Rolex Bi-Metal Oyster Perpetual with Dial Refinish
This watch came in with some moisture damage to the dial and a damaged Bi-Metal end link. The owner had inherited the watch from his father. We wanted a restoration which maintained the originality of the watch.
Dial refinishing can be a very tricky prospect. We have in the past tried many different companies and the results have been awful. To the point where we stopped offering dial refinishing to customers. Eventually we found a company who do an excellent job. The service is expensive so it is reserved for high value watches but the results are worth it. This is the only company we will engage with when a dial refinish is required.
I have seen the gold separate from Bi-metal bracelets several times. Stainless steel has a melting point which is far in excess of gold so soldering is not an option. For a strong soldered join you need both surfaces to melt slightly. This doesn’t happen with steel.
The best solution is a very strong adhesive. We have had best results with Loctite. I have sworn by this compound ever since I built a very high torque clock in university and was advised to use Loctite to attach the brass wheels to the steel pinions rather than solder. 10 years later they are still fixed perfectly under massive load.
The pre-service test shows that the watch has a very low balance amplitude of 172 degrees. This should be above 270 degrees for good timekeeping. A low amplitude is also a sign of high friction in the movement. Power is not transferring well from the mainspring to the balance wheel due to dirt and dry oils.
The movement has also developed a large beat error. This means the escapement is not properly aligned and will reduce its efficiency massively.
Under the dial, the movement is in perfect shape despite the moisture damage. A testament to Rolex build quality.
The watch is fully stripped and serviced. A new mainspring fitted and automatic winding assembly is rebuilt with new bearing, wheels and reversers.
The dial arrives back from the dial refinisher. A perfect job as always. The refinisher we use is a master craftsman with extreme dedication to standards.
The watch is cased up. A freshly refinished dial, newly serviced movement and refinished case and bracelet have this watch looking and working better than it has done in years and most of the parts are still the same ones as the new owner’s father wore for years. We have stuck to the customers brief and achieved a good result.
The watch is now running perfectly. The clean movement, fresh oil and new mainspring allow a very healthy 316 degrees of amplitude. Our timing machine has an offset of -7.45 seconds so this watch is now running at around plus 2 seconds per day. The beat error is eliminated.
The watch looks much fresher and is ready for many more years of service for a second generation owner ready to one day be passed on again as a family heirloom.
If you have a similar watch which requires attention please contact us via our contact us form. Our Rolex servicing costs £395 and comes with a 2 year warranty.