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Rolex 3135 mainspring with black dry lubricant

steve1811uk
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steve1811uk WRT Addict

steve1811uk

Posted
Posted

Hi, I just opened a Rolex barrel from 3135 movement and it was absolutely full of a fine black powder. Just wondering if that is normal or not. Also best way to re-lubricate as I will be fitting a new mainspring. Thanks.

IMG_20250504_191402518_HDR.jpg

Klassiker Distinguished Member

Klassiker

Posted
Posted

I have no experience of Rolex, but that doesn't seem normal. Do you know about the history of this watch? The barrel appears to have been dry for a long time, judging by the wear on the inside of the lid. In any case, it needs a good clean and fresh grease.

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JohnR725 Distinguished Member

JohnR725

Posted
Posted

Do you have the service manual for 3135 as it would explain the procedure

then in the absence of that the current procedure for modern mainsprings would be breaking grease on the outer wall as it's an automatic watch. The mainsprings are considered prelubricated no lubrication is required. Then the arbor is lubricated with a suitable lubrication.

Typically the only time you see well I haven't ever seen anything quite like that Rolex but Seiko watches often the barrel is filled with some sort of I believe graphite-based lubricant. Or if too much breaking grease was applied in it leaks out but that would be a heck of a lot of breaking grease.

I wonder if the black would be molybdenum disulfide? There is a variation of 8200 Quite remember the number were a little bit of molybdenum disulfide Which is a really nice high-pressure powder is mixed in with the eighth 200 and maybe they applied a heaping quantity of that?

Klassiker Distinguished Member

Klassiker

Posted
Posted
9 hours ago, steve1811uk said:

serviced just once around 20 years ago

Is this person still around to answer questions? It would be interesting to know what they put into the barrel. Has the watch been worn regularly in the last 20 years?

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