Rattling noise when tapping SMP300

Canuck

It is hard to know whether the rattling noise in your watch is excessive, but I can say that the Rolex makes little (if any) noise is because the rotor arbor runs in two precision fit jewelled bearings, where the Omega rotor operates on ball bearings. There are advantages to each of the two systems. It is highly unlikely that the rattling you hear has anything to do with changing the strap. As a matter of putting your mind at rest, you might decide to check it out.

OmegaP99

To me that sounds exactly like a loose rotor screw allowing play in the rotor. When you roll the watch gently in your hands, to articulate the rotor, do you also hear a slight scraping sound? You may not if it's loose, but not loose enough to contact the case. Either way, easy fix, your watchmaker can pop the back and tighten it, but also verify there is nothing damaged inside that caused it such as a completely failed rotor bearing.
Also you will possibly have some light scoring marks on the inside of the caseback and top of rotor.

M Mark325

If I roll it in my hand slowly I barley hear any noise.. maybe a light rotor noise.
As far as markings go I can’t see any of it or a damaged back Glas. So I don’t think it really touches it or anything else..

Donn Chambers

Have y’all seen this thread?

https://omegaforums.net/threads/noisy-rotor-ceramic-cased-seamaster-300.117813/

the noise you are hearing is perfectly normal and is because the movement uses ceramic bearings for the rotor, not metal with lubrication. There are benefits of the ceramic (less friction, no need for lubrication), but they will be noisier. It’s really not a sign of any problem or quality-control issue.

if the noise really bothers you that much, then all you can do is sell it and buy a watch without the ceramic bearings.

AAAKK

So several people have mentioned that the noise occurs when tapping the watch. I guess what confuses me is why someone would tap their watch so frequently that it would become a source of irritation. What's the purpose and why not just stop tapping your watch?

Donn Chambers

Have y’all seen this thread?

https://omegaforums.net/threads/noisy-rotor-ceramic-cased-seamaster-300.117813/

the noise you are hearing is perfectly normal and is because the movement uses ceramic bearings for the rotor, not metal with lubrication. There are benefits of the ceramic (less friction, no need for lubrication), but they will be noisier. It’s really not a sign of any problem or quality-control issue.

if the noise really bothers you that much, then all you can do is sell it and buy a watch without the ceramic bearings.

AAAKK

So several people have mentioned that the noise occurs when tapping the watch. I guess what confuses me is why someone would tap their watch so frequently that it would become a source of irritation. What's the purpose and why not just stop tapping your watch?

alam

here’s my non-watchmaker solution to fix the issue: stop tapping.

Donn Chambers

What makes you think this is lateral movement and not the rotor doing its job (rotating)? Did you actually observe this lateral movement through the clear caseback when tapping?

Not owning one of these watches, I have to assume the tapping is just enough to get the rotor spinning a little (because its on the ceramic bearing and has less friction) and that is the noise being heard. Don’t know if you are familiar with the Valjoux 7750 movement, but that rotor only winds in one direction. If you got it moving in the other direction, there is a lot less friction and that thing will spin fast and long enough that you can feel it. Look up Valjoux wobble if you aren’t familiar with it.

Suspect the same thing is happening here with the rotor on the ceramic bearing and that there is nothing mechanically wrong with it.