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Is this really necessary? Question for watchmakers

YVR785
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Good day all,

I took this Rolex with a 3035 movement for a service. I was told that the rotor is heavily worn, peeling and needs replacement.

I’m curious, is that typical? I’ve never heard of a rotor being replaced during a standard service. It’s working fine from what I can tell, spins freely with no noise or issues with power reserve. The underside of the rotor was not inspected. Thoughts?
Edited:
 
Dan S
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The photos aren't great, but I think I do see some damage to the rotor, in which case the autowinding mechanism may not be operating as well as you think.
 
Canuck
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Typically, only the rotor post would be replaced. Not he entire rotor! I think the rotor is all steel, not plated. Cleaning the rotor might improve the cosmetics. The three rivets that hold the rotor together are the first to give an indication that the rotor post is worn out. The heads on these rivets drag on the underside of the case back, if the rotor post is worn. These rivets look AOK to me.
 
YVR785
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Canuck Canuck
Typically, only the rotor post would be replaced. Not he entire rotor! I think the rotor is all steel, not plated. Cleaning the rotor might improve the cosmetics. The three rivets that hold the rotor together are the first to give an indication that the rotor post is worn out. The heads on these rivets drag on the underside of the case back, if the rotor post is worn. These rivets look AOK to me.
This is my thinking too. Even if there were cosmetic blemishes on the outer side (which I don’t really see), if it’s a solid stainless steel part a full rotor replacement seems unnecessary.

The only reason I ask is because this is a plaque RSC and parts won’t be returned.
Edited:
 
Canuck
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With the rotor seemingly not rubbing under that case back, I see no reason why either the rotor or rotor post would have to be replaced. Stainless steel rotor? I very much doubt it.
 
Davidt
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If it’s an RSC they will err on the side of caution and replace everything that’s not tip top. That’s what you get with a Rolex service. I once had a Rolex serviced by RCS and they insisted on replacing the dial when there was no blemishes on it whatsoever.
 
YVR785
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Canuck Canuck
With the rotor seemingly not rubbing under that case back, I see no reason why either the rotor or rotor post would have to be replaced. Stainless steel rotor? I very much doubt it.
Sorry, I meant to say if it were stainless steel. I’m not sure what the material is (maybe a plated brass?) but was just wondering if this is necessary or not. I’ve had this watch serviced before, recently and at a different RSC, and it was never an issue.
 
YVR785
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Dan S Dan S
The photos aren't great, but I think I do see some damage to the rotor, in which case the autowinding mechanism may not be operating as well as you think.
Thanks. Is the damage the slight bubbling (maybe?) towards the outer edge? (6 o’clock of the second pic?)
 
Dan S
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Yes, I see something there for sure. I don't know exactly what it is.
 
YVR785
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Dan S Dan S
Yes, I see something there for sure. I don't know exactly what it is.
I see, thanks. Do you know if these rotors are typically plated?
IMG_8076.webp
 
Dan S
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I would certainly assume rotors are generally plated, the same plating to match the bridges, etc.
 
YVR785
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Dan S Dan S
I would certainly assume rotors are generally plated, the same plating to match the bridges, etc.
Thanks for the info. Best to heed the watchmaker’s advice and replace it then?
 
Canuck
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YVR785 YVR785
Thanks for the info. Best to heed the watchmaker’s advice and replace it then?
I’d run the rotor through a clean/rinse cycle before I made the decision.
 
JimInOz
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YVR785 YVR785
if it’s a solid stainless steel part
The centre section of the rotor may be steel or plated brass, the outer weight that's rivetted to the centre is of some denser metal. It is showing some degradation along the interface but I don't think it's all that bad.
These rotors are typically replaced due to cracks developing in the corners of the radial cut slots.

If it's a proper RSC you probably only have two choices, go with the replacement or get your watch back.
 
Archer
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The rotor is not steel. The axle is steel, but the middle section is plated brass, and the weight at the perimeter is sintered tungsten.

Honestly I don’t see anything there that really jumps out at me as being problematic, at least not until the rotor has been removed and properly cleaned.

Plating can certainly wear off, and in some cases flake off. This can require replacing the offending part, but I’m not seeing major flaking on this rotor. I would ask for more specifics before agreeing.
 
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