Rolex... that makes an easy job hard. Rolex typically uses a very strange formed wrench to screw off the back.... right hand thread, by the way... where every other high quality watch uses a simple case spanner wrench with 6 tangs, Rolex Oyster's have 6 wiggly shaped forms that they repeat to make the border around the watch back. This is done mostly to disguise the fact that the back comes off. The down side is if you use anything but the real Rolex case wrench, you will be virtually assured of scarring the back... And Rolex won't sell tools, or parts, to anyone that hasn't gone to, and passed Rolex's factory school.
I have a Vigor No. 6 case back wrench that has a set of tips that supposedly will open Rolex Oyster cases, but I would never risk it on such an expensive watch. It doesn't provide the level of engagement that the real Rolex wrench does, and I am afraid it would slip. There is, however, a workaround that frequently does the trick. Oftentimes, you can remove the back by using friction. With a chunk of Rodico (a kneed-able eraser like material), stuck to the back, and pressing hard and twisting, you can usually get the back off... others use a new rubber crutch tip. As to the O-rings, as long as they were properly lubricated, they can be reused a dozen or more times without a problem... However, without doing a leak test, you are relying on your luck. If you go to Rolex to get the job done, they will make sure that you pay for the effects of the sluggish economy on their bottom line. Or, you could sell your watch on ebay, and buy several dozen timex watches. -Chuck Harris Stan, W1LE wrote:
Hello The Net: When I retired almost 2 decades ago, I put my wristwatch in a drawer and left it there. I was hoping to never have to use it again. Wishful thinking. Now I need it, but it does not work, battery is depleted. I need to open it up and replace the battery. Any idea how I get my Oysterquartz open. It does have a back cover, but is it a right handed or a left handed thread, and where can I find the best tool, without marring it ? Also, any idea what the battery part number is ? I should consider replacing the o-ring seal under the cover, any idea where to get one ? After I replace the battery, I hope to calibrate it, comparing it to my Trimble GPS/DO. Any help is appreciated. I had considered getting support from R-USA in NY, but previous support was horribly bad. Stan, W1LE Cape Cod FN41sr ZZZZz _______________________________________________ time-nuts mailing list -- [email protected] To unsubscribe, go to https://www.febo.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/time-nuts and follow the instructions there.
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