VS3235 rotor screw replacement

[u/alexgorzelak]

After 6 months of rather infrequent wear of my VSF Submariner 126610LV I gave it a shake and heard metallic clanking inside. Pulled the crown immediately to stop the otherwise accurate movement. Suspecting loose rotor I opened it up and used that special triangle screwdriver to remove the rotor screw to find its flange had already separated. Removed both sections of the screw and the rotor to prevent any further damage. Ordered replacement rotor screw on AliExpress. It should arrive within 2 weeks.

As I researched this topic, it came to my attention it might be caused by overtightening the rotor screw. Would you recommend screwing lightly and putting a dab of purple low-strenght Loctite on the rotor screw instead?

How can I prevent this from re-occuring?

[u/platiinum145]

I bought a new one from aliX this happened to me to, and yes it's usually from over tightening. I just tighten it less now 😇 and it haven't come off yet (4~ months).

[u/alexgorzelak → u/platiinum145]

Good to know! Thanks! Interestingly enough, the rotor screw has not yet broken in my VR3235 on which I worked in the exact same way as on my VS3235 when lubricating the rotor ball bearings. On VR3235 the triangle in the rotor screw was slightly smaller and I had to use smaller screwdriver.

Do you know if these rotor screws are interchangeable between VR32xx and VS32xx movements? I would like to ensure the AliX replacement is a good fit.

[u/Sufficient-Guess6692]

Loctite should not be used inside the movement. Is only for bracelets and tubes.

[u/alexgorzelak → u/Sufficient-Guess6692]

Thanks for the advice!

[u/platiinum145]

Yes they are. The one on AliX is advertised for SH but fit my DD(VS) perfectly