A few people have asked us what to do if their watch is running fast / slow.
It is not uncommon for a watch to run fast or slow. In fact, most watch manufacturers have a 30-45 seconds per week tolerance level. In other words, as long as the watch is not gaining or losing more than 45 seconds per week, it passes their inspection.
Of course, some watch owners want the time to be perfect. We picked up this tidbit from Qualitytyme.net:
Is there anything I can do to make my watch run a few seconds fast/slow each day?
“If your watch is off a few seconds per day (fast or slow) you can regulate it depending on the position you leave the watch at night when you’re not wearing it, as follows:
By leaving the watch’s dial (or face) up can cause it to gain (or run fast) upto a few seconds per day. On the other hand, by leaving the watch’s dial (or face) down can cause it to lose (or run slow) upto a few seconds per day.”
At least one of our readers has tested this method successfully. Give it a shot – it certainly won’t hurt the watch.
The QualityTyme website also a few other answers to FAQs about Rolex watches:
What is an SEL?
Solid End Links (or SEL) refers to the final link on select modern Rolex bracelets. On these SEL bracelets, the final link is made from a solid piece of metal where the bracelet attaches to the watch’s case (or head). This new design makes for a stronger bracelet and a cleaner look. On older bracelets, they utilized a hollow end piece to attach the bracelet to the watch’s case.
Why is the Day-Date sometimes called a “President”?
Actually, Rolex has never referred to the Day-Date watch as a “President”. However, the BRACELET we are used to seeing on the Day-Date is known as a President, since one was fitted to President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s watch during a service overhaul in 1956 — the same year the Day-Date was first introduced.
And as a little known trivia fact, President Eisenhower’s watch wasn’t even a Day-Date… it was an 18kt Datejust given to him by Rolex in 1946 to celebrate the WWII victory — and Winston Churchill was also given one at the same time.
How often should I have my Rolex serviced?
It is recommended to have your watch overhauled every 5 years. By having your watch serviced regularly you will reduce the chances of needing any serious (and costly) repairs.
What is the difference between a ‘Chronometer’ and a ‘Chronograph’?
This is a very common question since people often confuse the two. While their names may sound similar, these terms have very little in common.
Chronometer is the term used to describe a highly-precise timepiece which, after rigorous testing, has received an official timing certificate from the official Swiss timing bureau Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC). Thus, it is a rating or accolade given for the watch’s accuracy.
A chronograph on the other hand is a timepiece that, in addition to the normal time telling functions, also performs a seperate time measuring function such as a stop watch — with a seperate seconds hand which can be started, stopped and reset to zero, via push-buttons on the side of the case. Please do not confuse ‘chronographs’ with ‘complications’ (which are described below). While all chronographs can be considered complications, not all complications are in fact chronographs.
