Rolex Explorer 214270 arrived today - Disappointment?

[mrmrmr]

Hi all,

I ordered a Rolex Explorer (EXPLORER I 214270 2016 Baselworld 39mm Noob 1:1 Best Edition on SS Bracelet A2824) on Puretime on the 4th of April and
it arrived today. Customer service, quality pictures and shipment via UK - everything worked perfect. And today I was able to unpack my new baby - and it looked gorgeous.

So i took off all the plastic and set the time, but then suddenly I realized that the smth inside the watch is moving and rattling. It‘s hard to explain, but I can clearly feel and hear smth moving inside (and yes, I‘m aware that smth is supposed to move inside an automatic watch). If I’m wearing it on the arm I can even feel smth wobbly inside. I‘ll try later to Record the sound and‘ll try to upload it.

I have a seiko automatic but it‘s not like that (there I dont feel or hear anything).
Is that normal? What should I do? Happy for every comment of you specialists!

Thank you and br

 

[nsk2135]

Probably not normal if it's rattling (as opposed to a "winding" sound, which is the rotor spinning). However, a moving feeling is normal (again, the rotor).

Even if the watch is running as it should, best be careful and not try to wind anything/change the date, as whatever may be loose inside can interfere with the movement and lead to more expensive damage.

As it's an a2824, you can probably bring it to a trusted watch repairer to have a look at it. In my experience, this is a better route to take with movement problems/things you can fix with watches you get direct from TDs (as opposed to gross cosmetic issues like a missing hand or destroyed dial, in which case it's best to send back to the TD). Unfortunately, we get what we pay for, which are (relatively) inexpensive watches that look really good on the outside, are less impressive on the inside.

tl;dr: find a repair service (either local or someone here) to have a look at it.

 

[Rx4Time]

There will be some rotor noise, but the 2824 shouldn't freespin and wobble. Is it autowinding correctly? Did it start running before you manually wound it? I'm wondering if the rotor is detatched.

 

[nsk2135]

I always assume the problem is the most obvious and work from there, and I agree with Rx4Time that the rotor may be suspect.

Short of opening the caseback yourself (which I don't suggest, in case the problem is not the rotor but something loose which can fly out):

Let the watch wind down completely (will take a day or two depending on how much you manually wound it). When the second hand no longer moves, give it a shake to engage the rotor (if attached). If you hear/feel something bumping against the case and the watch does not start, then it's a good bet that the rotor is not attached.

 

[mrmrmr]

Hi! Thank you all for your answers!
@RX4Time: Yes, it seems to be autowinding and it was already running when I unpacked it. So everything seems to be working as it should.
However, it‘s wobbly and you can clearly hear smth when you shake it (holding it an armlength from my year).

@NSK2135: Based on my two left hands I better skip the idea of opening it myself ????
But thanks for the tip. I‘ll now let it wind down completely and then see if I hear / feel anything.
And after that I‘ll decide how to move on as I don‘t know any trusted repair service that accept reps here around Vienna...

Thank you and have a good day!

 

[Tucker]

Hi! Thank you all for your answers!
@RX4Time: Yes, it seems to be autowinding and it was already running when I unpacked it. So everything seems to be working as it should.
However, it‘s wobbly and you can clearly hear smth when you shake it (holding it an armlength from my year).

@NSK2135: Based on my two left hands I better skip the idea of opening it myself ????
But thanks for the tip. I‘ll now let it wind down completely and then see if I hear / feel anything.
And after that I‘ll decide how to move on as I don‘t know any trusted repair service that accept reps here around Vienna...

Thank you and have a good day!

That happens frequently with reps. Something probably came lose in shipment. You shouldn't be disappointed. It won't be the last time you will experience this when shipping a rep. Have a watchsmith open it up and take a look. Have him lube the gaskets while he's working on it. If you don't have a repair guy opening the caaseback is easy. You can buy a Rolex case back opening set or a sticky ball on eBay for cheap. Open it up and see if there are any lose parts. Post pictures on here and members can help. Good luck.

 

[Rx4Time]

Can you post a video clip so perhaps we can give you an idea of what it might be?

 

[puretime]

Hi all,

I ordered a Rolex Explorer (EXPLORER I 214270 2016 Baselworld 39mm Noob 1:1 Best Edition on SS Bracelet A2824) on Puretime on the 4th of April and
it arrived today. Customer service, quality pictures and shipment via UK - everything worked perfect. And today I was able to unpack my new baby - and it looked gorgeous.

So i took off all the plastic and set the time, but then suddenly I realized that the smth inside the watch is moving and rattling. It‘s hard to explain, but I can clearly feel and hear smth moving inside (and yes, I‘m aware that smth is supposed to move inside an automatic watch). If I’m wearing it on the arm I can even feel smth wobbly inside. I‘ll try later to Record the sound and‘ll try to upload it.

I have a seiko automatic but it‘s not like that (there I dont feel or hear anything).
Is that normal? What should I do? Happy for every comment of you specialists!

Thank you and br

Sorry to hear that. my friend. It shouldn't be normal. I am afraid some small parts or the rotor came loose. PLease have a watchsmith open it and check if any parts have fallen off.
Please PM me if you need more help from me.