The Rolex Caliber 3135 and the Caliber 3186 (note: there is no 3187) are two of the most renowned automatic movements in horological history. While both are incredibly reliable and represent the pinnacle of Swiss watchmaking, they have distinct differences stemming from their design, functionality, and the watches they power. Understanding these differences is crucial for any serious Rolex enthusiast or prospective buyer. This article will delve into a comparative analysis of these movements, addressing common queries and providing a comprehensive overview. We'll also touch upon related topics such as the newer 3235 movement and the issue of counterfeit Rolex movements.
The Rolex Caliber 3135: The Workhorse
The Caliber 3135 is arguably the most prolific movement in Rolex's history. Introduced in the late 1980s, it's a robust, highly accurate, and easily serviceable movement that forms the beating heart of numerous iconic Rolex models, including the Datejust, Submariner (pre-2020), and Air-King. Its widespread use speaks volumes about its reliability and longevity.
The 3135 is a self-winding movement with a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph), offering a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. It features a date complication, displayed through a quick-set date mechanism, and a hacking seconds function, which allows the seconds hand to stop when the crown is pulled out, facilitating precise time setting. Its architecture is based on a robust, three-quarter plate design, offering excellent protection and stability for the delicate internal components.
The Rolex Caliber 3186: The GMT Master's Heart
The Caliber 3186, often mistakenly referred to as 3187, is specifically designed for Rolex's GMT-Master II models. It's a modified version of the 3135, incorporating the crucial independent hour hand, which allows for the simultaneous display of two different time zones. This added complication requires a more complex mechanism, impacting both the movement's cost and complexity.
Early versions of the 3186, like those found in 1987 16710 GMT-Master IIs, differed slightly from later iterations. These differences often lie in minor adjustments to the escapement or other internal components, reflecting Rolex's continuous refinement of its movements. The 3186, like the 3135, runs at 28,800 vph and provides a similar power reserve of around 48 hours. However, the additional GMT function necessitates a more intricate design and more components.
3135 vs 3186: Key Differences
The primary difference between the 3135 and 3186 lies in the GMT function. The 3186 adds the crucial independent 24-hour hand, allowing the wearer to track a second time zone. This added functionality necessitates a more complex internal layout and potentially more points of potential failure, although Rolex's rigorous quality control minimizes this risk. Otherwise, both movements share a similar base architecture and reliability.
| Feature | Caliber 3135 | Caliber 3186 |
|-----------------|-----------------------------------|-----------------------------------|
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