The 3000 vs 3130 article

[RogerF]

Found this in my afternoon travels on the web. I know a few of you guys were asking about this a while back. James Dowling (co-author of Best of Times) describes the differences in this article. Of course all credit goes to him and his associate Mr Hess.

http://www.ukwatches.com/Notes/new_movements.html

New Models & Movements from Rolex

Rolex have introduced a new movement; their third in three years, after the 2235 lady’s movement in 1999 and the 4130 Daytona movement last year. The new movement is called the 3130 and replaces the caliber 3000 in the Air King; it does not immediately replace the 3000 in the Explorer 14270 or the Submariner 14060 but new variants of these two watches will follow in the next few months.

The 30XX series replaced the 15XX series starting in 1977 with the 3035 and the last two models to be replaced were the 1016 Explorer and the 5513 Submariner, the last of which were produced in 1988. The 30XX series were replaced by the 31XX series from 1990 and now (once again) 11 years after the introduction of the series the non-date version is introduced.

Collectors might argue with the choice of the Air King, as the vehicle with which to introduce the new movement but it is difficult to argue with the commercial logic behind the choice. The Air King is a much more vital model to the company than either the 14270 or the 14060, both of which are essentially low production watches whilst the Air King is one of the company’s volume sellers. The new Air King will bear the same model number 14000 but it will now be followed by the letter M (whether it stands for “modified” is something I have been unable to discover). The other Air Kings and the non-date chronometers (14203 & 14208) will also have the letter M appended to their model numbers with the fitting of the new movement.


The 3130 is distinguished from the 3000 by several features; whilst it still beats at 28,000bph it now uses a balance bridge rather than a balance cock and also has a Breguet overcoil hairspring; this means that now all Rolex movements will feature these two company signatures. Also introduced on the 3130 are a new style of reversers for the automatic movement; these are much more efficient than the ones currently used and are an offshoot of the ones introduced 2 years ago on the 2235 lady’s movement. It can safely be assumed that the new reversers will gradually be introduced across the rest of the range, but it is rare that the “base” movement gets technological advances before the more “high end” variants.

The Air King & non-date chronometers will hit the shops within the next few weeks whilst the non date Submariner 14060 will arrive around 4 to 5 weeks later (probably May/June) and the much more revised Explorer a further month later. The new Explorer will bear a new serial number 114270 and will not only have the new movement but also a new bracelet with solid end links which also has a new model number 78690.

The new Air Kings and Submariners represent greater value for money than at present, as they are now chronometer grade movements essentially being sold at a discount. In fact all of the watches with the new movement are now offering more “bang for your buck” as none of the prices have increased at all.

Please note that the delivery times and the price information relate to the UK market only and may not be relevant to your market.