Rolex Submariner - have I knackered it?

[Soov535]

Hi all

Went shooting yesterday. Was enjoying a beer when I got home and noticed that my Sub is making a sort of "rubbing" sound when the self winder operates (i.e. when I shake it).

Never noticed it before.

Still keeps perfect time and seems to self wind OK, it just makes a noise, almost like a bearing that's worn.

Have I done it in or is it nothing?

[yeti]

That's a lot of repetitive shock put through a mechanical device; it's just a spring on a balance at the end of the day

It should wind silently so yeah, something is up.

[Soov535]

yeti said:

That's a lot of repetitive shock put through a mechanical device; it's just a spring on a balance at the end of the day

It should wind silently so yeah, something is up.

Hmmm.

Thought so.

Balls.

[longblackcoat]

I've (conservatively) shot upwards of 20k cartridges whilst wearing my SD and it's never missed a beat. Did maybe 100 wearing my Moonwatch and it ceased to function; mainspring (I think) had gone.

From the description, I'd say yours needs some remedial attention.

[Soov535]

stbox.

[Variomatic]

Could be a few things, from "really minor" to "not too serious".

The "nicest" cause would be that a screw has shaken loose and is being hit or dragged round by the auto weight. Not all that uncommon, but usually caused by vibration rather than shocks.

In terms of possible actual damage, the most likely is either the oscillating weight has come loose on its axle (staked together, can usually be tightened without new parts) or fractured one of the axle's jewel bearings (depending on calibre parts are available as original, generic, or both)

None of the above are particularly scary repairs. It really needs to be looked at, though, because a loose weight (from either cause) will end up marking the plates (not technically important but a real shame) as it drags and a loose screw getting in the wrong place can cause fairly nasty damage if you're unlucky.

[shep1001]

Soov535 said:

Hi all

Went shooting yesterday. Was enjoying a beer when I got home and noticed that my Sub is making a sort of "rubbing" sound when the self winder operates (i.e. when I shake it).

Never noticed it before.

Still keeps perfect time and seems to self wind OK, it just makes a noise, almost like a bearing that's worn.

Have I done it in or is it nothing?

Shot with my Sub on before and its been fine but it does wind silently. My Tag Monaco on the otherhand hand makes a sctatchy noise when it winds, been like that ages and its fine. Get Dom H to have a look & see what he says?

[shep1001]

Soov535 said:

Hi all

Went shooting yesterday. Was enjoying a beer when I got home and noticed that my Sub is making a sort of "rubbing" sound when the self winder operates (i.e. when I shake it).

Never noticed it before.

Still keeps perfect time and seems to self wind OK, it just makes a noise, almost like a bearing that's worn.

Have I done it in or is it nothing?

Shot with my Sub on before and its been fine but it does wind silently. My Tag Monaco on the otherhand hand makes a sctatchy noise when it winds, been like that ages and its fine. Get Dom H to have a look & see what he says?

[AlexC1981]

I don't take chances with mechanical watches. I even use my right hand on the hole punch when I have a wodge of paper to go through.

[Variomatic]

Don't forget, people went through 2 world wars wearing wrist watches with no shock protection at all - certainly far more "delicate" than anything made now - so a few shotgun shells shouldn't really bother them unless you're very unlucky!

[Hoofy]

Should have worn a G-Shot.

Soov: I wouldn't wear the watch until you get it seen to just in case.