Opinions on 3185 vs 3186

[1911 Man]

Folks, one of the watches I am considering for my next Rolex is the Polar Explorer 2. It would have to be the 40mm (I don't like any version of the 42), but I am not specific on whether it needs to have the 3186 movement vs the 3185. I kind of like the idea of occasionally changing out the bracelet for a leather strap, and lug holes would make this easier, but are not mandatory. Solid end links and super luminova are mandatory.

My question is should I avoid the 3185 movement, or is it a solid and dependable movement that will be serviceable for the next several decades?

Thank you

[cdmorenot]

The 3185 is as solid and as dependable as the 3186.

I personally would not pay the premium for a 3186.... if prices were the same, I'd go for newer (Because I'm a fan of rehaut engravings) aside from that... I'll take the 3185 and put the $700 ish or so towards a delicious steak dinner.

[padi56]

Speaking for myself would take the cal 3185 over the 3186 and would not pay extra for the 3186.The 3186 had a few problems which the 3185 never had but was rectified by Rolex but still would always prefer the 3185.

[joe100]

What Padi said. However, I’ve always considered the 3186 v. 3185 issue of rarity a pretty silly pursuit. They’re so similar it’s not worth a premium.

[Gearjockey]

Originally Posted by 1911 Man

My question is should I avoid the 3185 movement, or is it a solid and dependable movement that will be serviceable for the next several decades?
Thank you

Avoid the 3185?

Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the 3185 power 95% of GMT‘s from that pre-ceramic generation?

If it is indeed unreliable, then I need to sell mine posthaste.

You guys are on a roll today.

.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[996marty]

Originally Posted by joe100

What Padi said. However, I’ve always considered the 3186 v. 3185 issue of rarity a pretty silly pursuit. They’re so similar it’s not worth a premium.

Exactly this. Tbh it’s not worth any premium buying the 3186

[rmagoo57]

First priority for me would be overall condition of the watch. What you see on your wrist trumps the guts by a mile. I have a couple of each (3185/6) and don't notice any difference other than the 24 hr hand wiggle. Enjoy the hunt!

[aboutime]

I’ve owned my explorer II for 18 years, most of the time it was my daily. Only serviced once. It has the 3185 movement. Never had a single issue. Didn’t even notice the gmt hand wiggle until I joined this forum! I recently acquired a later model 16710 also with the 3185 movement. The secondary market premium for the later 3186 movement was not a step I was willing to take.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by 1911 Man

. . .

My question is should I avoid the 3185 movement, or is it a solid and dependable movement that will be serviceable for the next several decades?

Thank you

There is no reason to avoid a 3185 movement.

It is the later 3186 that has had the problems and have had to have the bugs worked out. I expect that it is the earlier 16570 Exp II's that would have had the problematic first generation of 3186's so you would want to know if it has had the fixes incorporated. The newer Ceramic Exp II's use the 3187 movement.

[PepsiBezel]

As others have stated, there is no reason to avoid the 3185 movement. It’s likely more robust than the 3186.

However, if you are looking at 16750 Polar Explorer IIs, late versions (those with a 3186, but not all 3186s) have what is called a “thin frame dial” where the black surrounds are noticeably thinner around the circular lume plots.

This is an aesthetic preference, so it is up to the individual — but these do tend to carry a cost premium.

As many others have said, I tend to look at overall condition first, as that is more important than the small nuances to me.

[Jackie Daytona]

Just go 3185.

I own a 3186 variant that I recently acquired. Truth be told having recently been looking at this and having the same debate I would look for a 2000-2003 era variant. Sort of the best of all worlds, yet no premium that the seller look for in a 3186.

That was my original plan, but was offered a 3186 variant locally for a good deal so just went for it.

[racerx]

Find a nice P serial watch. 3185, lug holes, SEL.

[0nly5iv3Digits]

3185 > 3186 in the 5 digit era for the above mentioned “problems”

[Gerardus]

No brainer for me, 3186 with the RRR rehaut.

[nyc2la]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

As others have stated, there is no reason to avoid the 3185 movement. It’s likely more robust than the 3186.

However, if you are looking at 16750 Polar Explorer IIs, late versions (those with a 3186, but not all 3186s) have what is called a “thin frame dial” where the black surrounds are noticeably thinner around the circular lume plots.

This is an aesthetic preference, so it is up to the individual — but these do tend to carry a cost premium.

As many others have said, I tend to look at overall condition first, as that is more important than the small nuances to me.

I ended up getting the 3186, engraved rehaut, and thin surrounds. I bought it NOS relatively recently. I needed to correct one of my few watch regrets — I sold the 16570 Polar I bought new from an AD back in circa 2001. While I regret selling my original one, I am thrilled with the one I have now - it’s one of my favorites.

OP, I suggest finding one in top condition within the price range you are comfortable with. Then wear and enjoy it!

[1911 Man]

Thank you all for your input.

Back in 2016 I had the chance to try on a 2002 Y serial number polar dial that was for sell at the local used Rolex dealer (where I had just purchased my first Sub). I was surprised at how much I liked it, but was low on funds (ie, just purchased a Sub). I've always kicked myself for not just using the credit card, as it was in excellent shape, box and papers, and the price was $3900.

I've always liked the idea of putting this watch on a brown leather strap, and using it as a travel / field watch.