Zf Seamaster A8800 rotor silencing [steps photos included]

[Kup1712]

With help of fellow RWI member I did a rotor silencing. It’s an relatively easy job to do. I don’t know if this was already posted, but until now I couldn’t find anything on the forum. It is a huge improvement!

See the photos below (how they’re uploaded in the right order).

 

[Valaj]

Wait what did you do?

You removed the rotor, put it on a toothpick and then put it back on?

 

[CeterisParibus]

Without comment it will be hard to understand.

 

[Kup1712]

1. Open the caseback.
2. Unscrew the central/deco screw on the rotor.
3. Disassemble the rotor.
4. Put 2-3 micro drops of Moebius oil or Molykote dx on the bearings (see blue lines on the rotor - yes, it is on a toothpick)
5. Make few spins with the rotor on a toothpick
6. Put all back together

 

[Valaj]

Wow. And that helped? If so, that's great. The only thing I hate about my ZF is the rotor noise.
Someone else said they tried the same thing and it didn't work for them.

Also, how experienced are you? I have zero experience with watches (other than swapping batteries in quartz watches). How hard would it be for a complete noob? Of course I'd be willing to pay someone to do it for me but finding someone here is difficult!

 

[Kup1712]

If you follow the steps as in my last (#4) post it is really easy. The rotor noise is now 80% better (it is quieter than vs3235 in my dj or pt5000 or nh35).
I modded few watches before, but if you have the basic watch tools and calm fingers you’re good to go!

 

[UkBionic]

If you follow the steps as in my last (#4) post it is really easy. The rotor noise is now 80% better (it is quieter than vs3235 in my dj or pt5000 or nh35).
I modded few watches before, but if you have the basic watch tools and calm fingers you’re good to go!

Thanks for the tips - eyeing up this watch but definitely want to silence it myself too. When you say 'micro drops', what did you apply them with? A needle? Thanks in advance

 

[UkBionic]

If you follow the steps as in my last (#4) post it is really easy. The rotor noise is now 80% better (it is quieter than vs3235 in my dj or pt5000 or nh35).
I modded few watches before, but if you have the basic watch tools and calm fingers you’re good to go!

Thanks for the tips - eyeing up this watch but definitely want to silence it myself too. When you say 'micro drops', what did you apply them with? A needle? Thanks in advance

 

[Kup1712]

Yes, needle is good enough. Start with micro drops and if the sound from the rotor is still to loud you can always put more on it.

 

[cpd2186]

1. Open the caseback.
2. Unscrew the central/deco screw on the rotor.
3. Disassemble the rotor.
4. Put 2-3 micro drops of Moebius oil or Molykote dx on the bearings (see blue lines on the rotor - yes, it is on a toothpick)
5. Make few spins with the rotor on a toothpick
6. Put all back together

Which Moebius did you use?

 

[Kup1712]

Which Moebius did you use?

Mobius 9104 / HP 1300 oil. Molykote dx can be to thick.

 

[Thatwatchguy]

Great post, I’ll be looking into doing this.

 

[phelan771]

Thanks for the effort. Much easier to understand once the steps required are written. Does this method applies for all noisy rotors?

 

[Kup1712]

Thanks for the effort. Much easier to understand once the steps required are written. Does this method applies for all noisy rotors?

I used this method on panerais (same bearings).

 

[BucksInFive]

thanks for posting this, i might try this on some of my louder reps.

besides adding oil, any idea what other things people are doing to "silence" rep movements?

 

[UkBionic]

Mobius 9104 / HP 1300 oil. Molykote dx can be to thick.

Just ordered some in anticipation Ill post here if successful.

 

[Apocryphy]

What tool did you use to remove the screw on the rotor?

 

[Sig9]

What tool did you use to remove the screw on the rotor?

same question from me. opened the caseback but did not find a tool for the srew.

 

[Kup1712]

I used rubber. It is almost perfect size and you get enough friction to unscrew it.

 

[Sig9]

I used rubber. It is almost perfect size and you get enough friction to unscrew it.

thats creative