Why Did My Rolex Stop Working? Expert Answers from Jupiter’s Luxury Watch Specialists
There’s nothing quite like the quiet confidence a Rolex brings—until it stops ticking. Suddenly, the prestige of your precision timepiece becomes a mystery, and you're left wondering: Why did my Rolex stop working?
If you’re in or around Jupiter, Florida, you’re in good hands. At Golden Anvil Jewelers, we’re more than a third-generation, family-owned jewelry store—we’re your trusted source for certified pre-owned Rolex watches, luxury timepiece support, and expert insight into keeping your Rolex performing perfectly.
Whether you’re facing issues with your current Rolex or exploring the pre-owned Rolex collection we offer in-store and online, this guide will show you:
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Common reasons a Rolex might stop working
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Practical steps you can take to resolve it
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How Golden Anvil can support you with diagnostics or a timepiece upgrade
Need immediate help with a stopped Rolex?
Call us at 561-725-5760, or visit our Watch Repair page for more information.
Even a Rolex Needs Attention: Why These Iconic Watches Can Stop
Rolex is known worldwide for its engineering precision and enduring legacy. Yet, despite its reputation, a Rolex—like any finely tuned mechanical instrument—can stop working. This doesn't mean it's broken beyond repair. It simply means it's time for attention.
Whether you’ve owned your Rolex for years or just invested in a certified pre-owned model, knowing the causes behind a stopped Rolex can save you time, stress, and costly repairs.
Let’s explore the top reasons your Rolex might not be ticking.
Top Reasons Your Rolex May Have Stopped Working

1. Power Reserve or Winding Issues
Most Rolex watches are automatic, meaning they self-wind as you wear them. But if your watch has been off your wrist for a while, the power reserve can deplete, and the movement stops.
How to Check:
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Wind your Rolex manually by unscrewing the crown and turning it about 30 to 40 times.
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Wear it for at least 24 hours to let the automatic mechanism activate.
Jupiter Tip:
If you alternate watches or don’t wear your Rolex daily, consider using a watch winder—especially in humid Florida environments where mechanical parts are more sensitive to climate variations. Better yet, stop by Golden Anvil Jewelers for a free winding check-up.
2. Dried Lubricants or Movement Dirt
Inside every Rolex is a complex movement powered by micro-components. These parts rely on special lubricants to function smoothly. Over time—especially in Florida’s salty, humid air—these lubricants can dry out or get contaminated.
Signs of Lubricant Issues:
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Watch starts and stops intermittently.
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Feels less smooth when setting the time or date.
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You haven’t serviced the watch in 4–5 years or more.
At Golden Anvil, all our certified pre-owned Rolex watches go through a strict inspection and cleaning process to ensure the movement is free of build-up or dry oil issues before we ever display them for sale.
3. Loose Screws, Broken Springs, or Displaced Parts
A Rolex may stop suddenly due to internal components getting dislodged or broken—especially if the watch has been dropped or mishandled.
Common Mechanical Failures:
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A broken mainspring (stores power)
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Detached or bent hairspring (controls timing)
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Loose rotor axle (prevents automatic winding)
These issues require professional diagnosis. Opening the case without proper tools or training can do more harm than good. At Golden Anvil, we work with experienced watchmakers who can evaluate your Rolex movement and recommend the best course of action.
4. Magnetic Fields, Impact Damage, or Improper Handling
Rolex watches are tough—but not immune to magnetism, impact, or improper setting techniques.
Avoid These Scenarios:
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Leaving your watch near laptop speakers or smart devices
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Wearing your Rolex during intense activities without shock protection
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Setting the date during the “blackout” period (between 8 PM and 4 AM), which can damage the date-change mechanism
If your lifestyle in Jupiter involves boating, fishing, or frequent travel, you’ll want to bring your Rolex in for routine checks at Golden Anvil Jewelers, especially if it's been exposed to Florida’s magnetic-heavy environments.
5. Automatic Winding Mechanism Failure
Your Rolex’s self-winding feature depends on a rotor and reverser gears. If these parts wear down or fail, your watch won’t build enough power to keep running—even if you wear it daily.
This type of failure isn’t common, but it can happen with age or poor servicing.
When you buy a certified pre-owned Rolex from Golden Anvil, we ensure every rotor system and movement component is tested for full function—so you can enjoy luxury without second-guessing performance.
What to Do When Your Rolex Stops: A Step-by-Step Guide

Before you panic or assume the worst, follow these steps to assess whether it’s a simple fix or time to bring your watch in.
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Manual Wind – Unscrew the crown and wind the watch 30–40 times.
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Wear It – Put it on and wear it for a full day.
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Check the Crown – Make sure it’s fully screwed down (especially for Oyster models).
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Avoid Magnetism – Keep it away from speakers, phones, laptops, or induction stoves.
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Review Service History – If it’s been more than 4–5 years since your last service, it’s time.
- Schedule an Inspection – Visit Golden Anvil in Jupiter, FL for a full diagnostic.
➤ Contact Golden Anvil Jewelers
Why Buying Certified Pre-Owned Rolex from Golden Anvil Means Peace of Mind
At Golden Anvil Jewelers, we don’t just sell luxury watches—we deliver confidence. Every certified pre-owned Rolex that passes through our hands is thoroughly inspected, tested, and verified for authenticity before being offered for sale.
Here’s what sets us apart:
1. Thorough Movement Inspection
Our certified pre-owned Rolex watches undergo a full internal diagnostic to ensure:
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Power reserve is functioning properly
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Rotor, mainspring, and gears are in excellent shape
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Movement is clean, lubricated, and magnetism-free
2. Authenticity Guarantee
As a trusted, third-generation family-owned jeweler in Jupiter, Florida, we stand by the legitimacy of every timepiece we sell. You’ll receive:
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Authentication verification
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Documentation of service or inspection history
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Transparent condition reporting
3. In-Store Support for Local Buyers
We’re located right here in Jupiter, FL—minutes from neighborhoods like Abacoa, Jupiter Inlet Colony, and Tequesta. Whether you need:
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An inspection for a stopped Rolex
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Advice on trading up to a newer model
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Support maintaining your luxury watch
We’re here to help in person, not just online. If you're nearby, stop into our showroom for expert one-on-one consultation.
➤ Contact Golden Anvil Jewelers or call 561-725-5760

Preventive Rolex Care Tips (Especially for Florida's Climate)
Living on Florida’s east coast comes with perks—and a few extra watch care responsibilities. Salt air, humidity, and sun exposure can all take a toll on even the toughest Rolex.
Watch Care Tips for Jupiter Rolex Owners:
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Wear your watch regularly to keep the self-winding mechanism active
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If storing, use a quality watch winder to maintain movement
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Rinse after saltwater exposure, especially if worn on a boat or at the beach
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Always ensure the crown is fully screwed down before entering water
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Avoid extreme temperature changes, which can affect internal pressure seals
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Keep away from magnetic fields, including smartphones and speaker magnets
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Service your Rolex every 4–5 years to keep the movement lubricated and healthy
Pro tip: Live in or near Palm Beach County? Bring your Rolex into our store for a quick inspection—we can often spot issues before they become expensive repairs.
Still Stopped? Here’s What to Do Next
If you’ve followed the steps above and your Rolex is still not working, don’t ignore the issue—continued use could lead to deeper movement damage.
Your Options with Golden Anvil:
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Bring your Rolex in for a diagnostic evaluation
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Speak with a certified expert about repairs, servicing, or options to upgrade
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Explore our certified pre-owned Rolex collection if you’re ready to trade or invest in a new model
We’ll walk you through the process, clearly explain your options, and help you get back to wearing a timepiece you trust.
➤ Schedule a visit or call us at 561-725-5760
➤ Browse the Certified Pre-Owned Rolex Collection
Final Thoughts: Time is Precious—So Is Your Rolex
Even the most reliable watches can stop. But with the right partner, you can avoid the guesswork, prevent costly damage, and even upgrade with confidence.
At Golden Anvil Jewelers, our passion is pairing clients with luxury watches that match their style—and keeping those watches running with precision and care.
If your Rolex has stopped working, or if you're in the market for a certified pre-owned Rolex in Jupiter, FL, we’re here to help every step of the way.
Visit us in Jupiter
Call 561-725-5760
Explore Watch Repair
Shop Rolex Collection
