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NEW RELEASE: VSF 3235 -> 3230 Phantom Date Fix Mod

dogwood

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I have several watches with VS and VR movements and have never noticed a spacer between the movement and the rotor. Is this usual? I ask because my Clean DJ has a rather flimsy rotor that, with even slight pressure, already scrapes against the automatic bridge when using Rodico. Could it be that the spacer was forgotten? Many thanks in advance!
The spacer washer isn't there all the time. I suspect it's included only when the rotor is found to touch the bridges when it spins. Since the rotor bearing block is press fitted into the rotor, there will be a certain amount of variability between different rotors in terms of where the rotor sits relative to the rotation plane of the ball bearings. Rather than tightening the tolerance for the height of the bearing block within the rotor (as I assume gen Rolex rotors are made), I assume that both Shanghai and Dandong simply have an optional spacer washer that can be installed during assembly to ensure that the rotor clears the bridges by a certain distance.
 

Drache1510

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The spacer washer isn't there all the time. I suspect it's included only when the rotor is found to touch the bridges when it spins. Since the rotor bearing block is press fitted into the rotor, there will be a certain amount of variability between different rotors in terms of where the rotor sits relative to the rotation plane of the ball bearings. Rather than tightening the tolerance for the height of the bearing block within the rotor (as I assume gen Rolex rotors are made), I assume that both Shanghai and Dandong simply have an optional spacer washer that can be installed during assembly to ensure that the rotor clears the bridges by a certain distance.
Thank you for your response. I'm considering installing such a spacer if I can find one online.
 

Generaline

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Thanks a lot for the amazing explanation, @dogwood really clear and helpful!

I just have a question about my specific case. When I open the case, the pin comes out of the watch, I believe it's the setting lever screw. I’ve attached a picture with it circled in red so you can see exactly what I mean.

Based on your experience, what do you think is the issue here? Is there something I should do differently from what you explained? And do you think I’ll need any spare parts before I start opening the watch?

Would love to hear your thoughts before I dive in.

Thanks again! 🙏
 

dogwood

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Thanks a lot for the amazing explanation, @dogwood really clear and helpful!

I just have a question about my specific case. When I open the case, the pin comes out of the watch, I believe it's the setting lever screw. I’ve attached a picture with it circled in red so you can see exactly what I mean.

Based on your experience, what do you think is the issue here? Is there something I should do differently from what you explained? And do you think I’ll need any spare parts before I start opening the watch?

Would love to hear your thoughts before I dive in.

Thanks again! 🙏
Oh dear... if that part comes out you have a broken stetting lever. That's the stem release button. It's also the axle on which the setting lever pivots. If that part is free / falls out, then it means your setting lever is broken and it's rotating / pivoting correctly. You'll need a replacement part and for the keyless works to be re-assembled.
 
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Generaline

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8/5/24
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Oh dear... if that part comes out you have a broken stetting lever. That's the stem release button. It's also the axle on which the setting lever pivots. If that part is free / falls out, then it means your setting lever is broken and it's rotating / pivoting correctly. You'll need a replacement part and for the keyless works to be re-assembled.

So yeah, that pin in the red didn’t fall out completely, but it did pop out and feels a bit loose. It doesn’t just drop out, but it’s definitely not snug either. Do you think there’s a chance the setting lever isn’t actually broken and that nothing needs to be replaced?

I’m going to have to handle this myself anyway. There’s no one around me can work on this , and sending it back to the dealer would take forever and probably cost more than just getting a new movement. So this feels like my best shot.
 

dogwood

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So yeah, that pin in the red didn’t fall out completely, but it did pop out and feels a bit loose. It doesn’t just drop out, but it’s definitely not snug either. Do you think there’s a chance the setting lever isn’t actually broken and that nothing needs to be replaced?

I’m going to have to handle this myself anyway. There’s no one around me can work on this , and sending it back to the dealer would take forever and probably cost more than just getting a new movement. So this feels like my best shot.
No way to be sure without opening the watch up and inspecting the parts.
 

Generaline

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8/5/24
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