Buying GMT II 16710 with 3186

[icesalmon]

I was looking for a 16710 GMT II a month ago, I wanted one with new 3186 movement inside. I did not find it, so I end up with a 3185 GMT II. I thought I can deal with that.

However, the desire of getting one with 3186 just never ceased. I like the fact that it is kind of in disguise, it is sort of like a Civic with a V6 engine.

Recently I found one with 3186, I really want it. I don't know whether should I buy it and sell the old one with 3185. Any advice?

[ldmarcht]

I am, and sort of have been, going through the same thing. I've got a 3185 16710 that is about 6 months old. I've worn in on travels to many countries and have not no issues with it all, so I finally decided that the watch I bought was doing what I wanted it to do. And I managed to stop craving the more contemporary watch...for what its worth...

LM

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by icesalmon

Recently I found one with 3186, I really want it.

One question: How do you know for sure that it has 3186 inside?

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by icesalmon

(...)Any advice?

Keep'em both!

Being able to track six time zones at a glance is always nice.

[mike]

Well, if a 16710 with a 3186 is what you really want, get it and sell the old one. It'll bug you to death till you do.

[Hamilton Carvalho]

That's exactly what I would do.

Originally Posted by mike

Well, if a 16710 with a 3186 is what you really want, get it and sell the old one. It'll bug you to death till you do.

[SabaDen]

Or u can keep the 3185 and buy the 3186 ... so in the near future, u wun regret selling the 3185.

[icesalmon]

Scarface,
I did a Wiggle test

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by icesalmon

Scarface,
I did a Wiggle test

I thought so, just that this test has been critisized as not being indicative of the movement ...

If you do a bit of search here you 'll find many opinions on this issue.

My Pepsi (an M-Series with stick dial bought a few days ago) qualifies with this test as carrying a 3186 BUT still I can't be sure unless I open it - which won't happen before the 1st service...

About your question: I 'd keep the 3185, I really see no real reason to run after the latest version.

[patsee]

In reviewing all the postings regarding the "Wiggle Test" both here and on Timezone there was only one poster on this forum who said that the "Wiggle Test" didn't work in identifying the 3186 movement. He stated that the hand of his GMT wiggled, but when he opened it there was a 3186 movement in the watch. However, the individual he sold the watch to performed the "Wiggle Test" which he said the watch passed. He stated that the original poster saw the "minute" hand wiggle and assumed that it had failed.
It is the "24 Hour" hand that has to be observed when performing the test and in the case where there is a 3186 movement the "24 Hour" hand does not move. I own two old style "M" series GMTs and a GMT II-C and all pass the "Wiggle Test". Also,the tactile feel of setting all three watches at all winding stem positions is identical.
However, I will not have my watches opened until service is required.

[Scarface]

Originally Posted by patsee

In reviewing all the postings regarding the "Wiggle Test" both here and on Timezone there was only one poster on this forum who said that the "Wiggle Test" didn't work in identifying the 3186 movement.

I 've noticed this too. So, maybe the wiggle test says smth ...

[BillA]

You can chatter all you want.......you still have to crack open the back, only sure way, wiggle test means absolutely nothing.

[HKperf]

patsee is right. when tempoking tested his watch, he was looking at the minute hand. after getting the watch from him, i did the test my self and passed the test. from what i've heard and informed that the wiggle test is 100%. mechanics of 3186 is impossible to move the 24hr hand while wiggle test is performed. same with explores.
no need to open the case if you know how to do the wiggle test...!!

[2careless]

Ok. I took my 16710 M serial pepsi to RSC Melbourne today to add a link.
Also asked them to check the movement. Here's the document I got back

P.S. When I asked them to open the case they said that there's nothing wrong, no need. Ok. I said, no worries then don't open.
However, when I got back the watch the lady said the information I seeked is in the receipt. They refused to tell me if it has been opened or not.
I suppose in their service report they have to put in the details of the watch so either they got a database that describes everything in the watch or they would open it anyway. Just my thoughts.

Oh, btw, the lady at RSC said my model is discontinued...

[Scarface]

It proves that the specific M-Series Pepsi has the 3186 caliber...
Now, I assume that my M has the same (passed the test) but still

[2careless]

When I bought an additional link for my "Perpetual Date" last month, the service report also stated what calibre the watch had, and they definitely didn't open the case.
Suggest you check with RSC. Maybe they got a way to confirm what movement it has got without opening the back, who knows...