16710 with 3186 Movement - Serial Question

[Lord Tomato]

Hi,

I've been offered a 16710 with a 3186 movement from a trusted individual. I do trust this person, but it never hurts to double-check with you experts here. It's a Z5 serial. As far as I know, the 3186 movement was introduced during the later parts of the Z serial's production. It also comes with warranty papers instead of the credit card-style warranty which was introduced later on.

Does everything check out regarding the warranty document and serial?

[rmagoo57]

Who knows?? I have a Z71.. stick dial with a 3185 per the "wiggle test". I'll open it up one day to verify, I've only had it 4 years.

[Onequik135i]

Sounds like it does check out, for that time period 5 digit gmt it would come w warranty certificate. As for the 3185/3186 the wiggle test will varfy that, if you check on YouTube.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Lord Tomato

Hi,

I've been offered a 16710 with a 3186 movement from a trusted individual. I do trust this person, but it never hurts to double-check with you experts here. It's a Z5 serial. As far as I know, the 3186 movement was introduced during the later parts of the Z serial's production. It also comes with warranty papers instead of the credit card-style warranty which was introduced later on.

Does everything check out regarding the warranty document and serial?

Well some M serial could have 3185 or 3186 but all later serials should have a 3186.The second time zone detent gear has been slightly modified on 3186 plus it has the in-house hairspring and its around 2mm thicker and that's it in a nut shell. Plus one full crown turn on the 3186 will turn 8 hours on hour hand, while on the 3185 around 5 to 6.But speaking for myself would take a 3185 every time and would not pay extra for a 3186.

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by padi56

Well some M serial could have 3185 or 3186 but all later serials should have a 3186.The second time zone detent gear has been slightly modified on 3186 plus it has the in-house hairspring and its around 2mm thicker and that's it in a nut shell. Plus one full crown turn on the 3186 will turn 8 hours on hour hand, while on the 3185 around 5 to 6.But speaking for myself would take a 3185 every time and would not pay extra for a 3186.

I bought my 3186 because it was in incredible condition and I didn’t pay a premium for the 3186 movement despite its rarity. (I don’t think the seller really understood what he had). So why not get the more unique piece? I suspect that it is and will be more valuable to geek collectors as time goes on. And the 3186 is a better movement.

But I tend to agree that there is a margin of return when paying a premium between the 3185 and the 3186. They will wear and feel exactly the same. Both great examples. I might pay slightly more for a 3186… but not a crazy premium.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

I bought my 3186 because it was in incredible condition and I didn’t pay a premium for the 3186 movement despite its rarity. (I don’t think the seller really understood what he had). So why not get the more unique piece? I suspect that it is and will be more valuable to geek collectors as time goes on. And the 3186 is a better movement.

But I tend to agree that there is a margin of return when paying a premium between the 3185 and the 3186. They will wear and feel exactly the same. Both great examples. I might pay slightly more for a 3186… but not a crazy premium.


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Perhaps like you say to the geek collectors but early 3186 movements did have a few problems but rectified later by Rolex, but still would choose a 3185 over the 3186 .

[charger_vital]

Originally Posted by padi56

Perhaps like you say to the geek collectors but early 3186 movements did have a few problems but rectified later by Rolex, but still would choose a 3185 over the 3186 .

So does that make you the anti-geek collector? Haha.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by charger_vital

So does that make you the anti-geek collector? Haha.


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Yes simply because today many buy watches depending on how they are hyped as many buy the hype to wear it then some brag about it on the likes of so called social media.

[gamingdoctor]

I wouldn't pay extra for a 3186, too many reports of anecdotal issues with those.

3185 is a battle hardened movement, I would take that any day of the week.

[PepsiBezel]

I do not think OP is asking if he should get a 3186, or how to check for a 3186.

I think OP is asking if this Z5XXXXX Serial 16710 that the seller states has a 3186 is consistent with when (what serial numbers) 3186s appeared in 16710s — or is there risk the 3186 was added later, the watch is fake, the seller is wrong about the movement, etc, etc.

[WS9D]

it's hard to say without opening the watch. imo, the premium on a 3186 isn't worth the extra money. my 16710 with a 3185 is time tested. I have done everything from house work, tropical beach time to .45/.308 "golf" range time, countless holes and rounds of golf, parenting, etc. The casual observer can't tell if it's a 3185 or a 3186 so why spend the extra $$?

[BillA]

Does it have a 3186 movement? Only way to tell for sure is to open the case back.

[Lord Tomato]

Originally Posted by PepsiBezel

I do not think OP is asking if he should get a 3186, or how to check for a 3186.

I think OP is asking if this Z5XXXXX Serial 16710 that the seller states has a 3186 is consistent with when (what serial numbers) 3186s appeared in 16710s — or is there risk the 3186 was added later, the watch is fake, the seller is wrong about the movement, etc, etc.

That's my inquiry, yes. Thank you for the clarification.

Has it actually happened that new movements have been added to older watches? It's from a trusted seller, so I really doubt anything is wrong. I'll check it out in person soon.

[Casey VP-26]

It has always been my understanding that the 16710's with 3186 movement came with the Card warranty not paper.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by BillA

Does it have a 3186 movement? Only way to tell for sure is to open the case back.

Yes that's the best option but the wiggle test can be done,for one full crown turn on the 3186 will turn around 8 hours on hour jump hand, while on the 3185 around 5 to 6.

[bp1000]

I have a 16710 with a 3186 movement, it is a Z00…. Serial.

It was purchased from the original owner.

It has a serif dial. All is fine on it.

[Lord Tomato]

Originally Posted by bp1000

I have a 16710 with a 3186 movement, it is a Z00…. Serial.

It was purchased from the original owner.

It has a serif dial. All is fine on it.

Thanks! Might I ask what kind of warranty certificate came with the watch (papers/card)?

[Porsche91101]

Hmmm. Beware for early Zs claiming they have a 3186 movement. I have heard horror stories that gray dealers swap in an explorer 2 3186 in those early Z 16710 to sell for a heavy premium. The best way to validate this is going into Rolex and attempt to service it. If the movement number matches the watch serial number, you are in the clear. If it doesn’t, it was swapped in artificially.

My two cents / Rolex late Z (700 and above) and all M of 16710 are 3186 movements. All 3186 also came with warranty card not paper.