Rolex Explorer timegrapher question

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Hi OF, I just got an Explorer 14270 and am trying to decide if the combination of timegrapher parameters is cause for concern (amplitudes lower than 200 and beat errors around 1.0). In my experience with vintage/neo-vintage watches (~20 of them over the years), I've certainly seen some with higher beat errors, or with worse timekeeping, but none so far with amplitudes this low, even for a Speedy with a damaged mainspring! I know that some people would say that either of these values indicate problems in need of servicing, eg https://www.beyondthedial.com/post/collector-guide-interpreting-timegrapher-results/, but I haven't owned many Rolexes (not sure if that matters, but I know there can be different norms for different watch brands)...

In general, I've come across two perspectives on servicing, one being to just wear watches until they present with obvious problems (what I'll call the more "reactive" approach), and the other being to service them after certain periods of time of regular use and/or mild timekeeping symptoms such as these (what I'll call the more "proactive" approach), the reason being that you could mitigate more costly servicing if/when something more serious goes wrong.

1. So is one approach more prominent in the Rolex world?
2. Either way, given these parameters, would you say this is a case where the watch should definitely be serviced, or not necessarily? (PS the service history of the watch is unknown).
3. Just out of curiosity, would you describe this watch as "running well"?

Thanks!

 
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Did you wind it fully?
I believe so. I guess since it's self-winding I don't know 100%. But I wound it ~dozens of times, wore it for a bit, and also checked it a couple hours later after winding it some more...
 
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I am only concerned about the amplitude (an obvious problem), which is low. In this case, I would have it serviced by an independent watchmaker with good reviews. My 16600:

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I believe so. I guess since it's self-winding I don't know 100%. But I wound it ~dozens of times, wore it for a bit, and also checked it a couple hours later after winding it some more...
Hi,
To my opinion it definitely needs a service.
Very low amplitude, in this case it is the main clue.
Even more if the service history is unknown. For the sake of the movement, it is better to do it.
 
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The variation of the daily rate isn't terrible. I'll bet if you set it to an atomic clock in the morning, it's probably still keeping good time by the time you take it off for the evening, and into the next morning.

Your amplitude is low. To ensure that you're winding it up all the way, I would give the crown at least 20 revolutions and make sure that you're keeping an eye on the coronet symbol as a reference point for each revolution. If you're still getting similar amplitude numbers as what you posted above after winding it that way, it's probably time for a service, despite the fact that time keeping is still decent.

Beat error isn't great (but I've definitely seen worse).

Considering the beat error being on the high side, and the amplitude being on the low side (even after winding it for 20 full revolutions of the crown), I would probably send it in for a service.
 
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Thanks for the replies folks! And in general, with low amplitude, can someone speak to the specific risks of not servicing it and waiting for things to get worse? Eg is it possible that the balance wheel/spring could become damaged, and then the service may end up costing more due to needing to replace those parts?
 
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Thanks for the replies folks! And in general, with low amplitude, can someone speak to the specific risks of not servicing it and waiting for things to get worse? Eg is it possible that the balance wheel/spring could become damaged, and then the service may end up costing more due to needing to replace those parts?
Disclaimer: Not a watchmaker; rather, I am just an enthusiast.

I like that your watch on the TGer seems well-balanced.

Lowest to highest beat error is about 0.6
Amplitude changes or variation by position are better than average.
Timekeeping variance from +1 to -5 is quite good.

There appears to be no bias one way or another due to changes in internal friction, worn or damaged bearing surfaces.

How bad can it be?

Incomplete winding or a somewhat weak mainspring?

Let's see what a watchmaker has to offer?
 
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Full service needed.

It is possible the oil has migrated to the escape wheel, which will drag the amplitude down.

But running slow, and with a high beat error, it is in need of service.

I place more "stock" in beat error than amplitude, but I'm certain both will improve with a proper cleaning, fresh lube and final adjustments (which are probably going to be minimal once it's clean and properly lubricated). Adjusting it now to compensate for the condition is not a good idea.
 
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All good info, so thanks again, but I still wonder about my last question: with these particular amplitude/beat error readings, can someone speak to the specific risks of not servicing it and waiting for things to get worse? Eg is it possible that the balance wheel/spring (or some other part) could become damaged, and then the service may end up costing more due to needing to replace those parts? Perhaps @Archer? Cheers,
 
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If you bought the watch pre-owned, chances are there would be numerous conditions extant in the watch, the terrible amplitude being only a a symptom of everything wrong. You have three choices. / return the watch if you can. 2/ live with it. 3/ have it attended to. DO NOT return it to the seller to have them service it, or it will come back, no better.
 
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DO NOT return it to the seller to have them service it, or it will come back, no better.
I didn't think this was on the table, based on the OP's initial post, or replies in this thread.
 
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All good info, so thanks again, but I still wonder about my last question: with these particular amplitude/beat error readings, can someone speak to the specific risks of not servicing it and waiting for things to get worse? Eg is it possible that the balance wheel/spring (or some other part) could become damaged, and then the service may end up costing more due to needing to replace those parts? Perhaps @Archer? Cheers,
If the lubricants are breaking down, and not performing as they should this will accelerate wear and tear on the metal bits that they are there to protect. How much they are being worn would be difficult to say, without having a watchmaker open it up to give it a proper inspection. Do you have a good watchmaker in your area? If so, might be worth a call into him to see if he would open it up for you to give you an initial assessment.
 
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I didn't think this was on the table, based on the OP's initial post, or replies in this thread.
Some people with his problem might decide to return the watch and have the seller service it. You think my advice to be misplaced? I don’t care what you think!
 
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I didn't think this was on the table, based on the OP's initial post, or replies in this thread.
I had 48 hours to decide whether I wanted to keep it or return it outright (so yeah there was no option to have them service it), and that period technically ended today (but I might be able to stretch it to tomorrow). Either way though, I am leaning toward keeping it, because the physical/cosmetic condition is otherwise very good, and the price wasn't unreasonable. So my next objective has been to assess how urgently it would be in need of a service vs. being able to enjoy wearing it for a bit (and the risk associated with that).
If the lubricants are breaking down, and not performing as they should this will accelerate wear and tear on the metal bits that they are there to protect. How much they are being worn would be difficult to say, without having a watchmaker open it up to give it a proper inspection. Do you have a good watchmaker in your area? If so, might be worth a call into him to see if he would open it up for you to give you an initial assessment.
What complicates the situation is that it's actually a gift for my brother, so I'm doing all this assessing on his behalf. And I do have a watchmaker I could have look at it, but not before the return period expires, and also not before giving him the watch...
 
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Some people with his problem might decide to return the watch and have the seller service it. You think my advice to be misplaced? I don’t care what you think!

Relax amigo....I was just pointing out that I didn't think the OP was considering sending it back to the Seller based on the replies that he had posted here. Rather he was trying to ascertain if the watch needed a service and what kind of damage wearing it in this condition could cause long term.
 
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So my next objective has been to assess how urgently it would be in need of a service vs. being able to enjoy wearing it for a bit (and the risk associated with that).

What complicates the situation is that it's actually a gift for my brother, so I'm doing all this assessing on his behalf. And I do have a watchmaker I could have look at it, but not before the return period expires, and also not before giving him the watch...
If I were in your shoes or his, I wouldn't have any problem wearing it for a couple months to enjoy it and then sending it out for a service.

If it's a gift....I would most definitely have it serviced or include the promise of having it serviced for your brother when you present it to him. Cool gift! He's gonna love it!
 
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Your car will still run for a long time if you decide not to change the oil as well. I really don’t like not knowing how long it’s been since something has been serviced. I think there is only one watch I have that I wear regularly that I haven’t had serviced since I bought it, but it has an amplitude over 300 and runs beautifully (1970 DJ). It gives you a lot more piece of mind if you know the piece has been looked after. Service has gotten really expensive over the past few year though. LA watch works quoted me $1k to service a 90’s air king, +$250 shipping each way. Same job from rolliworks is going to be about 750.
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Thanks for the replies folks! And in general, with low amplitude, can someone speak to the specific risks of not servicing it and waiting for things to get worse? Eg is it possible that the balance wheel/spring could become damaged, and then the service may end up costing more due to needing to replace those parts?
As a watchmaker: I would go for a basic service first (with new mainspring and visual checking of the parts => mostly wheels, jewels and bushes)
If after that the movement is not functioning properly : over 250 deg, steady timing at least 2 positions (dial up and crown down) I would investigate more.
We can't guess which parts would need a replacement until it is obvious without servicing the movement