Cal 3120 Reliability?

[Trystero]

I'm looking to get another watch within the next year or two and I know it will either be another Rolex or an AP. I would love to have a 15450 but the only thing stopping me are some of the issues I've heard concerning the 3120 movement, mostly with the date setting or the crown breaking off. Are there any issues I should know about or are these just isolated incidents?

[benlee]

If its reliability you are looking for you should go for a Rolex.

[kingofthehill]

I believe that most issues are associated with the DD chronograph module, rather than the base calibre. Those issues that you cite are largely isolated incidents - unacceptable nonetheless - though it is true that little compares with Rolex and Omega for reliability.

[V25V]

Had two AP's with 3120 and neither had issues, one I still have. One offshore with base 3120 and again, no issues so far. I wouldn't let these isolated issues deter you.


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[leisen]

I own 16 watches -2 Rolex, Panerai, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, 2 Audemars Piguet, Patek philippe, IWC, Breitling, Tag Heuer, etc.- and I've experienced only 3 issues, all of them related to a Royal Oak 15300ST assembled with the well-known cal 3120. Beautiful mechanism but, for me, terrible.

[mobster600]

AP has alot of quality concerns among the folk on the RF. i browse each brand category and see more quality threads/posts on AP then any other brand. the more i read the less i trust them.

What goes through my mind is.....is beauty worth the headache.....kinda like having a hot gf and she's crazy LOL

[Xerxes77]

Originally Posted by benlee

If its reliability you are looking for you should go for a Rolex.

Agree with this 100%!
3120 movement are very beautifull but maybe in 5-10 years we can speake about reliability! Sorry but that’s it!
I have in the past 3 AP with this movement and don’t have issue but the accuracy it’s

[V25V]

Originally Posted by leisen

I own 16 watches -2 Rolex, Panerai, Cartier, Jaeger-LeCoultre, 2 Audemars Piguet, Patek philippe, IWC, Breitling, Tag Heuer, etc.- and I've experienced only 3 issues, all of them related to a Royal Oak 15300ST assembled with the well-known cal 3120. Beautiful mechanism but, for me, terrible.

Several AP movements are JLC, which are then modified by AP for the application. My offshore Rubberclad for example. Just sayin...


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[DCheeta]

Isolated instances are no reason to avoid a movement. Any movement will have reports of issues if you scour the internet looking for them. AP's service is first class and the warranty is five years, so personally I have confidence in the 3120. I had a Diver with no issues whatsoever, which I recently replaced with a 15450. In my limited experience with them, I'm a fan of the 3120.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by DCheeta

Isolated instances are no reason to avoid a movement. Any movement will have reports of issues if you scour the internet looking for them. AP's service is first class and the warranty is five years, so personally I have confidence in the 3120. I had a Diver with no issues whatsoever, which I recently replaced with a 15450. In my limited experience with them, I'm a fan of the 3120.

Indeed, there are not that many threads on this, but about a thousand more on how much will my watch be worth next month, so just go with what you love and drown out the noise.

[MrWhy]

Had the 15450 a few months and wear it every day. Lovely watch. No problems to date and with 5 year warranty, I am happy. It accuracy is questionable, mine runs 10 seconds fast everyday, this is within AP spec which states 12 seconds is okay.


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[Sporkmaker]

Could the recent upgrade to a five year warranty mean that they are now taking quality control a little more seriously than they have in the past?

[DCheeta]

Originally Posted by AK797

Indeed, there are not that many threads on this, but about a thousand more on how much will my watch be worth next month, so just go with what you love and drown out the noise.

Amen to that, brother.

Wait a minute, a thread without photos? Where are our manners, boys?

[mickyd329]

Owned 3 ROO 44's. Had the crown fall out on one. Sent it to APSC and had it back in less than a month. I would buy another 3120 based ROO without hesitation.

[arosado]

Date setting or crown breaking off? Not in my case. Isolated incidents? Not enough cases to concern me.

[Ichiran]

The 3120 in my AP15400 works perfectly in my 2 years of ownership (watch has not been serviced yet). I have been following these instructions from the AP website:

1) To avoid making any mistakes, it is recommended to perform date changes when the mechanism is not in operation, i.e. between 1.00 am in the
morning and 6.00 pm at the latest.

2) Even if you have not worn your timepiece for a while, you should wind your mechanical watch (self-winding or manual-winding) at least once a month. For a manual-winding watch, turn the crown until it resists, without forcing it. For a self-winding watch, we recommend at least 30 turns of the crown. This helps keep the movement components well lubricated.

[tyler1980]

im a fan of the 3120, great movement

[V25V]

Such a beauty!

[Amiroo]

Ben Clymer has said that the 3120 is one of the best movements to have ever come out of Geneva.

[walds11]

Originally Posted by npalacio

Such a beauty!

Nice back side. Love it!

[PJ S]

^
You can’t beat a great looking rear end!