Loud, audible rotors - any suggestions

[KDOGKDOG]

My pet peeve when it comes to reps is the loud rotor noise when I move my wrist, go tell the time, point at something or shake someone's hand, etc. For this reason, sometimes I'll go with a quartz movement. I've noticed that even with the better movements, the rotor is still audible. Sometimes, you can even feel the watch vibrating as the rotor spins.

What can I do to silence the rotor?

And, can I avoid this problem if I only buy Swiss eta movements or high-end factory watches? Thanks for your help.

 

[Tryam]

First thing I do when I plan to purchase a watch is research the movement. If the noise bothers you a lot you could specifically search for bi-directional rotors. They're a lot less noisy. With the current rotor, you could try to oil it. Be careful not to over-oil it since this will mess up the movements' recharging capabilities (I believe?).

My pet peeve when it comes to reps is the loud rotor noise when I move my wrist, go tell the time, point at something or shake someone's hand, etc. For this reason, sometimes I'll go with a quartz movement. I've noticed that even with the better movements, the rotor is still audible. Sometimes, you can even feel the watch vibrating as the rotor spins.

What can I do to silence the rotor?

And, can I avoid this problem if I only buy Swiss eta movements or high-end factory watches? Thanks for your help.

 

[Rx4Time]

Certain movements if not properly oiled display this characteristic. Thus is typically in movements that have unidirectional winding rotors like the miyota 8215, DG2813, and A7750. A properly serviced and oiled movement will not be loud when the rotor free spins. Remember that even a ETA 7750 will have some rotor noise as it free spins.

 

[Dr. Mike]

Open the case back. Tighten the rotor screw. Add 2 drops of Moebius 9010 or 9020. Then throw the watch away.
Seriously, I've never shook someone's hand and felt their rotor. That's a piece of crap! The Moebius oil I told you about is correct though

Sent from a remote corner of the world using a series of clicks, grunts and generous amounts of profanity

 

[KDOGKDOG]

What are some examples of bi-directional movements? Thanks.

First thing I do when I plan to purchase a watch is research the movement. If the noise bothers you a lot you could specifically search for bi-directional rotors. They're a lot less noisy. With the current rotor, you could try to oil it. Be careful not to over-oil it since this will mess up the movements' recharging capabilities (I believe?).

 

[Rx4Time]

What are some examples of bi-directional movements? Thanks.

A2836, A2824, ETA 2836, ETA 2824 are the most common you'll see in reps. The SA3135 and Yuki 3135 are also, but I'd avoid the SA3135 as it has a spotty reliability history (supposed to be better now) and no spare parts available if it dies.

 

[25minutestoolate]

Do what I do if someone notices the loud rotor noise emanating from your wrist: glance around with an embarassed expression and mutter loudly to yourself "I better get this damn thing serviced!"

 

[Rx4Time]

Honestly, if it's loud enough that you can hear it clearly arms length away, you should consider sending it out to have it looked at unless you are comfortable lubricating it yourself. Some rotor noise is normal, excessive metal on metal, is not. The problem is if you do hear it, it will be when it's in free spin, which most gens don't do, the main exception being the ETA7750. If you buy a rep which the gen uses a 7750 then you can easily pass it off and be justified as references to this are all over the gen forums. Beyond this exception, your best bet is stick with the bidirectional wind rotor movements and you will be fine. There may still be some barely audible clicking as it winds, but nothing compared to the 21 j and Miyotas if you get a dry one.

 

[mech500]

Google "RWI silence rotor"

There are so many threads and tutorials.

Miyoyas are the loudest IMO

I agree with you op, a noisy rotor on a supposedly 20k AP (or whatever) is a deal breaker for me.