Rolex 3135 versus 3235

[IsaaH]

Just thought I'd ask and see what everyone's thoughts are comparing the predecessor of the 3235, the 3135 movement. Seems like the 3135's were a true workhorse of Rolex's lineup (as was the even-earlier 3035s).

Judging from the discussions regarding the 3235, it would seem the older movements seem in general to have better track records when it comes to reliability. Perhaps some of these issues re. low amplitude will be ironed out in the future, or perhaps not.

If given the option today for a brand new Rolex w/ either movement, would you opt for the 3135 or the 3235? Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

[Auto16610]

If I were you I would just do a search on this site. There are literally hundreds of posts and replies on this controversial subject.

[Easy E]

Just a guess, but here’s how this thread plays out
Some of this
Followed by then several
Then a tremendous amount of this

The end

[Easy E]

Personally, I’m in the 3135 camp currently

[brandrea]

I’m certain we can get this thread up to 400 responses

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’m certain we can get this thread up to 400 responses

Sounds about right

[ridetime]

Originally Posted by IsaaH

Just thought I'd ask and see what everyone's thoughts are comparing the predecessor of the 3235, the 3135 movement. Seems like the 3135's were a true workhorse of Rolex's lineup (as was the even-earlier 3035s).

Judging from the discussions regarding the 3235, it would seem the older movements seem in general to have better track records when it comes to reliability. Perhaps some of these issues re. low amplitude will be ironed out in the future, or perhaps not.

If given the option today for a brand new Rolex w/ either movement, would you opt for the 3135 or the 3235? Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

Awesome! Were overdue for another one of these. How about another poll to go along with it!

Here you go OP while this thread fills up you can start with these 145 pages of light reading.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthre...highlight=3235

And when your done try this one for even more clarity.

https://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=911282

[Mystro]

Plenty of resources already on this topic.

[TheVTCGuy]

Oy Vey

[Oytun]

https://www.google.com/search?q=3135...olexforums.com

[Wssszsss]

Nobody cares about Rolex movements, in the same time, everyone cares

[CFR]

Originally Posted by IsaaH

If given the option today for a brand new Rolex w/ either movement, would you opt for the 3135 or the 3235?

I'd opt for the 3135 if the exact same watch, in the exact same NIB condition, were offered with both movements. I say that based upon multiple experiences with both movements.

That being said, I've bought watches with 32xx movements because those same watches weren't available with the older 31xx movements, and I've had no regrets doing so even though I had to send one of those watches back to Rolex 3 times. That's because I knew what I was getting into beforehand, so I wasn't surprised or frustrated. The 32xx movement issues shouldn't be a dealbreaker if you like the watch. As you've seen here from others, many don't notice problems with their 32xx movements even after owning them for a number of years. I wouldn't overthink it. Life's too short!

[BMWMotoRider]

I'd take accuracy over longer run time any day of the week so 3135.

[Chewbacca]

My 32xx only ticks backwards within COSC specs. Rolex won’t do a thing about it.

Shame!!!!

[Doood]

I have had good luck with 31 series movements, and not ready to try my luck with the 32 series yet. Beside, I find that ball bearing rotors tend to be louder or more noticeable, so there is data point to consider.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by brandrea

I’m certain we can get this thread up to 400 responses

Pls no

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by BMWMotoRider

I'd take accuracy over longer run time any day of the week so 3135.

Uhm…. The 3135 is a COSC accurate movement, +4 -6 seconds per day (or is it the other way around? ) the 3235 is +- 2 seconds per day. So if he wants accuracy, it’s the 32.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by IsaaH

Just thought I'd ask and see what everyone's thoughts are comparing the predecessor of the 3235, the 3135 movement. Seems like the 3135's were a true workhorse of Rolex's lineup (as was the even-earlier 3035s).

Judging from the discussions regarding the 3235, it would seem the older movements seem in general to have better track records when it comes to reliability. Perhaps some of these issues re. low amplitude will be ironed out in the future, or perhaps not.

If given the option today for a brand new Rolex w/ either movement, would you opt for the 3135 or the 3235? Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

Well expect myself have been wearing Rolex watches a little longer than most on forum.Take the cal 3035 first launched in 1977 that had a few problems even when the cal 3135 was launched in 1988 even that movement had a few problems in the early years.Have many watches with the cal 3135 and one with the 32 movement main reason for not more with the 32 movement is down to not because of the movement its just nothing excites me now in the Rolex range.Never been anal like many of todays Rolex owners about constantly checking daily for the exact second.With the 32 movement some might slow down a bit out of the 86400 second in a day, while others might not, but that could be simply down to owners wearing habits.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Uhm…. The 3135 is a COSC accurate movement, +4 -6 seconds per day (or is it the other way around? ) the 3235 is +- 2 seconds per day. So if he wants accuracy, it’s the 32.

Well even the bare uncased 32 movements are still tested to a AVERAGE -4+6 seconds at the Swiss COSC to get the chronometer certification.Then Rolex further tests movement in the case which is a good thing to this -2+2 spec and much like the COSC test at time of testing movement met said spec.But on the wrist wearing well thats another story because on the wrist there are many many variables.

[Emery]

I have both.

The 4130 is the best.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by Easy E

Just a guess, but here’s how this thread plays out
Some of this
Followed by then several
Then a tremendous amount of this

The end

That's about right. And spread over a minimum of 20 pages.

[OG1982]

Oh no, not this again.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[alphadweller]

I own one 3135 and two 3235s. The 3135 runs flawlessly, one 3235 is ok, the other 3235 has low amplitude (below 200º in all vertical positions after 24h) and shows poor time keeping (-6 s/d on average after a full wind).

If given the choice of movement for an otherwise similar looking watch, I'd go for the 3135. If the model I want only exists with the 3235, then I’d still get it but would manage my expectations accordingly (potential sub-par performance and shorter service intervals).

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Uhm…. The 3135 is a COSC accurate movement, +4 -6 seconds per day (or is it the other way around? ) the 3235 is +- 2 seconds per day. So if he wants accuracy, it’s the 32.

Oh man.
You haven't been paying attention at all have you

I will refer you to the date of the introduction of the "Superlative Chronometer" standard which was heralded by a literal overnight swap of the Chronometer hangtag of a totally different colour at the dealers and boutiques.

If you're feeling a little confused at this point, I probably need to inform you that I am(at this very moment) wearing a watch that has a rather accurate 3135 ticking away inside it that was manufactured many months after the introduction of the +2 to -2 Superlative Chronometer standard that is typically associated with the much heralded 32xx movements.
The new standard also covered every other movement that was current at that point in time.

I honestly think the forum will benefit from a lot less GASLIGHTING.
Seriously, it's time to get your facts straight Paul
To be clear, the "Superlative" 3135 inside the watch on my wrist, actually pre-dated the sub par 3235 which superseded it.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by IsaaH

Just thought I'd ask and see what everyone's thoughts are comparing the predecessor of the 3235, the 3135 movement. Seems like the 3135's were a true workhorse of Rolex's lineup (as was the even-earlier 3035s).

Judging from the discussions regarding the 3235, it would seem the older movements seem in general to have better track records when it comes to reliability. Perhaps some of these issues re. low amplitude will be ironed out in the future, or perhaps not.

If given the option today for a brand new Rolex w/ either movement, would you opt for the 3135 or the 3235? Would love to hear your thoughts and opinions.

To answer your question.
I will opt for a balance of accuracy and well proven reliability.
Therefore it can only be a 3135 for me despite it's main inherent flaw, over a 3235 as things currently stand.
Like many respondents there are a number of current watches that I would jump on in a heartbeat, but that movement lurking inside is the biggest turn off.

3135 rules

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Oh man.
You haven't been paying attention at all have you

I will refer you to the date of the introduction of the "Superlative Chronometer" standard which was heralded by a literal overnight swap of the Chronometer hangtag of a totally different colour at the dealers and boutiques.

If you're feeling a little confused at this point, I probably need to inform you that I am(at this very moment) wearing a watch that has a rather accurate 3135 ticking away inside it that was manufactured many months after the introduction of the +2 to -2 Superlative Chronometer standard that is typically associated with the much heralded 32xx movements.
The new standard also covered every other movement that was current at that point in time.

I honestly think the forum will benefit from a lot less GASLIGHTING.
Seriously, it's time to get your facts straight Paul
To be clear, the "Superlative" 3135 inside the watch on my wrist, actually pre-dated the sub par 3235 which superseded it.

Well I have and done it with a Seagull Chinese ST 19 movement regulated that to well inside COSC even matched this new Rolex -2+2 standard cost at the time just $60 for the complete watch. And the word superlative chronometer has been on Rolex dials for decades, and in the real world all it means its been tested at the Swiss COSC and time of testing met the Swiss chronometer spec.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well I have and done it with a Seagull Chinese ST 19 movement regulated that to well inside COSC even matched this new Rolex -2+2 standard cost at the time just $60 for the complete watch. And the word superlative chronometer has been on Rolex dials for decades, and in the real world all it means its been tested at the Swiss COSC and time of testing met the Swiss chronometer spec.

Peter,
Please let us not forget.
The "Superlative Chronometer" labelling had no substance in marketing terms and was effectively intangible until Rolex officially announced it as a feature of their watches along with the extended warranty and longer service intervals.

I must reiterate that it was and is officially signified since the overnight introduction of the new colour "Chronometer" hangtag and global announcement by Rolex themselves.
As you have correctly pointed out above, it's also exclusive to and wholly applicable to a movement that has previously passed COSC certification before being validated in-house as a "Superlative Chronometer" assembly with the movement cased up.
Which is a crucial aspect that we all sometimes over look.
The movement is COSC certified and the assembly is a Certified Chronometer

As far as I can remember.
Those are the facts and are indisputable.

[Gearjockey]

A week ago as I was dining on vacation, I received a call from an AD for a 126610LN Sub-date. I politely declined. Once I believe Rolex has satisfactorily addressed the 32xx movement issues, I will be interested in acquiring a newer model again. Until then, It’s 31xx for me.

[1William]

I guess we can add the 32xx movement discussion to the topics that never seem to get put aside. The latest that is still going is case size, with an army of small case fans jumping on the band wagon at every new release or review of a model. I will say my selection has nothing to do with the movement and everything to do with look and fit from Rolex. The 31xx and the 32xx both work for me and it is about the watch. Accuracy that is only a few seconds off will not move me and the reported issues with the 32xx have not impacted me. So, buy what you like and will wear.

[bjdub]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well expect myself have been wearing Rolex watches a little longer than most on forum.Take the cal 3035 first launched in 1977 that had a few problems even when the cal 3135 was launched in 1988 even that movement had a few problems in the early years.Have many watches with the cal 3135 and one with the 32 movement main reason for not more with the 32 movement is down to not because of the movement its just nothing excites me now in the Rolex range.Never been anal like many of todays Rolex owners about constantly checking daily for the exact second.With the 32 movement some might slow down a bit out of the 86400 second in a day, while others might not, but that could be simply down to owners wearing habits.

Peter, didn’t know you had a modern Rolex. Which one?

Hate to derail a thread but since this topic has been beat to death, figured I’d ask…