If you’ve glanced down at your wrist and noticed your Rolex has stopped ticking, you’re not alone. Many Rolex owners, especially those new to mechanical watches, wonder why their luxury timepiece suddenly halts. Is something broken? Did you damage it? Or is it just part of how these high-precision instruments work?

At Golden Anvil Jewelers, we’ve helped countless customers in Jupiter, FL understand their watches better — especially when it comes to owning and maintaining certified pre-owned Rolex watches. As a third-generation, family-owned jeweler, we take pride in offering expert advice and trusted luxury timepieces both in-store and online.

Call us today: 561-725-5760
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How a Rolex Movement Works (and Why It Sometimes Stops)

A Rolex doesn’t run on a battery (unless it’s an Oysterquartz). Most are automatic mechanical watches, meaning they’re powered by movement — specifically, the natural motion of your wrist.

Here’s what powers a Rolex:

• Rotor: A small weighted disc inside the watch spins as you move, winding the mainspring.
  
• Mainspring: Stores energy and slowly releases it to power the watch.
  
• Escapement: Controls the energy flow, ticking in a precise rhythm.
  

When a Rolex is worn regularly, the rotor keeps the mainspring wound. However, if the watch sits unworn for too long, it can stop because the energy reserve runs out.

Modern Rolex models typically have a power reserve between 48 and 72 hours. If you haven’t worn your watch in a couple of days, that’s often the most likely explanation for the stoppage.

Top 5 Reasons Your Rolex Keeps Stopping

Let’s dive deeper into why your Rolex might not be working — and what it could be telling you.

1. Power Reserve Depletion

This is by far the most common reason. If you haven’t worn your watch in 48–72 hours, the power reserve has likely run out.

What to do: Give your Rolex a full wind — about 30 to 40 full turns of the crown — then wear it throughout the day to keep it running.

2. Not Enough Wrist Movement

Automatic watches need movement to stay wound. If you wear your Rolex loosely or only for short periods, it may not get enough wrist action to stay fully charged.

Tip: Consider a watch winder if you rotate between watches or don’t wear your Rolex daily.

3. Mechanical Issues or Internal Wear

Even Rolex movements can suffer wear over time, especially if they haven’t been serviced regularly. Issues like:

• Dried lubricant
  
• Dirt or dust inside the case
  
• A damaged balance staff
  
• A loose screw
  

These internal problems can interfere with the smooth running of the movement.

Solution: Time for a professional inspection — and that’s where Golden Anvil Jewelers can help. More on that below.

4. Magnetization

Modern life is full of magnets — smartphones, laptops, speakers — and your Rolex isn’t immune. If the movement becomes magnetized, it can cause erratic behavior or complete stoppage.

What to look for:

• Your Rolex runs too fast or stops randomly
  
• It ticks oddly or gets stuck
  

We can help test and demagnetize your watch in-store at our Jupiter location.

5. Water Damage or Shock

Despite Rolex’s impressive engineering, water can still sneak in if the crown isn’t fully screwed down or the gaskets are compromised — especially in Florida’s humid environment. A hard shock can also disrupt the delicate movement.

Warning signs:

• Condensation under the crystal
  
• The watch stopped suddenly after a drop
  

If you suspect damage, don’t wait. Bring it in for evaluation.

What You Can Do Right Now at Home

Before you panic or assume your Rolex needs expensive repairs, try these quick checks:

• Manually wind it: Turn the crown 30–40 times. This gives it a full power boost.
  
• Wear it consistently: See if it keeps ticking with regular daily use.
  
• Check the crown: Ensure it’s fully screwed down — especially important in humid Jupiter weather.
  
• Avoid strong magnets: Keep your watch away from phone cases, speakers, and wireless chargers.
  
• Use a watch winder: Particularly helpful if you own multiple watches and rotate them.
  

If these steps don’t help, or your Rolex keeps stopping even when worn regularly, it’s time to get professional help.

When It’s Time for Professional Service

Even the most reliable Rolex watches need attention from time to time. If your watch continues to stop despite winding it and wearing it daily, it’s likely time for a professional inspection or service.

Signs Your Rolex Needs Service:

• Stops even when fully wound and worn
  
• Runs fast, slow, or inconsistently
  
• You hear an unusual rattle inside the case
  
• Moisture or fog appears under the crystal
  
• The winding feels stiff or unusually loose
  

At Golden Anvil Jewelers, we’re more than just a showroom — we’re a trusted source for luxury watch guidance, certified pre-owned sales, and pre-purchase inspections. Whether you’re troubleshooting a current Rolex or shopping for your next timepiece, our team is ready to help.

Located in Jupiter, FL, we regularly assist clients from:

• Abacoa
  
• Jupiter Inlet Colony
  
• Tequesta
  
• Palm Beach Gardens and more
  

Why Buying Certified Pre-Owned from Golden Anvil Helps Prevent Problems

One of the biggest benefits of buying from Golden Anvil Jewelers is peace of mind. When you purchase a certified pre-owned Rolex from us, you’re not inheriting mystery issues — you’re investing in a verified, inspected, and authenticated timepiece.

Why it matters:

• Many used Rolexes sold online or through unauthorized sellers may not be properly serviced
  
• Hidden problems like water damage, magnetization, or worn parts can cause ongoing stoppages
  
• With us, every certified pre-owned Rolex is thoroughly inspected for movement accuracy, power reserve performance, and wear history
  

Shop Certified Pre-Owned Rolex

As a third-generation, family-owned business, we treat our clients like family. We believe in education first — not pressure — and every watch we sell is backed by integrity and expertise.

Local Support & Service in Jupiter, FL

When your Rolex stops working, you shouldn’t have to ship it across the country or trust just anyone. At Golden Anvil Jewelers, you can walk right in and speak to a local expert. Whether you’re looking for:

• A quick inspection
  
• Trade-in evaluation
  
• Watch education
  
• Access to verified pre-owned inventory
  

…we’re here to help.

Stop by during business hours or give us a call at 561-725-5760
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Serving Palm Beach County and beyond, we’ve helped watch enthusiasts from all over Florida get the trusted Rolex experience they expect — without the guesswork.

Summary & Next Steps

Key Takeaways:

• If your Rolex stops, don’t panic. Most often it’s due to power reserve depletion or not enough wrist movement.
  
• Try winding it manually — 30 to 40 turns — and wear it consistently.
  
• Avoid magnets and moisture; store your watch properly when not in use.
  
• If the problem persists, have it professionally evaluated.
  
• Buying certified pre-owned Rolex watches from Golden Anvil Jewelers ensures you're getting a timepiece that’s been thoroughly vetted and serviced.
  

Ready to Take the Next Step?

• Bring in your stopped Rolex for a complimentary inspection
  
• Explore our collection of certified pre-owned Rolex watches
  
• Get trusted guidance from a family-owned business that’s been part of the Jupiter community for three generations
  

Call us at 561-725-5760
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why does my Rolex stop when I’m not wearing it?

Rolex watches are automatic and need movement to stay wound. If unworn for 48–72 hours, the power reserve runs out.

Can I wind my Rolex to get it started again?

Yes, manually winding the crown 30–40 times can recharge the mainspring and restart your watch.

How do I know if my Rolex has water damage?

Look for fog or condensation under the crystal, or unusual performance. Bring it in for inspection if you suspect moisture issues.

Is magnetization a serious issue?

Yes. It can cause erratic timekeeping or total stoppage. We can test and demagnetize your Rolex in-store.

What’s the benefit of buying certified pre-owned?

Certified pre-owned Rolex watches from Golden Anvil have been inspected, authenticated, and serviced to ensure performance — no surprises after purchase.

Final Thoughts

Owning a Rolex is a privilege — and part of that privilege is understanding how to care for it properly. At Golden Anvil Jewelers, we’re here to make that easier, more accessible, and more trustworthy than ever.

Whether your current Rolex has stopped or you’re shopping for your next one, we invite you to visit our showroom in Jupiter, FL, or browse our certified pre-owned Rolex inventory online. Our team is ready to answer your questions, inspect your watch, or help you find the perfect next piece.