Taking a look at the 3235

[SearChart]

Servicing this 3235 from a DateJust 41 under warranty, seconds wheel pivot is dry on the dial side... Causing extra friction and wear which lowers amplitude and causes timekeeping issues.

[SearChart]

Some more pictures

[RichM]

If my watch ever needed service, I’d love to send it to you. Do you find it unusual for it to be dry? I’m assuming the watch isn’t that old.

Thanks for sharing.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Rich Mickol

If my watch ever needed service, I’d love to send it to you. Do you find it unusual for it to be dry? I’m assuming the watch isn’t that old.



Thanks for sharing.

Yes that is unusual for a movement. The first series of 32×× movements don't have lubricant at the seconds wheel pivot on the dial side, thus developing problems. They now lubricate this point... So I'm guessing the first series of the new caliber are not gonna run for a very long time before they need a service.

[RichM]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Yes that is unusual for a movement. The first series of 32×× movements don't have lubricant at the seconds wheel pivot on the dial side, thus developing problems. They now lubricate this point... So I'm guessing the first series of the new caliber are not gonna run for a very long time before they need a service.

Good to know. Thanks Bas

[TswaneNguni]

Great post ! Thanks

Hmmmm ...so Rolex do make mistakes

[sheldonsmith]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Yes that is unusual for a movement. The first series of 32×× movements don't have lubricant at the seconds wheel pivot on the dial side, thus developing problems. They now lubricate this point... So I'm guessing the first series of the new caliber are not gonna run for a very long time before they need a service.

Yes, my 126710 BLRO is at the Dallas RSC right now because of the same issue; amplitude dropped below 200 degrees after sitting 24 hours.

As part of the service, do you replace the second wheel, or just lubricate it and reinstall?

Thank you for posting. I can see there are numerous differences between this movement and the 31xx series.

-Sheldon

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Dsmith1974

Would a DJ41 with a serial no of 52U.. be such an early model?

Random serial numbers, so there is no way to tell if yours is a newer or older one. I wouldn't worry about it though

Originally Posted by sheldonsmith

Yes, my 126710 BLRO is at the Dallas RSC right now because of the same issue; amplitude dropped below 200 degrees after sitting 24 hours.

As part of the service, do you replace the second wheel, or just lubricate it and reinstall?

Thank you for posting. I can see there are numerous differences between this movement and the 31xx series.

-Sheldon

The seconds wheel did show a slight bit of wear, so it will of course be replaced

[DramaTurtle]

Originally Posted by sheldonsmith

Yes, my 126710 BLRO is at the Dallas RSC right now because of the same issue; amplitude dropped below 200 degrees after sitting 24 hours.

As part of the service, do you replace the second wheel, or just lubricate it and reinstall?

Thank you for posting. I can see there are numerous differences between this movement and the 31xx series.

-Sheldon

Wouldn't a BLRO going in for service due to this same issue be a little worrisome considering it is very recent production?

Thanks for this analysis though, this is all I really need TRF for now since it's becomes full of whiny nouveau riche . Much appreciated!

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by SearChart

Some more pictures

So Bas, what's your impression of this movement, Thumbs up or thumbs down? Makes me wonder if sometimes these movements go out with bugs that need to be worked out. I've never been a fan of jumping on the first run of a new movement. Great Pictures!!

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

So Bas, what's your impression of this movement, Thumbs up or thumbs down? Makes me wonder if sometimes these movements go out with bugs that need to be worked out. I've never been a fan of jumping on the first run of a new movement. Great Pictures!!

It's a little goofy for sure, I need to get used to the difference architecture. But on paper it is a fine movement with the weak points of the previous movements fixed, more efficient and it has a longer power reserve

Just a bit unfortunate that the early ones might develop this problem due to lack of lubrication. Will be fixed at service though

[Brian Page]

Originally Posted by SearChart

It's a little goofy for sure, I need to get used to the difference architecture. But on paper it is a fine movement with the weak points of the previous movements fixed, more efficient and it has a longer power reserve

Just a bit unfortunate that the early ones might develop this problem due to lack of lubrication. Will be fixed at service though

One last thing out of curiosity - was it running fast or slow?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by Brian Page

One last thing out of curiosity - was it running fast or slow?

It was running at 160ish degrees amplitude, dial up fully wound, and it was losing about 70sec a day

[Dsmith1974]

Originally Posted by SearChart

It's a little goofy for sure, I need to get used to the difference architecture. But on paper it is a fine movement with the weak points of the previous movements fixed, more efficient and it has a longer power reserve

Just a bit unfortunate that the early ones might develop this problem due to lack of lubrication. Will be fixed at service though

Would a DJ41 with a serial no of 52U.. be such an early model?

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by R G

You do realise you’ve just opened a can of worms there, don’t you?

This issue was already mentioned by another watchmaker on the forums. And there are plenty of people who've had to send their watch in for service, due to this problem.

[R G]

Originally Posted by SearChart

This issue was already mentioned by another watchmaker on the forums. And there are plenty of people who've had to send their watch in for service, due to this problem.

Great! We can look forward to the 3235 Russian roulette.

Why don’t Rolex carry out some form of recall if it’s a known problem?

My DJ41 is a late 2018 model - I hope I’m all good.

I guess the whole warranty cover for this issue depends on if it’s presents itself within the first 5 years of ownership.

I guess that’s dependent on the amount of time you wear it within that time.

I got mine 6 months ago but have only really worn it for the first time properly, today.

[MTBer]

Originally Posted by R G

You do realise you’ve just opened a can of worms there, don’t you?

It’s really no different than buying the first run of a new car or extensively redesigned model- teething problems should be expected. Beta testing is just part of the price paid for having to have the newest thing.

[R G]

Originally Posted by MTBer

It’s really no different than buying the first run of a new car or extensively redesigned model- teething problems should be expected. Beta testing is just part of the price paid for having to have the newest thing.

Yeah I’m honestly not that fussed. Although I wouldn’t agree that I’ve elected myself for beta testing as you call it.

I bought a DJ41 which contains a movement that had been out for a good couple of years before I got mine.

It is what it is I guess.

[BisonHead]

Wow Bas, some great photos.

You must have the eye of an eagle, the hand of a surgeon and the patience of a saint.

Top job.

[richard371]

Nice shots. Thanks

[Largoshark]

Cool, thanks for sharing!

[jerseyb]

Great pictures. Really cool.

[FTX I]

Fantastic pictures, Bas. Thanks for sharing.

[037]

Outstanding shots, Bas.

For a mass-produced movement, the updated finish work is impeccable. It's something that only watchmakers get to enjoy. Thanks for sharing with everyone.

[Zuger]

Thank you for sharing.

[77T]

Very nice illustrated disassembly. You said the cause was a lubrication issue.

How unusual is this within 5 years?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[037]

Is the balance wheel rotationally balanced? I see what looks like small holes around the outer perimeter, making me think it's balanced like a flywheel.

Originally Posted by SearChart

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by 037

Is the balance wheel rotationally balanced? I see what looks like small holes around the outer perimeter, making me think it's balanced like a flywheel.

These are just holes from poising during production. They are different on every single balance wheel.

[037]

Originally Posted by SearChart

These are just holes from poising during production. They are different on every single balance wheel.

Ahh, that sounds like it's done the same as a flywheel. Awesome.

[SearChart]

Thanks for the replies everyone

Originally Posted by 037

Ahh, that sounds like it's done the same as a flywheel. Awesome.