ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

dweller · 30 July 2008, 10:56 AM

Today I finally stopped by my watchmaker with my Z8xxx serial 16570 to have a looksy at the motor, it passed the wiggle test but I still wanted to see forsure, here she is in all her glory!

Tools · 30 July 2008, 11:05 AM

DSJ · 30 July 2008, 12:15 PM

Excellent!

springer · 30 July 2008, 12:15 PM

nice..........

SLS · 30 July 2008, 12:18 PM

Kudos for cracking the caseback, looks like the Exp II will continue to live on in its current design state.
~Scott

at7724 · 30 July 2008, 12:21 PM

that is sweet.

jmsrolls · 30 July 2008, 01:01 PM

Excellent! A "Z"/3186 confirmed!

Fr. John+

Trurolexer · 30 July 2008, 03:44 PM

Very Nice!!!

mickeydainish · 30 July 2008, 03:57 PM

nice to know for sure hey!! :-)

Z-Sub · 30 July 2008, 04:08 PM

I'm happy for you. It's definitely one of my favorite!

Marrk · 30 July 2008, 04:20 PM

Great news!

However, I'm a little uneasy with the fact that every time someone post a pic of their movement, it looks like a professional studio picture. Is everybody, and every lighting situation, so perfect that the picture just comes out amazing?

[I think I may be raising a photography question here, and not a watch question. Therefore, no offense to the OP.

]

JJ Irani · 30 July 2008, 05:40 PM

acce1999 · 30 July 2008, 08:07 PM

Great info. Thanks! This (sort of) confirms that the Explorer II most likely have been produced with cal 3186 since early/mid 2007. I have gotten that information from two Rolex watchmakers. Personally I have done "the wiggle test" on Z7s, and they passed. I have an M0-serial myself, and it passes. (Have not cracked it open - but do not feel that I need to). I am starting to believe that the 3186 may have gotten into the Explorer IIs before it got into the last 16710 GMTs. The thing is that the GMT is more popular, therefore it has taken time to get information on the Explorers.

Best,

A

ROLEX MAN · 30 July 2008, 08:10 PM

good one!

buz-lh · 30 July 2008, 09:20 PM

Excellent.

TempoKing · 30 July 2008, 11:46 PM

My M serial as well...Cal: 3186

Skippy · 31 July 2008, 12:10 AM

I don't understand why Rolex is denieing the fact that the 3186 movement is used. In the press info they also still say the 3185 is used. Weird.

nottinghill · 5 August 2008, 02:22 AM

Does it make any difference to the price whether is it a 3186 movement or the old movement?

karmatp · 5 August 2008, 02:58 AM

I love the Explorer II's, it's a nice bonus that they have the 3186. I was thinking about buying a GMT II but I think the Explorer is such a great watch, I think I want another. To me, the GMT II's are a little more "Rolex on my wrist", were the Explorer is stealthy, I like that about it. Congrats, I hope to join the club again soon.

dweller · 5 August 2008, 07:14 AM

Same price at an AD whichever movement but some grey dealers are tring to hype the 3186 as ubber collectable and asking well above retail.

karmatp.. I agree, I love the GMT but really prefer the Exp. II's steath, The GMT you can swap inserts around and it seems like you have a few different watch's and was acually after a GMT II with 3186 and happened on the Exp. II for a great price figuring it also had the 3186 because of the serial and the inner bezel engraving, and now there's no looking back. Love everything about it..

jl5397 · 5 August 2008, 06:38 PM

I got my first Rolex in this april. It is a white Exp II with M2 series. It passes the wigged test.

There is another available in Black but didn't pass the test. No engraving in the the inner ring.... series should be Z something.

So... congrates to all who is happy with the 3186.

jl5397 · 5 August 2008, 06:39 PM

I got my first Rolex in this april. It is a white Exp II with M2 series. It passes the wigged test.

There is another available in Black but didn't pass the test. No engraving in the the inner ring.... series should be Z something.

So... congrates to all who is happy with the 3186.

sylar · 5 August 2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jl5397

I got my first Rolex in this april. It is a white Exp II with M2 series. It passes the wigged test.

There is another available in Black but didn't pass the test. No engraving in the the inner ring.... series should be Z something.

So... congrates to all who is happy with the 3186.

Hi How much did u pay for it? and which AD in Malaysian did u buy it from as i am currenlty in Kuala Lumpur and I plan to get a 3186 Exp II black

Dubai · 5 August 2008, 07:52 PM

Nice

ranchu8888 · 5 August 2008, 09:08 PM

So, can anyone highlight on the price difference between these 2 movement for the explorer 2 ?

Thanks,

tpfaok · 5 August 2008, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sylar

Hi How much did u pay for it? and which AD in Malaysian did u buy it from as i am currenlty in Kuala Lumpur and I plan to get a 3186 Exp II black

Check out the local Singapore Rolex forum. Quite a BNIB Exp 2 offered there at close to 20% off list price. Bought one thru' that forum. The sellers are usually willingly to close the deal after the watch is verified authentic at the local Rolex Service Centre (fee of SGD75 - at buyer's expense).

karmatp · 5 August 2008, 11:22 PM

No price difference, no better timekeeping, no difference at all really. It is just a minor tweak to a excellent movement, it's mearly interesting that one has the 3186 over the 3185. If you get the 3185, turn that frown upside down because it has been a incredible movement for Rolex for many years.

acce1999 · 5 August 2008, 11:37 PM

In my opinion, the reason for Rolex to roll out the 3186 is:

1. Replace the outsourced production of the balance spring (Nivarox) with a new inhouse solution (Parachrom Bleu). Rolex states that the PB has better magnetic resistance, and most certainly it is so. Only time, though, will tell if the PB has a greater longevity than the Nivarox. Sometimes insourcing is not the best solution for the product!

2. Improved _percieved_ quality of time setting when changing time zone (which the wiggle test is about). In my mind this has _nothing_ to do with real quality, although I am pretty convinced that it is not a poor solution, and perhaps even a better than the previous (3185) - but I do not know.

This is my opinion. Rolex people might tell you something different. Let me know if anyone get more comments. I'm eager to learn more. In general I like the idea of 100% inhouse production, but as I said, it needn't be the best solution for the product...

Best,

A

30 July 2008, 10:56 AM	#1
dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: usa Posts: 249	Exp. II w/3186 Today I finally stopped by my watchmaker with my Z8xxx serial 16570 to have a looksy at the motor, it passed the wiggle test but I still wanted to see forsure, here she is in all her glory! Attached Images

30 July 2008, 11:05 AM	#2
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,515	__________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

30 July 2008, 12:15 PM	#3
DSJ "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: David Location: USA Watch: your step! Posts: 7,882	Excellent! __________________ Rolex. The Rolex of watches. 16570 Expy2 Noir, 116710 GMT Master II, 2552.80 SMP

30 July 2008, 12:15 PM	#4
springer 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: jP Location: Texas Watch: GMT-MASTER Posts: 17,319	nice.......... __________________ Member of NAWCC since 1990. INSTAGRAM USER NAME: SPRINGERJFP Visit my Instagram page to view some of the finest vintage GMTs anywhere - as well as other vintage classics.

30 July 2008, 04:08 PM	#10
Z-Sub 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: So Cal, USA Watch: Not a ONEWatch Man Posts: 7,383	I'm happy for you. It's definitely one of my favorite! __________________ SS Submariner Date "Z" SS SeaDweller "D" SS Submariner "Random" TT Blue Submariner "P" SS GMT-Master ll "M", Pepsi Pam 311, 524, 297

30 July 2008, 12:18 PM	#5
SLS "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Real Name: Scott Location: GMT -7 Watch: GMT's & Sub's Posts: 10,401	Kudos for cracking the caseback, looks like the Exp II will continue to live on in its current design state. ~Scott

30 July 2008, 12:21 PM	#6
at7724 Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Home! Posts: 148	that is sweet.

30 July 2008, 01:01 PM	#7
jmsrolls Banned Join Date: May 2008 Location: USA Posts: 3,185	Excellent! A "Z"/3186 confirmed! Fr. John+

30 July 2008, 03:44 PM	#8
Trurolexer Banned Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: USA Watch: 5513MaxiI+PreComex Posts: 18,421	Very Nice!!!

30 July 2008, 03:57 PM	#9
mickeydainish Banned Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Michael Location: LaLa Land Watch: Sub Date 16610 Posts: 1,757	nice to know for sure hey!! :-)

30 July 2008, 04:20 PM	#11
Marrk "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Mark Location: Los Angeles Watch: 5513 Posts: 2,192	Great news! However, I'm a little uneasy with the fact that every time someone post a pic of their movement, it looks like a professional studio picture. Is everybody, and every lighting situation, so perfect that the picture just comes out amazing? [I think I may be raising a photography question here, and not a watch question. Therefore, no offense to the OP. ]

30 July 2008, 05:40 PM	#12
JJ Irani Fondly Remembered Join Date: May 2005 Real Name: JJ Location: Auckland, NZ Watch: ALL SOLD!! Posts: 74,319	__________________ Words fail me in expressing my utmost thanks to ALL of you for this wonderful support during my hour of need!! I firmly believe that my time on planet earth is NOT yet up!! I shall fight this to the very end.......and WIN!!

30 July 2008, 08:07 PM	#13
acce1999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: GMT+1 Posts: 2,711	Great info. Thanks! This (sort of) confirms that the Explorer II most likely have been produced with cal 3186 since early/mid 2007. I have gotten that information from two Rolex watchmakers. Personally I have done "the wiggle test" on Z7s, and they passed. I have an M0-serial myself, and it passes. (Have not cracked it open - but do not feel that I need to). I am starting to believe that the 3186 may have gotten into the Explorer IIs before it got into the last 16710 GMTs. The thing is that the GMT is more popular, therefore it has taken time to get information on the Explorers. Best, A

30 July 2008, 08:10 PM	#14
ROLEX MAN 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Martin Location: Home and Away Watch: you? "YES PLEASE"! Posts: 3,719	good one! __________________ *it's not just about telling the time...* *happy rolexing...* I'm just a man with a passion

30 July 2008, 09:20 PM	#15
buz-lh "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Buz Location: Atlanta Watch: Rolex Tudor Pam Posts: 5,108	Excellent. __________________ Buz The faster you move, the slower time passes, the longer you live. Peter Diamandis

30 July 2008, 11:46 PM	#16
TempoKing Banned Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Anastasios Location: Athens Greece Watch: Rolex GMT 1675 Posts: 8,497	My M serial as well...Cal: 3186

31 July 2008, 12:10 AM	#17
Skippy Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Holland Posts: 283	I don't understand why Rolex is denieing the fact that the 3186 movement is used. In the press info they also still say the 3185 is used. Weird.

5 August 2008, 02:22 AM	#18
nottinghill "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Real Name: Clarence Location: A 'fine' city Watch: 16613 & 116660 Posts: 265	Does it make any difference to the price whether is it a 3186 movement or the old movement? __________________ Rolex TT Submariner Date Blue Dial (Ref#116613LB) Rolex Deep Sea Sea Dweller (Ref#116660) Rolex 18K/SS Oyster Perpetual Datejust (Ref#16233) Omega Seamaster 300M Chrono (Ref#2920.80.91)

5 August 2008, 02:58 AM	#19
karmatp "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Trevor Location: Arizona Posts: 5,740	I love the Explorer II's, it's a nice bonus that they have the 3186. I was thinking about buying a GMT II but I think the Explorer is such a great watch, I think I want another. To me, the GMT II's are a little more "Rolex on my wrist", were the Explorer is stealthy, I like that about it. Congrats, I hope to join the club again soon.

5 August 2008, 07:14 AM	#20
dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: usa Posts: 249	Same price at an AD whichever movement but some grey dealers are tring to hype the 3186 as ubber collectable and asking well above retail. karmatp.. I agree, I love the GMT but really prefer the Exp. II's steath, The GMT you can swap inserts around and it seems like you have a few different watch's and was acually after a GMT II with 3186 and happened on the Exp. II for a great price figuring it also had the 3186 because of the serial and the inner bezel engraving, and now there's no looking back. Love everything about it..

5 August 2008, 06:38 PM	#21
jl5397 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: malaysia Posts: 6	I got my first Rolex in this april. It is a white Exp II with M2 series. It passes the wigged test. There is another available in Black but didn't pass the test. No engraving in the the inner ring.... series should be Z something. So... congrates to all who is happy with the 3186.

5 August 2008, 06:39 PM	#22
jl5397 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: malaysia Posts: 6	I got my first Rolex in this april. It is a white Exp II with M2 series. It passes the wigged test. There is another available in Black but didn't pass the test. No engraving in the the inner ring.... series should be Z something. So... congrates to all who is happy with the 3186.

5 August 2008, 07:52 PM	#24
Dubai "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: UAE Posts: 232	Nice

5 August 2008, 09:08 PM	#25
ranchu8888 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Singapore Posts: 7	So, can anyone highlight on the price difference between these 2 movement for the explorer 2 ? Thanks,

5 August 2008, 11:22 PM	#27
karmatp "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Real Name: Trevor Location: Arizona Posts: 5,740	No price difference, no better timekeeping, no difference at all really. It is just a minor tweak to a excellent movement, it's mearly interesting that one has the 3186 over the 3185. If you get the 3185, turn that frown upside down because it has been a incredible movement for Rolex for many years. __________________ My grails:

5 August 2008, 11:37 PM	#28
acce1999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: GMT+1 Posts: 2,711	In my opinion, the reason for Rolex to roll out the 3186 is: 1. Replace the outsourced production of the balance spring (Nivarox) with a new inhouse solution (Parachrom Bleu). Rolex states that the PB has better magnetic resistance, and most certainly it is so. Only time, though, will tell if the PB has a greater longevity than the Nivarox. Sometimes insourcing is not the best solution for the product! 2. Improved _percieved_ quality of time setting when changing time zone (which the wiggle test is about). In my mind this has _nothing_ to do with real quality, although I am pretty convinced that it is not a poor solution, and perhaps even a better than the previous (3185) - but I do not know. This is my opinion. Rolex people might tell you something different. Let me know if anyone get more comments. I'm eager to learn more. In general I like the idea of 100% inhouse production, but as I said, it needn't be the best solution for the product... Best, A

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)