I’m just gonna go ahead and say it.

[donq]

And a fax machine is nothing but a waffle iron with a phone attached!

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by Doc Savage

This should be good. IBTL

Originally Posted by Polarexplorerii

Ibtl

Don't hold your breath.

[Sub Capt.]

Originally Posted by EEpro

3235 in DJ41 and SD43 was fairly loud but nothing like the new omegas.

3285 is pretty quiet, though. I wasn't expecting that. I have to put my ear up to it to hear anything but the slight jingle of the snug bracelet.

True. 3285 is buttery smooth and quiet. All 3235’s... not so much. Yet.

[TswaneNguni]

Originally Posted by sgwatchguy

I love the experience winding the 4130.




I have 3285’s and the experience isn’t the same between the two. Don’t know what to make of it since both keep equally good time but one is noticeably louder than the other when winding and the feel is ‘rougher’ compared to the other.

4130 is a legend ..so is the watch that cases it .

[Macnavara]

Originally Posted by mactruck

The Rotor sounds like an eta.
The time sets like an eta.
It winds hard like an eta.
It uses screws and tabs like an eta.

The 3135 was way better IMHO. Quiet Rotor, smooth winding, time setting, Rolex staple.

The 3235s don't feel like a Rolex.

All i know is that im disappointed with the sound my new watches make....it does make them appear a bit cheaper....just my opinion

[themast]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Don't hold your breath.

<sarcasm> let’s make this thread more interesting. Will 3135 retain value better than 3235? </sarcasm>

Granted that I have not experienced the 3235. I think the answer will come out in the long run. If reliability, cost to repair, and parts availability won’t be a problem then 3235 is just an evolution.

The rotor noise comments are interesting. That is purely owners preference/perception but I could see how some Rolex-only owners may be unhappy with the increased rotor noise.

[Robf52]

I'm not an expert in the differences between the movements, but have full confidence in Rolex to engineer, innovate and stand behind their designs.

[Tavli3]

I have never noticed any noise from my DJ41 until I read this thread and took my watch off and shook in circular motion around my ear and yes I now hear the rotor! And even though you can't hear it while you wear it, its annoying to know its not silky smooth as one would expect a Rolex to be. I enjoy learning all the time on the Forum but not sure I'm happy I'm now well versed in the 3235 now! Especially knowing that you can't change the post or axle as on the 3135 and now you need to change the whole rotor assembly. That will be a costly day in the shop I'm sure. LOL.

[Alimamy]

When I first got into Rolex, the winding post of the 313x movement rotor reminded me of a classic approach to an automatic winding system. Like how the vintage Omega 56x series movements wind quietly and efficiently. Putting the rotor on ceramic ball bearings seems like the modern way to go.

I will say for my 3130s when setting the minute hand there is some tension that always has the hand jumping around. I haven't found out why but think it has something to do with how the central seconds (technically a complication, right?) is driven.

What creates the winding feel? The click? The gears interacting with the crown stem?

The watch industry is different now that mechanical timekeeping isn't a necessity. Cut off of parts supply and independent watchmakers, fewer watchmakers, proprietary parts, replaceable instead of reparable parts... I am curious what goes through the minds of executives when developing a new movement, what are the goals, concerns, and priorities?

Interesting to see all these new escapement designs and approaches to improve mechanical timekeeping accuracy and consistency. I understand all new movements take some time to refine. The 3135 like movements just work, refined and proven over decades.

[djyolky]

Originally Posted by Alimamy

When I first got into Rolex, the winding post of the 313x movement rotor reminded me of a classic approach to an automatic winding system. Like how the vintage Omega 56x series movements wind quietly and efficiently. Putting the rotor on ceramic ball bearings seems like the modern way to go.

I will say for my 3130s when setting the minute hand there is some tension that always has the hand jumping around. I haven't found out why but think it has something to do with how the central seconds (technically a complication, right?) is driven.

What creates the winding feel? The click? The gears interacting with the crown stem?

The watch industry is different now that mechanical timekeeping isn't a necessity. Cut off of parts supply and independent watchmakers, fewer watchmakers, proprietary parts, replaceable instead of reparable parts... I am curious what goes through the minds of executives when developing a new movement, what are the goals, concerns, and priorities?

Interesting to see all these new escapement designs and approaches to improve mechanical timekeeping accuracy and consistency. I understand all new movements take some time to refine. The 3135 like movements just work, refined and proven over decades.

My 214240 minute hand jumps slightly when I go counter clockwise also. It didn't at first but now does. Thoughts?

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[time_and_cars]

Originally Posted by mactruck

Just to be clear, I’m not knocking the eta movements. Mine all run great. Just noting that the new 3235 movement, from a use perspective is indistinguishable.

I have a Steinhart Ocean 500 Titanium micro brand with a 2892 and it winds better and keeps better time than my batgirl and my datejust 41.

All my 3135 watches are smoother and run better too.

My sea dweller is 21 years old, never serviced and runs consistently +3 a day.

Yeah right

[zengineer]

Wind it.

Sent from my Motorola Bag Phone

[Rori]

I’ve never heard the rotor of my SD43.
Winding it is buttery smooth until reaching 40 + turns then it starts to give positive resistance.
On the other hand, I can hear the rotor of my BBGMT from time to time but not always.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Alimamy]

Originally Posted by djyolky

My 214240 minute hand jumps slightly when I go counter clockwise also. It didn't at first but now does. Thoughts?

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

No idea - would have to ask someone more experienced. I just set my sub, going forward only, on a low level of wind. Went right to the minute marker and stayed in place! I think going both directions, having more of the mainspring wound has something to do with it.

[brandrea]

I’m curious to know if the 31xx movements went through teething problems ...

[Oxfordian]

OMG, another boring thread about a watch movement that diehard 31xx fans don't like, whilst many like me couldn't care less, I bought a watch, it has the new movement, if it goes wrong in the next 10 years it's under guarantee so it will be fixed free of charge.

Time to move on.

[Rado63]

I have owned the lowly ETA 2824 in Tag Heuer watch and it runs at + 2 to 3 sec per day in sub $2k watch. I have an Omega modified 2892 which runs consistently at +5 seconds per day, and a 3135 that runs +2 to 3 seconds per day and 3235 that runs -2 sec per day. Cheaper and easier to keep and service those ETA and the 3135 movements. So I am happy to have these older watches. The manufacturer has to evolve the product to sell something new, but at the end of the day we are still in the +2-2 range with most of these new watch movements, while a 30 year old movement is able to keep up.

[Chadridv]

Originally Posted by Oxfordian

OMG, another boring thread about a watch movement that diehard 31xx fans don't like, whilst many like me couldn't care less, I bought a watch, it has the new movement, if it goes wrong in the next 10 years it's under guarantee so it will be fixed free of charge.

Time to move on.

Which threads get you out of bed? If it’s so boring, why comment?

[djyolky]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

Which threads get you out of bed? If it’s so boring, why comment?

Maybe he wishes he has a 31xx movement?

Sent from my SM-G925V using Tapatalk

[GB-man]

Now I want to go break out the OP and fatty sub and see if I have a preference.

[Rashid.bk]

Rotor noise doesn't bother me, I mean where are you hearing this, while on the train in NYC, at the office, while walking in the street, at the park playing with the kids, while horse back riding, wait let me guess, while diving. But seriously, this is one the few complaints I never understand, must be quite noisy while trying to creep into a dark theater looking for your seat and that pesky rotor is grinding away at full tilt.(please read with sarcasm but with a touch of reality though)

On the other hand, gritty winding, a degrade in timing accuracy and losing the unique clockwise time setting are a real bummer. 72 hour power reserve is a non issue for my needs, well because it's an automatic watch, I do understand rotating watch users but then that's an issue of diversity. An automatic watch of any power reserve while being worn will yield continuous movement. I find it interesting Rolex switched the time setting direction to the same as everyone. It was such a nice touch to be different.

Rolex supposedly invested billions in R&D for the 32xx movement, and it would be just ridiculous for a person to say they got it wrong. Rolex doesn't do fads, and "cool/hip trends", when they commit they do so for dependability, quality and longevity. Think Apple iPhones vs Android phones.
Android phones for years now have had in-screen finger print readers, 120x zoom cameras, always on displays, 120h refresh rates, 5G antennas, infinite configuration, etc...while Apple just got 5G while many other cool tech is missing in action, still, to this day. In many cases, I understand Apple, when they finally do it they do it right. For example, FaceID and gesture controls. Everyone else who had iris scanners and similar face recognition tech has abandoned it, faceID was and is a game changer and with Apple's version of gesture control(taken from the original android version), these alone brought me back to Apple iPhones.

Rolex is the same, I don't like the 3235 for one simple reason, time keeping. Every other complaint is trivial in my opinion but I respect that others may have issues with other aspects. Reliable and durable time keeping has been a Rolex staple, you can count on buying a Rolex and it tell accurate time and go the distance with anything life can throw at it.......as long as it was a 31xx movement. The 3186 had a small issue in the beginning, Rolex quickly squashed that and it was stellar. It's still pretty early but there has been more that "an" issue, there have been several. I'm confident Rolex will do Rolex like things and fix this over the next few years, but those mechanical change complaints like rotor noise or gritty grinding will remain.

I honestly prefer the 3135, but having a 32xx movement won't hinder my purchase decision.

[Devildog]

My 3235 is buttery smooth and has a nicer crown operation than the 3135 in my previous sub. Zero gear lash/play either (unlike the 3135) so is easier to set dead on, if that’s your thing.

My SD43 is quieter than my RG Daytona was. Both have ball bearing rotors.

The only ETA I have can sound like a rattle

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Nikrnic]

I have the 3235 in my DJ41. Not as nice, quiet or smooth winding as my 3131

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[TswaneNguni]

Sorry ,I own 3135s and 3235s ,there is no way a 3235 is as smooth winding as a 3135 .

Best winding feel ... IWC Big Pilot .(Not the most accurate watch )

A bit of hair splitting useless info .

[supernova]

Am I missing something? The rotor in the 3235 can only be heard when spinning around your ear.

The 3235 should be the natural progress after the 3135 with improvements including the much longer PR and accuracy. The folks that think 3135 is better just like living in the past or afraid of change. Which is ok, similar to vintage car enthusiasts that only like old big gas guzzling engines rather than new efficient ones.


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[Nicolamilton]

Originally Posted by TswaneNguni

https://quillandpad.com/2019/11/19/w...ich-is-better/

Really nice article, thanks.
Didn't know several aspects of the new 32xx, like the new barrel:

"The wall being decreased by half means that changing the mainspring is no longer an option. There is no safe way to remove and reinstall the mainspring without damaging the barrel.
So why couldn’t this have been an option for the 3235? Perhaps to make the servicing and the acquisition of parts more difficult? Perhaps there was truly no more space to install a larger barrel? I’ll let you be the judge of that one."

And about the rotor as well:

"Replacing a ball bearing assembly is a breeze in an ETA Caliber 7750 or 2892. In fact, it would take about the same amount of time and be the same cost as an axle in a Rolex, but sadly that isn’t an option in the new 3235.

It cannot be changed, it is not a part you can order, nor is it something that can be removed without damaging the rotor."

[Onikage]

Does anyone know the reason for the cindery winding? I heard someone refer to Rolex 'buttery' winding and I liked it! What did they do? If I wanted cindery grinding winding I'd get one of the many ETA based watches. I want buttery goddamn it!

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by Onikage

Does anyone know the reason for the cindery winding? I heard someone refer to Rolex 'buttery' winding and I liked it! What did they do? If I wanted cindery grinding winding I'd get one of the many ETA based watches. I want buttery goddamn it!

The winding actually starts off smooth if you let the power reserve fully die down. However, when the power reserve is going up, it becomes rough. It is somehow related to the clutch mechanism, if I had to guess it's due to the fact they made the barrel walls thinner they can't allow the walls to have so many notches so close together so when it slips the slips are larger and it feels gritty.

[Onikage]

Many thanks. Well this is turning into an informative thread indeed.

[DJ2020]

I personally love the 3235. NO ONE that I personally know that has one had not one complaint, to include me. It does not seem to vary in time keeping as the 3130, 3136, 3135's do that I have owned. Don't get me wrong, they were all outstanding time keepers. But I had to "correct" the timing by taking it off at night and lay it in a designated position. To either regulate it fast or slow for the next day. This would also vary daily depending on weather or not I was sedate or active in my activities. Save one movement, a POS 3035, it plained sucked. But that's another story.
I know at least 9 people near me that now have a Rolex and the new 3235. 10 including myself. ALL are extremely precision movements. Yes some ( most) ran slow when the first got them. But all have been regulated to extreme accuracy. And I don't mean -4/+6 or even -2/+2. Most are .2 to .5 seconds per day, 2 had there's regulated to +1. And a common trait is they don't care if you wear them 24/7, active or lazy. At our last gathering we asked the question of how much can you MAKE your 3235 vary by using position to regulate. The greatest was .5 sec.
Noise?, winding feel? Who cares. This is a different movement. With it's own character differences. Does a noise or feel really make it better or worse that another movement? Or just different?. The Omega 8500, 8800, and 8900's are excellent time keeping machines. Probably one of the best out there. But do they "feel" like a 3135? Of course not. Why?, because there different. The "proof" is in the performance, which the 3235 does well. Are they of few bad ones out of 800,000, you bet. That goes with any manufacturer. But I wouldn't complain because it feels or sounds different, it's NOT a 31xx series. It's better. Nor would I be remotely concerned that my new movement " might" have a problem in the future. If it's going to have one, you will know sooner than later. It's warranted, Don't worry about something that has not happened to YOUR watch. And if your new watch is precise, just running slow or fast, for Pete's sake, have it regulated to your liking and enjoy the hell out of it!