blue hairspring??????????????

[Luv rolex]

hi guys,

i dont know it might be repeated question but...

as i informed by some of u that the only differ between new and old gmt (in movement) that the new got the blue hairspring .

what exactly is it for? (in easy and simple way)


thanks alot and appretiate ur patiance.

[yannis]

It is more resistant to higher magnetic fields and my experience is that a watch equipped with the hairspring is more accurate. My GMT-IIc is on +/_ 0.5 secs a day which is much better than my older (D serial) GMT-II (the non-ceramic model). However, accuracy depends on many factors but Rolex - nonetheless - claim that accuracy is one of the strong points for watches equipped with the blue Parachrom hairspring.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Luv rolex

hi guys,

i dont know it might be repeated question but...

as i informed by some of u that the only differ between new and old gmt (in movement) that the new got the blue hairspring .

what exactly is it for? (in easy and simple way)


thanks alot and appretiate ur patiance.

IMHO its 95% pure hype and would seriously doubt if its more accurate or proved more anti-magnetic in real everyday normal life,than the older ETA Nivarox hairsprings that Rolex used for decades before.And the main reason for Rolex to develop there own hairspring,was mainly to stop the strangle hold Hayek from the ETA Swatch group,there main supplier of balance springs.Now they had such a strangle hold,on nearly all the Swiss watch manufactures including Rolex and Patek to name a few. But Rolex and Patek spring is under a different name now they can now manufacture there own. But still Swatch Nivarox was/is there main hairspring supplier until Rolex becomes totally self sufficient.


Lets not forget that ETA Nivarox H/springs have been in Rolex watches for 40 plus years.But now the only need for this new parachrome balance hair-spring,to be completely self sufficient in all watch parts for Rolex watches.Parachome is just a word like superlative, Rolesor, Rolesium and many more.Is it going to be more accurate or long lasting than the Nivarox springs IMHO I would doubt it.

Rolex movements from the 15XX upward have all been very accurate and extremely long lasting. Just look how many of the vintage ones are still running today 40 years on plus, and still running to COSC spec.Fact John Harrisons marine chronometer a watch made nearly 300 years ago is as accurate or more accurate than best Swiss watches made today without a parachrome hairspring.

[yannis]

Padi, one thing though. It appears that most 3185 movements run in between the +/- 2-4 sec range whereas it is common that 3186 movements are doing a bit better. One example is my recently acquired GMT-IIc.

[Luv rolex]

PADI,YANNIS thanks alot for ur excellent reviews

[MrCowboy99]

Originally Posted by Luv rolex

what exactly is it for? (in easy and simple way)

To.................

1. add $$$$ to a 16710 model if it has it?

2. Let TRF members test their watches and see if they "wiggle"

3. To Let TRF members "brag" by putting in the signature line they have a 3186 with a 16710. (note: GMTIIc have it but the 3186 doesn't get mentioned. )

4. Take processing up on the TRF server since this is one of the most discussed topics.

5. To make the watch anti-magnetic and allow Rolex to insource 100% their watches.

6. To add color to the movement or give a reason to take the back off and see the movement.


Any of these answers will work.

[frostie]

Originally Posted by yannis7777

Padi, one thing though. It appears that most 3185 movements run in between the +/- 2-4 sec range whereas it is common that 3186 movements are doing a bit better. One example is my recently acquired GMT-IIc.

Same here

Last time i synchronised my watch was 4 months ago and it has gained just 15 seconds from that day

[karmatp]

It's not like movements with the 3186 are not being sent back for regulation. I have heard a many instances were the 3186 is not running within COSC specs. The Explorer II's have them now and they are by no means more accurate than the models with the 3185.

Padi has summed it up already, it's hype and Rolex was just trying to go all in house, that's it.

yannis, I think it's pure luck that your GMT II is running near perfect. Many members here who have the GMT IIC and not so lucky.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by yannis7777

Padi, one thing though. It appears that most 3185 movements run in between the +/- 2-4 sec range whereas it is common that 3186 movements are doing a bit better. One example is my recently acquired GMT-IIc.

Well reading the many post on this forum and quite a few others its swings and roundabouts with 3186, which is in reality just a very slightly modded 3185.With any mechanical watch its how they are regulated thats where most of the accuracy come from.Myself and quite a few others have vintage Rolex running to + or - 2 seconds a day.And lets be perfectly honest here if any mechanical watch runs + or minus a couple of seconds a day.What more could you ask for, if you want better, then the other option is quartz.I have a $60 Alpha Mechanical M/Wind chrono that after some careful regulation has been running well inside the COSC spec for over two years but for how much longer only time will tell.

[Moto]

Padi you sound jealous, you should just go get a watch with a parachrome hairspring and be done with it.

Also, I am one of those people that appreciates precision in a fine timepiece. It is the foremost task of a watch, remember, to keep time? Explain again your reasoning as to why Rolex should not be expected to accomplish what John Harriman managed to do alone in a candlelit basement 250 years ago?

No, +2sec/day is not good enough. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, and the art of timekeeping has ALWAYS evolved around accuracy. The parachrome hairspring, which you denounce at every opportunity, is a small part of that evolution. At WORST it is the equal of the previously used component, at best (and in reality) it is indeed measurably better, even though this might not translate directly to "more accurate" by itself. In any case, it's a significant step forward for Rolex that should be appreciated for what it is. Not villified because of some perceived need to defend the fact that there are many fine timepieces that don't have it.

Finally, no I don't want a quartz, despite your frequent recommendation of this to anyone that dare mention Rolex accuracy in any capacity. I enjoy the tiny machine for what it is, what it has been, where it has come from, and for what it can be. For me the quest for excellence/precision is an integral part of the enjoyment of horology. I'm not going to throw my Rolex in the trash if it runs +2sec/day, but at the same time I enjoy bringing that spec as close to zero as possible.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Moto

Padi you sound jealous, you should just go get a watch with a parachrome hairspring and be done with it.

Also, I am one of those people that appreciates precision in a fine timepiece. It is the foremost task of a watch, remember, to keep time?

And why would anyone be jealous of a watch with a parachrome hairspring in it its a escapement spring nothing more nothing less Well if you are looking for a mechanical watch thats 100% accurate and thats one in 10 million perhaps. If any mechanical watch performs to COSC spec thats good enough for me if I wanted better I would buy a quartz its that simple.

[Tools]

No, No, No....

Stop it....Stop it....

The 3186 movement did not get it's new number because it got a parachrom hairspring..

As Padi was pointing out....the Parachrom hairspring in the movement is irrelevant in it becoming the 3186 from the 3185...it is a non-event....

The 3185 was modified.......It got thicker main plates and the Jump Feature detents were moved away from the hand-stack.... All the parts no longer interchange

This decoupled it from that area so it no longer wiggles the 24 hr hand when you jump the Mercedes hand.........

The watch was modified with new parts and detent gears so it got a new movement number....

The new in-house Parachrom hairspring is in the Daytona, the Day Date II, the DSSD, the YM II, the GMT II, and the EXP II......... It will eventually be in the entire line.......you might have one in your new M or V series watch......it is unlikely to be an advertised event when it happens.... Your watch will not take on magical qualities because it has a blue hairspring..

[watchnut]

The blue hairspring is something we see a lot of in Florida. It keeps the blue hair out of our eyes!

[builtforspeed]

If I understand you correctly, your question is "What is a hairspring" (also known as a balance spring). Here goes:

"The balance spring is an essential part of the balance wheel; together they form a harmonic oscillator. The balance spring provides the linear restoring force that reverses the motion of the wheel so it oscillates back and forth."

That's about the easiest to understand definition I could find. the "blue" part of the term refers to the alloy used in the spring's manufacture. Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Chris

[cody p]

i, for one, am quite angry that my rolex has a little bit of swatch in it. come next service, i shall demand that it be fitted with a genuine rolex hairspring!

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by Moto

Padi you sound jealous, you should just go get a watch with a parachrome hairspring and be done with it.

Also, I am one of those people that appreciates precision in a fine timepiece. It is the foremost task of a watch, remember, to keep time? Explain again your reasoning as to why Rolex should not be expected to accomplish what John Harriman managed to do alone in a candlelit basement 250 years ago?

No, +2sec/day is not good enough. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, and the art of timekeeping has ALWAYS evolved around accuracy. The parachrome hairspring, which you denounce at every opportunity, is a small part of that evolution. At WORST it is the equal of the previously used component, at best (and in reality) it is indeed measurably better, even though this might not translate directly to "more accurate" by itself. In any case, it's a significant step forward for Rolex that should be appreciated for what it is. Not villified because of some perceived need to defend the fact that there are many fine timepieces that don't have it.

Finally, no I don't want a quartz, despite your frequent recommendation of this to anyone that dare mention Rolex accuracy in any capacity. I enjoy the tiny machine for what it is, what it has been, where it has come from, and for what it can be. For me the quest for excellence/precision is an integral part of the enjoyment of horology. I'm not going to throw my Rolex in the trash if it runs +2sec/day, but at the same time I enjoy bringing that spec as close to zero as possible.

What's with the attitude, tiger?

Wind your neck in before I wind it in for you. I'm only in the habit of saying things nicely ONCE.

[Omega_Precision]

Proof that the Rolex spring or blue spring is better than the old spring. Like I said before, Rolex is finally living up to it's name that it made years ago, with the introduction of new designs, models, bracelet and clasp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E3lE...eature=related

you guys might want to bookmark this link for future references or PM me if you have further questions.

You guys are welcomed.

[onkyo]

Originally Posted by watchnut

The blue hairspring is something we see a lot of in Florida. It keeps the blue hair out of our eyes!

Always a comedian in the crowd.... (not bad timing though )

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by Omega_Precision

Proof that the Rolex spring or blue spring is better than the old spring. Like I said before, Rolex is finally living up to it's name that it made years ago, with the introduction of new designs, models, bracelet and clasp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E3lE...eature=related

you guys might want to bookmark this link for future references or PM me if you have further questions.

You guys are welcomed.

You gonna walk around with your caseback off and wearing magnets on your wrist? If not, what's your point in relation to the real-world terms that padi mentioned?

And what are the guys welcomed to?

[TheVTCGuy]

Someone tell me my Z Daytona has a blue hairspring or I'll cry

[Omega_Precision]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

You gonna walk around with your caseback off and wearing magnets on your wrist? If not, what's your point in relation to the real-world terms that padi mentioned?

And what are the guys welcomed to?

My point as stated in my post, new spring is better than the old ones, that Rolex outsourced. The proof is from the link I provided. In relation to real world terms?...I don't know what everyone is exposed to in real life situations or where they place their watch at night.

As mentioned, the new spring makes magnets obsolete to the movement, that right there gives me the peace of mind that Rolex's movement can withstand anything thrown at it.

Do we need those turbines in the Porsche 911 Turbo?...No, but it's really nice to know you can hit 200mph whenever you feel like it and to know the watch is capable of withstanding anything and more than what my wrist can absorb.

They are welcome to watch the video just like you are....enjoy.

[Lol-x]

I like this video, but I agree with Peter, my Milguass made in 1969 is just as accurate as my Milgauss made in 2008.

[Omega_Precision]

Originally Posted by Lol-x

I like this video, but I agree with Peter, my Milguass made in 1969 is just as accurate as my Milgauss made in 2008.

Your Milgauss, in my opinion, is the best of them

[argee1977]

The Rolex hype really does turn into fact

If the parachrom hairspring was better due to the anti-magnetic feature then surely the likes of the Milgauss, IWC ingi and other anti-mag watches would be the best in the world, infact most companies would have put in a soft iron core in their entire ranges due to the benefits, so why haven't they, and why are anti-mag watches so rare?

The whole thing is like Padi says, Rolex wanting to be completely in-house, it's the same arguments with 904 steel against 316, people believe that 904L is better as Rolex uses it and make statements on it, but in reality it's better in some ways but poorer in others, and for making watch cases they're both as good as each other as you'll never reach the limits that both have.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Omega_Precision

My point as stated in my post, new spring is better than the old ones, that Rolex outsourced. The proof is from the link I provided. In relation to real world terms?...I don't know what everyone is exposed to in real life situations or where they place their watch at night.

As mentioned, the new spring makes magnets obsolete to the movement, that right there gives me the peace of mind that Rolex's movement can withstand anything thrown at it.

Do we need those turbines in the Porsche 911 Turbo?...No, but it's really nice to know you can hit 200mph whenever you feel like it and to know the watch is capable of withstanding anything and more than what my wrist can absorb.

They are welcome to watch the video just like you are....enjoy.

Would agree that the video did show a less or no magnetisation to the in-house spring.But don't think many people are going to take there case backs off to try it.And again its possible for the video they used a weaker magnet.In the real everyday life of the average guy in the street its doubtful if it will make any real difference.While I applaud Rolex now for making there own escapement springs,at a huge cost to set up and tool up for the process.And in future all Rolex watches will have the in-house spring.But you have just got to look at the millions upon millions of Rolex watches in this world today.And the other 95% of the whole Swiss watch industry still using the Nivarox ones.Myself having owned many Rolex watches for well over 30 years.Have never experienced any watches getting magnetised.Working in the steel industry using and being very close to powerful magnets capable with the magnet weight of lifting around 15 tons.Never experienced any form of magnetisation to any watch I was wearing.And even my old watches that my sons wear still perform to the COSC spec.Now that -4 to +6 seconds a day is fine for me and even with the parachrome spring the COSC test is still -4 to + 6 seconds a day.And if the parachrome spring does improve it say a second either way.We will have to wait and see, but time will tell over perhaps the next 40 odd years.

[Gedanken]

Originally Posted by Omega_Precision

My point as stated in my post, new spring is better than the old ones, that Rolex outsourced. The proof is from the link I provided. In relation to real world terms?...I don't know what everyone is exposed to in real life situations or where they place their watch at night.

So unless someone's working at CERN or stupid enough to put their watch on top of a honking big speaker when they sleep, it doesn't really make a cracker of a difference, does it?

Originally Posted by Omega_Precision

As mentioned, the new spring makes magnets obsolete to the movement, that right there gives me the peace of mind that Rolex's movement can withstand anything thrown at it.

Is that a fact, now? Okay, so you wouldn't have any problem dropping your Rolex off the top of the Chrysler Building now, would you?

Originally Posted by Omega_Precision

it's really nice to know you can hit 200mph whenever you feel like it

Indeed? Call me crazy, but somehow I doubt the cops would agree.

The problem here is in relation to your mention that:

Rolex is finally living up to it's name that it made years ago, with the introduction of new designs, models, bracelet and clasp.

The name Rolex made years ago, what with screw-down crowns and automatic movements, is that the innovations they introduced were ones that counted in the real world, not just nifty little gadgets that only meant something as technical exercises.

What you are talking about is innovation purely for innovation's sake, and that most certainly is not where Rolex made its name - that sort of nonsense was left up to the wannabes.

Originally Posted by Omega_Precision

They are welcome to watch the video just like you are....enjoy.

Whoops, I didn't realise it was your video clip. I do appreciate your generousity.

[WatchSmith]

Rolex, like so many other companies, is probably fed up with Swatch Group and sees potential danger in them (ETA) being the sole supplier of such a vital part of the Rolex movement. In the process of tooling up to develop their own hairsprings they discover how to alloy a couple of metals that will not only make a good hairspring, but a non-magnetic one. So as any good business will do, they color it blue (packaging) and use it to their advantage to promote their product and separate it from the competition. Whether or not it's the Holy Grail of hairsprings is yet to be determined. Does it work? Of course it does. Does it work THAT much better than Nivarox hairspring? Maybe not, but if it does, it might not be a measurable amount that we can notice in the real-life wearing of a Rolex watch.

I have repaired watches (non-Rolex) that were magnetized, and I can tell you that it wreaks havoc on their ability to maintain accurate time, so the fact that the new spring is antimagnetic just might save someone's watch from repair should they get it too close to strong magnet. Personally I have never had a problem with magnetism in a Rolex, but surely some people have. Every watch repair manual discusses the problems of magnetism, so it does exist, but maybe to a lesser degree in Rolex.

I think most will agree that the Rolex engineers have an excellent track record for innovation and quality. The products speak for themselves and I don't think the company needs to resort to hype to sell them.

[Gedanken]

Well said, Triplock. If going to a blue hairspring means that Rolex can become self-sufficient for parts, more power to them.

[buz-lh]

Triplock's points are well made but I thought the blue color came from oxidation of the materials used and is not added for "packaging".....just a natural occurance.

[WatchSmith]

Originally Posted by Gedanken

Well said, Triplock. If going to a blue hairspring means that Rolex can become self-sufficient for parts, more power to them.

I've been to Basel many times and have talked to a lot of people in the watch industry who have can no longer get ETA parts and movements for their products. Needless to say this is a horrible situation to be in as their livelihood depends on an uninterrupted supply. ETA (Swatch) has sent the watch industry into panic. No doubt Rolex doesn't want to be forced into a situation of having to beg for parts, and they have the money and know-how to develop their own hairsprings.

The fact that every part will be made in-house certainly does add to their coolness.