32xx movement problem poll and data thread

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by cascadez71

After +58 hour measurements where watch failed to read on 3U and 9U, I immediately fully wound watch and started wearing. Put on timeographer 10 minutes later in DU and readings were very wild -300 to -900 s/d, amplitude all over the place.

Very surprising, I have never heard of such behaviour.

Originally Posted by cascadez71

Watch was wound fully after 58 hr test but was demonstrating extremely low amplitude and rate even in DU position. Worn during day today was losing 15-20 s/hour. Clearly letting it run down to near 60 hours magnified the issue.

Why should a movement deteriorate drastically after running to about 83% (58/70) of its power reserve?

[GradeV]

Originally Posted by cascadez71

After +58 hour measurements where watch failed to read on 3U and 9U, I immediately fully wound watch and started wearing. Put on timeographer 10 minutes later in DU and readings were very wild -300 to -900 s/d, amplitude all over the place. I wondered if maybe timeographer needed a power reset or watch needed to settle. I then went about my day.

2 hours later watch is losing 20+ seconds per HOUR on my wrist, perhaps a day or two of wear will normalize. Amazing it ran as long as it did - my experiment was only the second time the watch had sat unworn since March of 2021. I'm a 24/7 wearer.

Will post clean charts in a day or two. I hope these updates are useful for someone reading this down the line.

Originally Posted by saxo3

Very surprising, I have never heard of such behaviour.

Why should a movement deteriorate drastically after running to about 83% (58/70) of its power reserve?

Maybe a gentle interrogation of the RSC when this Submariner is being picked from service will prove helpful.

[hellobandit]

Originally Posted by SwissSteph

Screenshot of the setup used on the Weshi can be seen on my #5286

Yes,

I have already applied the same settings as yours on my first tests, thanks. And now, it gives a precision of the drift to the tenth. I think it is sure to increase the value of the period.

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by GradeV

Maybe a gentle interrogation of the RSC when this Submariner is being picked from service will prove helpful.

Gentle (Or tough) interrogation is unlikely to work.

Rolex don't like to give out too much information.

[cascadez71]

Originally Posted by saxo3

Very surprising, I have never heard of such behaviour.

Why should a movement deteriorate drastically after running to about 83% (58/70) of its power reserve?

It is extraordinarily strange! I assume something substantial may be broken or damaged? The watch has only left my wrist >60 minutes twice in its history. Once for a previous warranty issue (small speck of dirt on date wheel) and second for this test. I guess actually a third time since I stopped wearing it after yesterday's work ended.

For science's sake, I just tossed it on the 1900 and let it sit for 10 minutes. It is about +24 hours from when I put it down yesterday in drawer. Current DU reading is better but still far off my +24 test reading. -21 to -28 s/d, Amp 162, BE 4.9.

Originally Posted by GradeV

Maybe a gentle interrogation of the RSC when this Submariner is being picked from service will prove helpful.

Originally Posted by CharlesN

Gentle (Or tough) interrogation is unlikely to work.

Rolex don't like to give out too much information.

I will try :)

[FlyinHawaiian]

Originally Posted by cascadez71

I will try :)

It didn’t work for me. They said all the info is on your receipt! 😝🤬

[Rivella]

Very interesting thread. I did not read through each one of the hundreds of messages, but get the gist of the issue.

Thus I am looking for some advice: I am looking to get a pre-owned 226659 (Yacht Master 42, white Gold, oysterflex strap), there are plenty out there for prices that are decent, typically around 25% below new retail price. It has the 3235 movement, which now makes me "suspicious".

Any idea which production years I should avoid to have issues? For instnace, a watch produced in 2023 or 2024 would still risk to have the issue discussed in this thread?

Any other tips how I could avoid finding myself with a watch that has this kind of problem?

Thanks, Chris

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by cascadez71

Timeographer testing complete. …… Off to service it goes. Will repeat test on return.

Your 2021 Submariner (3235) is only about 3.5 years old, has been worn constantly and is now largely out of Rolex specification. The good news is that your watch is still under warranty and that you have identified the 32xx caliber issue by using your own timegrapher. Anyone with a little common sense can see how useful a timegrapher can be. Now go back to post #5313 and evaluate the extremely valuable recommendation you received there. Within a few days, you have ridiculed his advice for your watch. Don't forget to vote in the poll on this thread.

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by Rivella

Any idea which production years I should avoid

Hi Chris and welcome to the forum and this thread.

Basically, ALL 32xx movements have the problem.

It does not matter which version of the 32xx caliber it is and there still does not seem to be a "Fix" as even new watches are measured by some and older ones that have gone in for a service or repair come back behaving well for a short period of time before going "sick" again.

Personally, I had quite a few 32xx equipped watches ... I have sold them all on as they were just not as they should be. I only have Rolex watches with older movements now.

So , In simple terms .. I would not buy any watch with a 32xx movement.

[hellobandit]

Hello, I have a beginner's question about my timegrapher.

I followed the SwissSteph settings. However, I can't identify the use of the "Gain" setting located at the top right of the screen. Is it the sensitivity of the microphone? What value should I set it to?

[Dabbadon8]

Adding my input

Had modern GMT (2021) go bad and now my sub (2020) is losing 2+ seconds per minute. Both still under warranty. If they try to charge me for repairs after warranty I will contemplate organizing a class action lawsuit. Any one have experience with having this fixed post warranty?

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by Dabbadon8

Had modern GMT (2021) go bad and now my sub (2020) is losing 2+ seconds per minute.

2 s/min = 2880 s/d = 48 min/d ???

Originally Posted by Dabbadon8

If they try to charge me for repairs after warranty I will contemplate organizing a class action lawsuit.

Nonsense. Rolex will not "try" but certainly will charge you and you will have to pay. I'd love to read more about this if you ever file a class action lawsuit.

[cascadez71]

Originally Posted by saxo3

Your 2021 Submariner (3235) is only about 3.5 years old, has been worn constantly and is now largely out of Rolex specification. The good news is that your watch is still under warranty and that you have identified the 32xx caliber issue by using your own timegrapher. Anyone with a little common sense can see how useful a timegrapher can be. Now go back to post #5313 and evaluate the extremely valuable recommendation you received there. Within a few days, you have ridiculed his advice for your watch. Don't forget to vote in the poll on this thread.

Indeed, sage advice for most things in life! It is short indeed! Currently I am wearing my old Tag F1 Quartz as I will ship the Sub for service tomorrow.

I appreciate all of the advice received here and certainly appreciate the use of a timeographer. It will come back, I will measure and I am sure it will run fantastically for a while. And some point I will decide whether I want an old kermit or keep the new one.

[Dabbadon8]

Originally Posted by saxo3

2 s/min = 2880 s/d = 48 min/d ???

Nonsense. Rolex will not "try" but certainly will charge you and you will have to pay. I'd love to read more about this if you ever file a class action lawsuit.

Yes. Completely broken. Likely an under estimate.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Dabbadon8

Adding my input

Had modern GMT (2021) go bad and now my sub (2020) is losing 2+ seconds per minute. Both still under warranty. If they try to charge me for repairs after warranty I will contemplate organizing a class action lawsuit. Any one have experience with having this fixed post warranty?

To add to a few recent posts...

I wouldn't touch a 32xx movement. One of the main reasons I wanted a Rolex was reliability. My 31xx sub is still +~2 spd 5+ years after service. It would drive me nuts if my expensive watch kept shit time.

I don't know that a Class action lawsuit would go anywhere. Rolex isn't in the USA even. And luxury watches are unlikely to garner the sympathy of... anyone. Except maybe regarding their +2-2 claims. But luxury cars are notoriously awful after warranty and nothing happens there. NO ONE wants a used Bentley.

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by Dabbadon8

I will contemplate organizing a class action lawsuit.

Good luck with a lawsuit against Rolex.

They are well known to be one of the best protected companies the world.

They are fierce about protecting themselves.

They have an unlimited budget .... Do you ?

Whilst you may feel that you want to go down that route you can be sure that Rolex will just chew you up and spit you out.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Dabbadon8

Adding my input

Had modern GMT (2021) go bad and now my sub (2020) is losing 2+ seconds per minute. Both still under warranty. If they try to charge me for repairs after warranty I will contemplate organizing a class action lawsuit. Any one have experience with having this fixed post warranty?

Ah yes, an American threatening with a lawsuit, how original.
Rolex will mop the floor with you, I wouldn't even bother.

[CharlesN]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.

Where do I apply ?

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by CharlesN

Where do I apply ?

If they’ll make an exception for an angry battle-dwarf I’m in.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

If they’ll make an exception for an angry battle-dwarf I’m in.

No axes in the current line up

[Dabbadon8]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Ah yes, an American threatening with a lawsuit, how original.
Rolex will mop the floor with you, I wouldn't even bother.

I’m a biglaw class action litigator. If they are concealing a known defect to cause us to have to pay for frequent service it’s arguably fraud. I could do the case myself if I had the time (but I don’t so, ultimately, yes just another an American threatening a lawsuit). That said I would consider trying to find an interested plaintiffs firm. Rolex can easily be sued in the US.

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Dabbadon8

I’m a biglaw class action litigator. If they are concealing a known defect to cause us to have to pay for frequent service it’s arguably fraud. I could do the case myself if I had the time (but I don’t so, ultimately, yes just another an American threatening a lawsuit). That said I would consider trying to find an interested plaintiffs firm. Rolex can easily be sued in the US.

If they fix it no charge under warranty, then charge you when the warranty expires, what is the problem?

[sheldonsmith]

Originally Posted by Easy E

If they fix it no charge under warranty, then charge you when the warranty expires, what is the problem?

A five year warranty over an advertised 10 year service interval is the problem. Repeated service for the same watch within the warranty period would (arguably) fall within California’s lemon law for automobiles.

[Dabbadon8]

Originally Posted by sheldonsmith

A five year warranty over an advertised 10 year service interval is the problem. Repeated service for the same watch within the warranty period would (arguably) fall within California’s lemon law for automobiles.

This. They are telling you it’s a 10 year service interval knowing it is not. I would have to do some research to find the best state to bring the lawsuit in.

[csaltphoto]

Well... Rolex is already in violation of the Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act by stating that service and repairs outside of a RSC will invalidate the warranty. And might be in violation of right to repair laws by not supplying parts. And it doesn't seem to bother them one bit.

The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act pertains to any consumer product sold within California as long as it was sold with a warranty. So that might make CA a good choice since no one loves a lawsuit like California!

[Smobews]

Originally Posted by Smobews

SD43 with 8/6/19 warranty card
EXP II with a 6/17/21 warranty card
Sub with a 4/28/22 warranty card

Down is crown down
Up is crown up

Avg 3 is the average of Dial up, crown down, 6 up. I find the average of these three to be the closest to how it runs on the wrist.

Unfortunately the Explorer 2 has succumbed to the amplitude stealing villain. Fully wound, dial up, it can barely keep 200 amplitude. Time for a trip to the Rolex spa for some treatments. The results pictured here were from March of this year.

[bigmcmuffins]

Hi all, I previously posted my 3230 movement explorer and the stats from weishi 1900 timegrapher. In the past 2 months, i noticed that the average rate has decreased by about -1 sec/d. Still within rolex spec, but different than what it was originally at time of purchase. The amplitude is still fine - well over 200 after 24 hrs. Has anyone experienced this before? Rate change (in the negative direction) after a few months of owning their watch?

[saxo3]

Originally Posted by bigmcmuffins

Hi all, I previously posted my 3230 movement explorer and the stats from weishi 1900 timegrapher. In the past 2 months, i noticed that the average rate has decreased by about -1 sec/d. Still within rolex spec, but different than what it was originally at time of purchase. The amplitude is still fine - well over 200 after 24 hrs. Has anyone experienced this before? Rate change (in the negative direction) after a few months of owning their watch?

I understand you are comparing timegrapher data. Can you show us the new data plus the previous one for direct comparison?

[searas]

Originally Posted by bigmcmuffins

Hi all, I previously posted my 3230 movement explorer and the stats from weishi 1900 timegrapher. In the past 2 months, i noticed that the average rate has decreased by about -1 sec/d. Still within rolex spec, but different than what it was originally at time of purchase. The amplitude is still fine - well over 200 after 24 hrs. Has anyone experienced this before? Rate change (in the negative direction) after a few months of owning their watch?

I think that this -1 sec/day variation could be within the margin of error for a timegrapher like the 1900 (no offense intended—I own one, and for the purposes discussed in this thread, it's fine). However, you should monitor your watch from now on to see if there is indeed a degradation trend.

Regards

[hellobandit]

Hello,

I finished my measurements today with the Weischi 1900 on my datejust 126200 with a 3235 movement.
The measurements were made over 71 hours. I intended to go until the watch stopped, but I was surprised that it was still running now after almost 75 hours of operation ( edit: it just stopped after 75 hours 15 minutes of service.). The only movements made with the watch were the rotation of the mechanism to turn the watch. It then waited in the DU position between two measurements every 12 hours, then more closely after 60 hours. This gave 9 measurements in all.

I am still too young on this forum to be able to share the image of all my measurements. But if someone wants me to send them the image of my measurements to share them, I would be happy to.

I would also like to have your opinion on the results.