Rolex as a brand need no introduction – their watches are exceptional quality and well worth maintaining. They often become heirlooms passed down between generations. In this instance we have a vintage model with an unusual custom Mickey Mouse dial on the bench.
This watch is an Oysterdate Precision, model reference 6694. It dates from 1982, so it’s just over 40 years old. On arrival with us it was ticking, though timekeeping was extremely unreliable. There was also a problem with the crown, which would no longer screw down onto the case tube. The movement is a calibre 1225 – a Rolex manual wind movement with a sweep seconds and date function.
On inspection of the movement it was clear this watch had not been serviced in many years. The oils and greases crucial for the correct functioning of the watch were completely dried up. The fault with the crown was also identified – the thread on the crown was completely worn out. We are able to source and fit replacement crowns for this model, so this part was ordered in.
A full service of the movement involves complete disassembly, with each part carefully inspected for wear. Once everything is stripped down, we run the parts through our specialist watch movement cleaning machine. The cleaning machine uses a series of jars containing specialised cleaning or rinsing fluids to give everything a thorough clean. We combine the use of the cleaning machine with a form of manual cleaning during the disassembly process – this way be can be certain we’ll have spotlessly clean parts when we get to the reassembly stage.
After cleaning, the movement is carefully reassembled and oiled, plus we fitted a new mainspring. A mainspring in excellent condition is crucial to ensure a properly functioning watch – the mainspring is the source of power for the movement after all. Once everything is back together we adjust and test the movement, before the dial and hands are fitted.
The watch case and bracelet are thoroughly cleaned and dried, before the watch is fully reassembled, plus the replacement crown fitted.
For watches like this we recommend servicing every 3-5 years. This is to ensure optimal performance of the movement (as the oils and greases needed to keep the movement running properly need to be kept fresh) and to allow the movement to be checked for signs of wear and tear.
After a full service and new mainspring, a clean of the case and bracelet, plus a new crown, this beautiful Rolex Mickey Mouse Oysterdate Precision is running very nicely once again.
Yours sincerely
David Clark DGA PJDip PJGemDip CertGA
Managing Director
W.E. Clark & Son Limited