Parachrom in a 3135 movement?

[MrCowboy99]

(I know there are many that have opinions on whether this is better or the same. That's not what this is about.)

We saw a Parachrom springs and the movement change in the GMT IIs near the end of them as the GMTII C were "coming to life". We got the 3185 changed to 3186 with some modifications.

Has anyone cracked a back recently on a new Sub to see if the Parachroms are installed yet in them? I suspect it should start in the next rounds with "V"s, but would be interested in hearing from "M"s also. Does the new WG Sub Cs have 3136 movements or 3135 movements?

[Whiskey]

The WG Subs are 3135 movements, same as SDDS.

Both models had the parachrome spring introduced to their models immediately.

[BigHat]

Here's a clip on the issue from the review of the new Sub. Yes, they opted NOT to change the movement designation like they had done in the past when adding the parachrom spring.



Inside this new Submariner beats the tried-and-true 31 jewel Rolex caliber 3135 (designed and manufactured entirely “in house” by Rolex) which has been in service since 1989. Like the rest of the watch, the caliber 3135 in the 116619 has received an upgrade, as Rolex fitted their new “Parachrom Bleu” hairspring to the caliber 3135 in the 116619 Submariner (as of this writing the new hairspring hasn’t been fitted to other caliber 3135 Rolex watches outside the new all-gold Submariners). What is confusing to me is why the 3135 wasn’t given a new designation, as was the case with the Rolex 3185, which became the Rolex 3186 when the new hairspring was added to that movement. In any event, the new hairspring is almost completely anti-magnetic, as well as highly shock and temperature resistant – the three main enemies to mechanical watch accuracy. The 3135 has garnered a reputation as being one of the most reliable, and robust watch movements ever created. At the same time, the movement has been criticized at times for lacking refinement and technological sophistication. True, the 3135 won’t win any beauty contests (Rolex finishes and decorates a movement to a lesser degree than other manufacturers), but intentionally so. It was designed from the beginning as a movement to be encased in a stainless steel Oyster case, and endure rigorous conditions and treacherous environments - it’s a clear case of function over form. I would also argue that the 3135 isn’t lacking in technological sophistication – within the watch industry, Rolex Research and Development is regarded as being second to none. Rolex has implemented several, truly notable features into the 3135 over the years, such as Microstella adjustment screws, Kif shock absorption, and of course the new Parachrom Bleu hairspring. The high-beat movement oscillates at 28,800 beats per hour (BPH). In short, it’s hard to criticize Rolex for setting the benchmark which other manufactures strive to attain. Every Rolex caliber 3135 is COSC tested and certified for the highest standards of accuracy.

[Tools]

Whoever wrote that "Sub review" didn't know what they were talking about..


The Parachrom was added to the GMT II movement, true, but that is not why it was changed to a 3186 designation..... It got a new designation because of the changes to the movement "jump hand" gears, detents and bridges... So, both the GMT II and the Explorer II have a Parachrom Blue hairspring.

Also, the 3135 has been fitted to the Deep Sea for the past year..

So, here is what we know...

The Parachrom is advertised, and has been fitted to:

. Daytonas since 2000 (4130 movement)

. The GMT II since 2005 (3186 movement)

. The Day-Date II since 2008 (3156 Movement)

. The Deep Sea since 2008 (3135 Movement)

. The Explorer II since possibly 2007 (3186 movement)

. The Gold Subs since 2008 (3135 movement)

. The new DateJust 41mm (3135 movement)

. The new TTc Subs (3135 movement)

There are so many models with Parachrom fitted 3135s, there is no reason to believe that they are operating a "separate" facility to produce these movements...

I think that there are many other models with Parachrom hairsprings, just not advertised, and within a couple of years, it will be the standard..

They're making their own, why would they be still ordering hairsprings from an outside source.......

[MrCowboy99]

Did they announce in Basel this week that the 41mm was based on the 3135? I missed that.

[BigHat]

Originally Posted by Tools

Whoever wrote that "Sub review" didn't know what they were talking about..

They're making their own, why would they be still ordering hairsprings from an outside source.......

Here's the link from the other thread. Your explanation makes more sense. A simple migration to an in-house part is no reason to change the movement reference number and there are plenty of examples where they didn't do that too.

http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/11...619review.html

[sp3000]

Resurrecting an old thread!

Recently had a 10yr service on my 16600 and was curious if RSC would have upgraded the spring in the 3135 to the Parachrom Bleu? I didn't ask at the time of pickup..