3186 movement hour spring problem experiences

[red wrx]

Please post your experiences regarding the 3186 hour spring problem on earlier models where the hour hand glides instead moving with a click.

My watch is definitely out of warranty, I would like to know other's experiences regarding this issue with RSC, seems some have been fixed at no cost and others have had a discount on the service/repair bill but I might be too far out of warranty for any consideration.

Thank you!!

[Duey]

Yes - All of the early 3186 / 3187 movements could have your exact problem. That includes the 16750 and the 16710 and 11671X as well as the 216570. People here don't like to talk about it but it's a problem with the movement. It seems to be jump hour click spring.

I sent mine into RSC Dallas and both, 2 so far, were repaired at no cost. (out of warranty too)

Here's some links , and there's a ton more here on TRF.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=358392

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=384696

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=367687

[Watchzombie]

Originally Posted by Duey

Yes - All of the early 3186 / 3187 movements could have your exact problem. That includes the 16750 and the 16710 and 11671X as well as the 216570. People here don't like to talk about it but it's a problem with the movement. It seems to be jump hour click spring.

I sent mine into RSC Dallas and both, 2 so far, were repaired at no cost. (out of warranty too)

Here's some links , and there's a ton more here on TRF.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=358392

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=384696

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=367687

When did 16750 comes with 3186/3187 movement ?

[henrylee]

Hah that's what I was thinking when did the 16750 get an 3186 movement?

[Jacobson]

Originally Posted by henrylee

Hah that's what I was thinking when did the 16750 get an 3186 movement?

in 2006/7 i belive

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by Duey

People here don't like to talk about it but it's a problem with the movement.

Ah, yes. The inherent denial. I've been happy with my GMTII thus far. Though I've not had any trouble yet, I will be disappointed if Rolex doesn't take care of me IF it happens. Furthermore, I probably wouldn't buy another if I had to come out of pocket to repair a known, inherent problem.

[douglasf13]

It kind of reminds me of the Porsche IMS bearing problem, a bit, in terms of being a time bomb.

[red wrx]

I just dropped off my watch at the Mexico City RSC last week. If this is such a serious/common occurrence, I hope they cover some of the service fee which is around 15,100 MXN. Will call them today to see what they say about it.

I wish I could send an email to keep better track but that seems impossible.

[henrylee]

Originally Posted by Jacobson

in 2006/7 i belive

Yes the 16710 did in 2007 but not a 16750.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by red wrx

I just dropped off my watch at the Mexico City RSC last week. If this is such a serious/common occurrence, I hope they cover some of the service fee which is around 15,100 MXN. Will call them today to see what they say about it.

I wish I could send an email to keep better track but that seems impossible.

Hope all goes well...keep us posted.

[Duey]

Originally Posted by henrylee

Yes the 16710 did in 2007 but not a 16750.

Yes the 16750 too

[Jacobson]

Originally Posted by henrylee

Yes the 16710 did in 2007 but not a 16750.

16750 as well, I own a 2007, Engraved rehaut, 3186 movement.

Also had the same issue

[cornerstore]

Originally Posted by Jacobson

16750 as well, I own a 2007, Engraved rehaut, 3186 movement.

Also had the same issue

Perhaps Explorer 11 16570 it had a 3186 at end of run.

1981 Rolex debuted the third GMT-Master, the ref. 16750. Considered a transitional reference, the GMT-Master 16750 was in production for less than a decade until about 1988.

[Jim Smyth]

About what year did they correct this problem on the 3186? Or is it still ongoing?

[SeaDweller50]

I believe it’s still ongoing. It’s happened on the 3187 calibre which is much newer (2011)

It’s probably unfixable without changing the whole movement.

I would go bezerk if I was to be charged to fix this inherent problem.

[georgekart]

Originally Posted by Duey

Yes the 16750 too

Actually, no it didn't. 16570 did. 16750 didn't. First is an Explorer that was still produced at the time, 16750 is a GMT that was replaced with 16710 well before 3186 even came out.

[Duey]

Originally Posted by Jacobson

16750 as well, I own a 2007, Engraved rehaut, 3186 movement.

Also had the same issue

Sorry for the typing error - 16570

[Runnin' Rebel]

Mine too. 116710 cal 3186

[Trystero]

Do they replace the mechanism with a stronger one after the service? Or is this liable to still happen afterwards?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by douglasf13

It kind of reminds me of the Porsche IMS bearing problem, a bit, in terms of being a time bomb.

Yes but in the case of the Porsche your engine is most likely completely destroyed. In the case of a faulty GMT spring it is just the cheap spring, no other damage.

OP, just get it in for full service, your problem will be fixed during service and you'll have a like new watch after without having to worry about the spring again.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Trystero

Do they replace the mechanism with a stronger one after the service? Or is this liable to still happen afterwards?

The updated spring is stronger/slightly larger. It can still happen but it is much much less likely to break.

[Trystero]

Originally Posted by SearChart

The updated spring is stronger/slightly larger. It can still happen but it is much much less likely to break.

Good. I know mine was serviced before back in 2013 but hopefully the spring doesn't break before the 7 year mark.

[red wrx]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Yes but in the case of the Porsche your engine is most likely completely destroyed. In the case of a faulty GMT spring it is just the cheap spring, no other damage.

OP, just get it in for full service, your problem will be fixed during service and you'll have a like new watch after without having to worry about the spring again.

Thanks all,

Trying to figure out if asking for some type of out of warranty coverage or discount to the RSC would be reasonable. I know the watch is a 2008 but maybe Rolex will meet me halfway the repair bill. The watch was perfectly fine till the hour hand broke. Seems like a defective problem with the hour spring more than regular maintenance issue.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by red wrx

Thanks all,

Trying to figure out if asking for some type of out of warranty coverage or discount to the RSC would be reasonable. I know the watch is a 2008 but maybe Rolex will meet me halfway the repair bill. The watch was perfectly fine till the hour hand broke. Seems like a defective problem with the hour spring more than regular maintenance issue.

Your watch is 10 years old, an internal part breaks because of daily use. How exactly does Rolex need to cover anything?

Even considering it is a known weak point (just like the rotor axle..), there is still no reason why it would be (partially)covered.

[Jacobson]

Originally Posted by cornerstore

Perhaps Explorer 11 16570 it had a 3186 at end of run.

1981 Rolex debuted the third GMT-Master, the ref. 16750. Considered a transitional reference, the GMT-Master 16750 was in production for less than a decade until about 1988.

Correct, was a typo

[Onikage]

Yet 16710s with 3186 timebomb movement sell for crazy money. I suppose if you've got it to spend..

[Onikage]

Originally Posted by SearChart

The updated spring is stronger/slightly larger. It can still happen but it is much much less likely to break.

News to me.

[henrylee]

Originally Posted by Duey

Yes the 16750 too

No it didn't, perhaps you mean the 16570 exp2.