Bailing out on the 32xx

[Driver8]

No doubt some of you will think this is a crazy reaction to a perceived "non-issue", but after much deliberation and investigation I've decided to bail out of the 32xx series of movements for the foreseeable future.

My 19 month old SD43 has been running ever slower, hitting -12 secs a day just a few days ago, so it's now back with Rolex for warranty "fixing" (although as we know that's currently just a service and replacement of any worn parts with like-for-like), and as soon as it's back with me I'll be moving it along.

I've already turned down a BLRO from my local AD, predominantly due to me not being prepared to risk another 32xx, and I've also removed myself from the DJ41 list at my local AD for the same reason.

So my Rolex collection will now be entirely 31xx-based until I definitively know that the 32xx is rock-solid. I'm sure Rolex will eventually get there and it'll become a fine reliable workhorse platform for years to come, but after 6 years some of us still appear to be "early adopters" unfortunately.

The good news is though - and I GENUINELY mean this - it's actually really liberating knowing that I no longer have to waste time sitting on AD waiting lists! I'll probably look to get hold of an SD4K to replace the SD43, and then anything else I fancy will be pre-owned or NOS (which means a bit more cash, but no wait). It's actually a great feeling.

[aayates]

I think you're nuts. But, best of luck to you and hope things work out the way you desire.

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by aayates

I think you're nuts. But, best of luck to you and hope things work out the way you desire.

Couldn't have said it better.

[Mystro]

The OP is not alone. It’s a growing trend that many choose not to say out loud. Rolex currently makes many rock solid movements that are not “32 series” but these watch models tend to be more expensive.

[JRell]

No problem with all of mine, none at all. All 3 of my Rolexes have the 32 movement.

[brandrea]

Glad you’ve found your path to trouble free ownership OP

There are plenty of buyers for Rolex with 32xx movements.

[SaddleSC]

SD43 dated 10/20 here that is running at +3 seconds per MONTH. It is my only 32xx movement, but no issues thus far...fingers crossed!

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by aayates

I think you're nuts. But, best of luck to you and hope things work out the way you desire.

Thanks. It wasn't an overnight decision, and just because I'm jumping ship now doesn't mean I'll never rebuy a 32xx in the future. I'm just waiting until I hear there's a permanent fix, as at the moment I'm in the "once bitten, twice shy" camp.

Besides, I currently have five 31xx powered pieces so, as my other half will attest, I certainly don't NEED any more at the moment anyway!

[mike morris]

me too , sold my DJ41 after 8 month(lost time) , and add dj36 last month production 3135, in current line I get Air King in Jan 2021 . I'm only in list for Daytona but i think it imposable.

[Tridor]

I think you're doing the right thing. I have stayed away from the 32xx for the same reasons, and think that the issue is far more widespread than reported generally.

[amanbra]

OP don’t blame you. I have an uneasy feeling two of my watches that haven’t showed a symptom are timebombs and one of them is affected by the issue.

It’s not the nicest feeling to have this concern at the back of your mind.

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[Rashid.bk]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

SD43 dated 10/20 here that is running at +3 seconds per MONTH. It is my only 32xx movement, but no issues thus far...fingers crossed!

My Deepsea started out strong as well then it started losing steam until it finally went in for service. The thing is though, it usually starts about a year or so in...it's slows more and more....
Hope yours doesn't exhibit any issues, the first year SD43s didn't seem to have any issues or not much reported here at least, same with first year BLROs.

[JSolution]

No issues here at all.

[EEpro]

I understand it but I don't condone it. I am happy that you're happy!

[Uggi]

Several threads on this issue now. No smoke without fire.
I don't yet own a 32xx but have (had?) a plan to buy the BLRO this year so.... watching from the wings with interest.

[JDsnewwatch]

I'm with you OP. I'm always in the market for something new, but once I see 32XX, I keep looking. Too many complaints. I already had a Jaguar back when they were made in England. I know what life with a problematic engine can be like. If you are spending this kind of money on a "certified chronometer", shouldn't it perform like one?

[Spin27]

Might be me being naive, but I think it’s safe to say Rolex will do the right thing. If there was a movement issue not corrected w/in the warranty period, I doubt they would hold you responsible for a known problem down the road. Especially if you are the original purchaser.

[Dabbadon8]

Originally Posted by Spin27

Might be me being naive, but I think it’s safe to say Rolex will do the right thing. If there was a movement issue not corrected w/in the warranty period, I doubt they would hold you responsible for a known problem down the road. Especially if you are the original purchaser.

If it doesn't work and they charge people to fix, they'd be inviting a class action lawsuit. Problem is statute of limitations, but if problem reappears after fixes under warranty then it probably wouldn't be an issue. Rolex will make it right (if there's a real, unresolved defect) because it would be devastating from a marketing standpoint, but also from a legal perspective of selling lemons to millions.

[JoseR]

My DJ41 no issues. Maybe I'm lucky..

[yuen547]

I just noticed this thread, but I had to send my DSSD in under warranty last month because I was losing a lot of time a day. Maybe 10-15 minutes. When I got the response back from Rolex they said there was a heavy shock that damaged something inside. I find this suspicious now that I hear others having issues with the newer movements. I don’t baby my watches but thought the DSSD can handle more than my BLNR and day date.


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[Yachtbuoy]

If you are really worried, I've got a fantastic '77 DJ with a 1575 movement that keeps excellent time. Completely reliable, could go another 30 years without a service

[Andad]

An interesting thread.

[sgwatchguy]

2 x 32xx watches.

No issues to date; my CHNR may actually be the most accurate mechanical watch in the world - that thing goes days even weeks +/- 0 seconds! Remarkable.

[kieselguhr]

Glad to read you found your way to enjoy the hobby! If it bothers you it bothers you. Best enjoy your watches without that nagging feeling in the back of your head.

[Lukebennett21]

The problem isn’t always with the willingness of Rolex to service a watch. It is the headache and potential damage to a watch on the way to or during service that can be an unexpected surprise. I have two 32xx movements that I love and don’t have any issues with, but the oldest is only 4 months.

[Nikrnic]

I can't say I disagree with you. I have one 3235 in my collection, a DJ4. No problems after 2 yrs, no real complaints unless I nit pick my personal dislike for the backwards time setting. I'm pretty much set and not looking to add anything anyway unless it's another five digit but nothings grabbing my interest too much right now.

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[Doood]

I so badly want an SD43 or SD43TT or 42 Yachtmaster. Am holding off for now for this reason. I even went out of my way to pick up a 216570 this year, which was always one of my favorites, so as to avoid any 32xx issues. Who knows, maybe if they update the 216570 this year into something special, I will feel like I missed out, but my life is complicated enough without having to deal with fixing watches.

Every AD I have been too this year initially says they have never heard of the 32xx movement issue, but after some prodding, they always admit that well it hasn't been an issue with all of them, so I might get lucky, and most of their customers wouldn't notice a watch being slow, or would care. True story.

[jerryguo]

Non issue for me. Rarely people look at a watch to tell the time nowadays


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[HiBoost]

Originally Posted by Rashid.bk

My Deepsea started out strong as well then it started losing steam until it finally went in for service.

So how has yours been since service and how long has that been?

[Notsoprobro]

Originally Posted by JDsnewwatch

I'm with you OP. I'm always in the market for something new, but once I see 32XX, I keep looking. Too many complaints. I already had a Jaguar back when they were made in England. I know what life with a problematic engine can be like. If you are spending this kind of money on a "certified chronometer", shouldn't it perform like one?

Just bought an F Type R and it was misfiring upon delivery. Turns out one of the cylinders was warped and they're quoting a whole new engine. I've never canceled a deal so quick in my life - and I doubt I'll consider another Jag moving forward.

As for the 32xx movement. My DJ has been fine and I think we tend to hear more from the problem watches than the watches without issue - thus making us hyper aware and cautious. In the meantime I'll continue monitoring my watches but the claims wont detour me from buying additional 32xx movement watches.