Jumping hour hand on 3186 Exp. II "loose"

[dannyp]

I've noticed recently that there seems to be a decent amount of slack in the jumping hour hand, as though it's loosened up or something. I first saw it when it was about 10:45 one night but the 12 hour hand was still directly on the "10" marker.

I had a full service a little under two years ago at the Chicago authorized service center, which is why I'm a little annoyed that this is happening. The watch had run perfectly for seven years, died one day (prompting the service) and since then has run a bit fast (used to be just about spot on) and now this.

I seem to recall only a year warranty on work, but I'm wondering if anyone with experience there can say whether they will in fact stand behind work longer than that? Otherwise, I would hesitate to go back there, since they didn't seem to do a particularly good job.

If I do need to go elsewhere, which location should I send to? There's New York, Beverly Hills and Dallas, right? Not sure whether it matters. Also not sure whether I'm better off taking it in to an AD and having them send, or just sending myself.

Any thoughts appreciated, both on if/how to deal with the Chicago center and which other to use.

[HogwldFLTR]

Authorized Service Centers should give two year warranties and the dates should be on the service card. The card should be good at any ASC. Look at your card.

[douglasf13]

It sounds like it's not an issue with the repairer, but, rather, the inherent click spring design flaw in the 3186 movement. This is a not-uncommon problem with the movement.

[dannyp]

Yes, you're right! After I read your post I went into my email for the estimate/receipt and it is, indeed, two years! Will hop on over, since I did it in May of '16 so running a bit short on time (see that, see what I did there :p).

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It sounds like it's not an issue with the repairer, but, rather, the inherent click spring design flaw in the 3186 movement. This is a not-uncommon problem with the movement.

Good to know, thanks. I only equated it with such because I'd never experienced it prior to repair (and had owned the watch for seven years at that point). Sounds like you're saying I had a "good" click spring originally and the one that the service center had was a "bad" one?

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by dannyp

Good to know, thanks. I only equated it with such because I'd never experienced it prior to repair (and had owned the watch for seven years at that point). Sounds like you're saying I had a "good" click spring originally and the one that the service center had was a "bad" one?

From what I understand, they're all the same, so it's just a matter of time.

[dannyp]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

From what I understand, they're all the same, so it's just a matter of time.

In that case, perhaps that wasn't one of the parts previously replaced...

[douglasf13]

Originally Posted by dannyp

In that case, perhaps that wasn't one of the parts previously replaced...

Yeah, it's hard to say. I've seen them break in a year or two, or last much longer.

[dannyp]

Thanks again for the replies. One other question: Are authorized service centers supposed to regulate to the same accuracy standards as the Rolex factory for identical movements? I saw on the Rolex website that the 3186 still used in the GMT II is supposed to be +/-2sec per day, and mine is certainly outside of that.

[JacksonStone]

Originally Posted by dannyp

I saw on the Rolex website that the 3186 still used in the GMT II is supposed to be +/-2sec per day, and mine is certainly outside of that.

What's the rate on yours? Given its age, it was actually certified to standard COSC specs of +6/-4. +/-2 has been Rolex's own standard since 2015. If yours is within +6/-4, then technically it's running within the specs of its certification. I suppose you could ask them to regulate it to be more accurate, but I don't know if that would be covered under warranty.

[rollee1]

Hope yours get sorted out in time.
Does this click spring flaw happen to all 3186, or just the earlier version when it first appeared?

My 16570 T serial was regulated by Rolex in 2016, it has since been +1 spot on.

[77T]

Regulation to almost any level of accuracy is possible given the condition of the jewels and other parts. However, the skill of the watchmaker - no matter where s/he works - is the the more important factor.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk