Rolex Explorer II Polar (3185 vs 3186 movement)

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Hey Follow Rolex Enthusiasts,
I am in the market for an Explorer II Polar ref. 16570, but am uncertain which movement to choose from... either the calibre 3185 or the 3186.

My two options are as follows;

1999 Swiss-Only Dial, A Serial, holes case with hollow end links (3185) or a 2007 Swiss Made Dial, M Serial no holes case with solid end links (3186).

Obviously, the GMT hand of the 3185 movement wobbles a little (which I am not really a fan of) while the 3186 movement has other issues entirely.

Which one is the better choice?

[Tools]

The one in the best condition with a price you like is the best choice.

There is no real benefit to either movement. A hand wobble when setting the time is not a true issue.

[nyc2la]

I recently went with a NOS G serial that has the 3186 movement, engraved rehaut, SEL, and no lug holes.

For me, this combination is a great blend of modern 6 digit watches in the perfect 5 digit case.

But, any variation is a great variation…I would just go for one that is in the best condition and not polished too much.

[cdmorenot]

I just bought one today. 2005 SEL and no holes case with the 3185 - There is no way I could justify the premium for a 3186 and engraved rehaut

I went with the one that had the most sharp lugs and close to factory finish without caring about scratches or dings. I can get those fixed by sending to the right workshop but it’s tough to come back from a poor polish job.

Best of luck! Took me about a year to find the right piece.

[Gerardus]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

I recently went with a NOS G serial that has the 3186 movement, engraved rehaut, SEL, and no lug holes.

For me, this combination is a great blend of modern 6 digit watches in the perfect 5 digit case.

But, any variation is a great variation…I would just go for one that is in the best condition and not polished too much.

X2

I own a black face-G serial which is sold by a French Rolex AD in 2014 to a French grey dealer. I bought it from mentioned dealer -unworn- in 2016.

Recently put it to service at the RSC Brussel with the order no-polishing.

And back on my wrist

[77T]

The A s/n one.

Strictly nostalgic - pre-millennium means you can say a 20th Century Classic.


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[JR16]

I don’t think the premium for the 3186 is worth it. Twice I chose the 3185 w my favorite combo- lug holes and SEL.


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[1William]

The watch that is in the best condition.

[NardinNut]

I originally was adamant the 3186 was my only choice as I didn’t want the 3185 “stutter”. I’ve since changed my mind as the price premium on a 3186 doesn’t make sense and it seems the stutter isn’t as big of an issue as some have made it out to be. Now I’m on a mission to find a Polar in excellent unpolished condition that isn’t being price gouged (I’m talking to you David SW). That is the difficult mission. Good luck in your search.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by MaticulousTimepieces

Hey Follow Rolex Enthusiasts,
I am in the market for an Explorer II Polar ref. 16570, but am uncertain which movement to choose from... either the calibre 3185 or the 3186.

My two options are as follows;

1999 Swiss-Only Dial, A Serial, holes case with hollow end links (3185) or a 2007 Swiss Made Dial, M Serial no holes case with solid end links (3186).

Obviously, the GMT hand of the 3185 movement wobbles a little (which I am not really a fan of) while the 3186 movement has other issues entirely.

Which one is the better choice?

IMHO with the cal 3186 no way is it a completely new movements and early 3186 movements had a date change problems but rectified on later models,, however it does differ very slightly from the former caliber 3185 that was introduced first in 1988/9.Its now slightly thicker but apart from the blue Parachrome hairspring different indent gear on the cal 3186 and now same on the cal 3187 with the added in-house Paraflex shock absorber thats about it deep down both still mostly 3185.I believe the main different more or less with the 3186 is in the the drive train, and this goes to explain the differences felt in the hands when setting.But speaking for myself I would choose the cal 3185 over the 3186, and most certainly would not pay a premium price for any 3186 powered watch. And in the real world the parachrome is just a hairspring and little or no better that the Nivarox ones.

[BillA]

Condition and price to be a factor.
When shopping this watch makes sure it has all the links. I have seen many for sale that are missing links. Good luck.

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by NardinNut

I originally was adamant the 3186 was my only choice as I didn’t want the 3185 “stutter”. I’ve since changed my mind as the price premium on a 3186 doesn’t make sense and it seems the stutter isn’t as big of an issue as some have made it out to be. Now I’m on a mission to find a Polar in excellent unpolished condition that isn’t being price gouged (I’m talking to you David SW). That is the difficult mission. Good luck in your search.

Really really tough to find unpolished at this point - I tried for a year until I finally decided to go with the best example I could find regardless of prior polish history. I got really lucky and found something on Grailzee. A tad more expensive than I had in mind but worth it considering the amount of time I had invested into finding the "right one"

And you're right... after countless hours of research the 3185 issues are minuscule.

[Kinnakeet]

Originally Posted by MaticulousTimepieces

Hey Follow Rolex Enthusiasts,
I am in the market for an Explorer II Polar ref. 16570, but am uncertain which movement to choose from... either the calibre 3185 or the 3186.

My two options are as follows;

1999 Swiss-Only Dial, A Serial, holes case with hollow end links (3185) or a 2007 Swiss Made Dial, M Serial no holes case with solid end links (3186).

Obviously, the GMT hand of the 3185 movement wobbles a little (which I am not really a fan of) while the 3186 movement has other issues entirely.

Which one is the better choice?

For me I would go with the 3186. It’s something that I have thought about over the years. 3186 has proven to maintain value

[Polarexplorerii]

I went with the 3185

[MaticulousTimepieces]

Thank you very much for all the input, I really appreciate it!

Sounds like both variants have their positives and negatives, but I will definitely go with the example in the best condition. :)