Newbie question: Movement Differences between models

[jameshe]

Hi guys,

After being here for a few months now, I wouldn't class myself as much of a 'newbie' anymore when it comes to the aesthetics and model options etc on the rolex line (to the point where I am going into AD's and educating THEM in some cases - thanks to the great guys here on TRF )

However, in terms of the internals of the models, I am still somewhat under-educated. I am looking at purchasing a DJ or DJII in the next few months.

My question is, what are the differences between the movements of say a 2008 DateJust, a 2008 Submariner and a 2009/10 DateJust II or updated ceramic bezel TT sub (if the movement has been upgraded)?

Your help is appreciated as always guys, just want to understand if certain models have a 'better' or somewhat 'outdated' movement in comparison to other models, with the DJ in particular (as it has been around for 60+ years, obv with updates here and there)

Thanks guys

[padi56]

All the watches you quoted use the Cal 3135 which has not changed since 1989 The only difference in some models now they use a in-house made escapement hairspring But eventually when Rolex becomes totally self sufficient in escapement parts they will be in all the range All of the mens range except the chronograph are just basically clones of the cal 3135 with or without added complications a very fine accurate and long lasting movement


Current Rolex movements Calibre 3155 DAY-DATE ONLY,Calibre 3135 O/P Date, Datejust, Submariner, Sea-Dweller, Yacht-Master.Calibre 3130 Air-King, Submariner non date,New Milgauss Calibre 3131 basically same as the 3130, Calibre 3185 Explorer II, GMT II.Calibre 3186 is just a slightly modded 3185 in the new model GMTc,Calibre 4030 in the pre 2000 Zenith El-Primo modded Daytona.Calibre 4130 post 2000 in-house movement Daytona, Calibre 4160 Yacht Master II .Ladies OP NON DATE Calibre 2130 /OP Date Calibre 2235, Datejust, Yacht-Master (Lady/Midsize).Now as you can see Rolex uses just 7 Calibre movements for there entire mens Oyster range now,plus two for the lady oyster non sports range.

[jameshe]

Wow padi that is so cool, loads of info there which is great!

So, given that the Cal 3135 has been around for nearly 20 years and has proven to be reliable, would it be correct to assume that this is unlikely to be updated anytime soon?

If so, then what significant difference (if any) would this make? Apologies if this is a 'crystal ball' question somewhat :)

Thanks

[padi56]

Originally Posted by jameshelliwell

Wow padi that is so cool, loads of info there which is great!

So, given that the Cal 3135 has been around for nearly 20 years and has proven to be reliable, would it be correct to assume that this is unlikely to be updated anytime soon?

If so, then what significant difference (if any) would this make? Apologies if this is a 'crystal ball' question somewhat :)

Thanks

Well IMHO the finest movements Rolex has ever made are the 15XX series. These movements have proved there reliably 40 odd years thats why so many vintage ones still alive and ticking.But the 3135 and its clones is a very reliable and accurate movement.The only Achilles heal in the 3135 is the winding rotor,but with minimum service will last decades and beyond.Will Rolex make a totally new Calibre to replace the Cal 3135 I would doubt it in these present times.To design and re-tool for a completely new movement would cost millions.Just like the car industry today many different manufactures in a group share the same chassis and floor pan.Just a different body and name badge on front and back.With Rolex its the Cal 3135 which is the base for most of the lineup today, which make perfect sense as Rolex now are approaching 900000 plus units a year.

[Tools]

What I expect to see for changes for the 3135 movement are :

. Within the next 2 or 3 years they all will be fitted with the Parachrom Hairspring eliminating the Nivarox spring.

. Within the next 5 years they will all be fitted with Rolex own Paraflex Shock system, phasing out the KIF system... this will probably result in a new Cal number, but the movement will likely be almost identical.

. What we might see in 10 years........ Some decoration as they cave in to pressures and offer sapphire case backs on some models:

. Changes from the solid axle rotor (which is efficient) to a ball-bearing axle. This may be slightly less efficient, but will fix one of the only weak areas of the 3135.

. Within 20 years..... Silicon based parts and components,

[The GMT Master]

Just as a quick point, the reference for the movement on the DJ II is 3136, not 3135 - I read this was to do with the larger size date wheel, essentially it's still the same movement as the 3135.