patronised about how the members of this website perceive my attitudes to my own property.
michael gould said:
What a rather strange reply to peoples perfectly reasonable posts.........in future if you want some information about your watches I suggest you goggle it
I have said that I googled it but didn't find any credible sources (in my opinion).And none of the posts were even remotely close to addressing my question (apart from saying that when it was new it was very waterproof, whatever that means). The posters were more interested in making out that I'm an idiot who can't keep a watch.
I think you might want to re-read this thread Brian. It looks like you've correctly answered your own question in your OP. Yes, the 16030 should be waterproof to a depth of 100m. Rolex advise a service once every five years, this would include the replacement of the case and crown seals. As a guide I've just paid Rolex UK £400 to service a 16234 Datejust.
The replies simply urge you to have the watch serviced sooner rather than later. In order to avoid a bigger bill further down the line for a rusted movement. Looks like well intended advice, I can't see anyone calling you an idiot or being patronising.....
The replies simply urge you to have the watch serviced sooner rather than later. In order to avoid a bigger bill further down the line for a rusted movement. Looks like well intended advice, I can't see anyone calling you an idiot or being patronising.....
"Every model has a case hewn from a single block of metal. Every model contains a Perpetual self-winding movement. And every model is equipped with a Twinlock winding crown, ensuring that this most precious of timepieces remains pressure-proof to a warranted depth of 330 feet or 100 meters." (Rolex Talking Points, 24)
If you're going to leave it until you get back to the Uk for service then please find somewhere local to where you are at the moment to remove the back and dry it out. You don't need to get them to do anything else, but you [i]will[i] get rust if you don't.
"A bit of condensation" means that there's water in there. However much water condensed on the glass is still in there - possibly as vapour, or possibly condensing on other parts as liquid - would you be appy wearing a watch that you knew had been opened, the case back dunked in water, and then closed again with the inside of the back still wet? because that's exactly the same effect you've got.
Many years ago the shop I worked in had a regular customer who got water in his Rolex while on holiday. Admittedly it was sea water but, rather than trusting someone else to dry it, he left for two weeks until he got home because "it was only a bit of heavy condensation". By that stage the watch was so rusty that the movement, dial and hands were write-offs. It cost him well in excess of 4 figures (back to Rolex) simply because he "didn't trust anyone" to do a simple dry-out.
"A bit of condensation" means that there's water in there. However much water condensed on the glass is still in there - possibly as vapour, or possibly condensing on other parts as liquid - would you be appy wearing a watch that you knew had been opened, the case back dunked in water, and then closed again with the inside of the back still wet? because that's exactly the same effect you've got.
Many years ago the shop I worked in had a regular customer who got water in his Rolex while on holiday. Admittedly it was sea water but, rather than trusting someone else to dry it, he left for two weeks until he got home because "it was only a bit of heavy condensation". By that stage the watch was so rusty that the movement, dial and hands were write-offs. It cost him well in excess of 4 figures (back to Rolex) simply because he "didn't trust anyone" to do a simple dry-out.
Being serious, thanks for all the replies. I am not currently able to have the watch serviced as I am moving back to the UK in under a month. However it has been on my mind and worrying me.
I apologise for my curt attitude and I can only explain it by saying that I have been planning to get the watch serviced and checked out, but I haven't been able to as yet.
I'm looking forward to getting it serviced and receiving the bill for damage/all clear (hopefully the latter!)
Again, I'm sorry that I lashed out and I hope that nobody was offended.
All the best
I apologise for my curt attitude and I can only explain it by saying that I have been planning to get the watch serviced and checked out, but I haven't been able to as yet.
I'm looking forward to getting it serviced and receiving the bill for damage/all clear (hopefully the latter!)
Again, I'm sorry that I lashed out and I hope that nobody was offended.
All the best
BHC said:
I apologise for my curt attitude and I can only explain it by saying that I have been planning to get the watch serviced and checked out, but I haven't been able to as yet.
Good for you.Question answered then at 100m. I assume that's a pressure test depth rather than a submersion depth
Pip1968 said:
Ha ha, I skim read that as "meet you in prison". Ha ha (well tickled me at least). Where did you say you were ...........?
Pip
At the moment, Kyrgyzstan. Believe me, there aren't too many Rolex dealers around here!Pip
And if I do meet you in prison, back me up that I'm innocent, ok?
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