Introduction
When it comes to luxury watches, Rolex is a name that needs no introduction. The brand is renowned for its precision, craftsmanship, and timeless designs. One of the key components that sets Rolex watches apart is their movement. In this blog post, we will be comparing two popular Rolex movements: the 3235 and the 3135. Both movements are highly regarded in the watch industry, but they have some distinct differences. Let’s dive in and explore the features and specifications of each movement.
The Rolex 3235 movement is a newer addition to the Rolex family, introduced in 2015. It is a self-winding mechanical movement that boasts several advancements over its predecessor, the 3135. One of the notable features of the 3235 is its increased power reserve. While the 3135 had a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, the 3235 offers an impressive 70-hour power reserve. This means that the watch can keep accurate time for an extended period without needing to be wound.
In addition to the increased power reserve, the 3235 movement also incorporates Rolex’s patented Chronergy escapement. This escapement is made from a nickel-phosphorus alloy, which makes it highly resistant to magnetic fields and significantly improves the movement’s efficiency. The Chronergy escapement also contributes to the movement’s precision, as it allows for more stable timekeeping.
Another notable feature of the 3235 movement is its improved accuracy. Rolex claims that the movement is accurate to within -2/+2 seconds per day, which exceeds the requirements set by the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). This level of accuracy is achieved through the use of Rolex’s Parachrom hairspring, which is made from a special alloy that is highly resistant to temperature variations and magnetic fields.
On the other hand, the Rolex 3135 movement has been a staple in Rolex watches for several decades. It is a tried and tested movement that has proven to be reliable and accurate. While it may not have some of the advancements found in the 3235, the 3135 is still a highly regarded movement in the watch industry.
The 3135 movement features a power reserve of approximately 48 hours, which is more than sufficient for everyday wear. It also incorporates Rolex’s Parachrom hairspring, ensuring accurate timekeeping in various conditions. The 3135 movement has a reputation for its robustness and longevity, making it a popular choice among Rolex enthusiasts.
In conclusion, both the Rolex 3235 and 3135 movements are exceptional in their own right. The 3235 offers advancements in power reserve, accuracy, and efficiency, thanks to its Chronergy escapement. On the other hand, the 3135 is a tried and tested movement that has stood the test of time. Ultimately, the choice between the two movements comes down to personal preference and the specific features that matter most to the wearer. Furthermore, the Rolex 3235 movement incorporates a new barrel architecture that enhances the efficiency of the winding system. This innovative design allows for a more consistent delivery of power throughout the entire power reserve, ensuring optimal performance and accuracy. The barrel is also equipped with a high-performance mainspring, which is capable of storing a greater amount of energy and releasing it gradually over time. Another notable feature of the 3235 movement is its improved shock resistance. Rolex has implemented a new shock absorption system called Paraflex, which consists of a specially designed shock absorber that protects the balance staff from impacts and vibrations. This system enhances the movement’s durability and reliability, making it more resistant to the rigors of daily wear. In terms of precision, the 3235 movement is regulated to an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day, surpassing the industry standard for mechanical watches. This level of precision is achieved through a meticulous process of testing and adjusting each movement to ensure optimal performance. Rolex’s commitment to precision is further exemplified by the fact that the 3235 movement is certified as a Superlative Chronometer, a distinction awarded to watches that have undergone rigorous testing by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). Additionally, the 3235 movement features a bi-directional self-winding system, which means that the rotor can rotate in both directions to wind the mainspring. This allows for efficient winding, ensuring that the watch remains powered even with minimal wrist movement. The self-winding mechanism is also equipped with a Perpetual rotor, a patented design that efficiently converts the wearer’s movements into energy to power the watch. Overall, the Rolex 3235 movement represents a significant advancement in watchmaking technology. With its extended power reserve, improved accuracy, enhanced durability, and exceptional precision, it is a testament to Rolex’s commitment to innovation and excellence. Whether you are a watch enthusiast or a connoisseur of fine craftsmanship, the 3235 movement is sure to impress with its exceptional performance and reliability.
The Rolex 3135 Movement
The Rolex 3135 movement has been a staple in the brand’s watches for several decades. It is a reliable and robust movement that has stood the test of time. While it may not have all the latest advancements of the 3235 movement, it still offers exceptional performance.
One of the notable features of the 3135 movement is its precision. Rolex has a reputation for producing highly accurate watches, and the 3135 movement plays a significant role in achieving that. It is a COSC-certified chronometer, meaning it meets the stringent accuracy standards set by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute.
Like the 3235 movement, the 3135 movement also features a Parachrom hairspring, which provides increased resistance to shocks and temperature variations. This contributes to the movement’s overall reliability and accuracy.
While the power reserve of the 3135 movement is slightly shorter than that of the 3235, at approximately 48 hours, it is still more than sufficient for everyday wear. The movement also offers a quickset date function, allowing for easy adjustment of the date display.
In addition to its technical features, the 3135 movement is also known for its durability. Rolex has a long-standing reputation for creating watches that can withstand the rigors of daily wear and the 3135 movement is no exception. The movement is built to last, with high-quality materials and meticulous craftsmanship.
Another advantage of the 3135 movement is its versatility. It has been used in a wide range of Rolex watches, from the iconic Submariner to the elegant Datejust. This versatility speaks to the reliability and adaptability of the movement, making it a popular choice among watch enthusiasts.
Overall, the Rolex 3135 movement is a testament to the brand’s commitment to excellence. It combines precision, durability, and versatility to create a movement that is not only reliable but also a pleasure to wear. Whether you are a seasoned watch collector or a first-time buyer, the 3135 movement is sure to impress with its performance and timeless design.
Comparison
Now that we have explored the key features of both the 3235 and 3135 movements, let’s compare them side by side:
| Rolex 3235 Movement | Rolex 3135 Movement | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Reserve | Approximately 70 hours | Approximately 48 hours |
| Accuracy | Improved accuracy with Chronergy escapement | COSC-certified chronometer |
| Hairspring | Parachrom hairspring for increased stability | Parachrom hairspring for resistance to shocks and temperature variations |
| Date Function | No quickset date function | Quickset date function |
As we can see from the comparison, both the 3235 and 3135 movements have their own strengths. The 3235 movement offers an extended power reserve and improved accuracy with its Chronergy escapement. The Chronergy escapement is a patented system that enhances the efficiency of the movement, resulting in a more precise timekeeping. This escapement is made of nickel-phosphorus, which is resistant to magnetic fields and ensures reliable performance even in the presence of strong magnetic forces. Additionally, the 3235 movement incorporates a high-performance Parachrom hairspring that provides greater stability against temperature variations and shocks.
On the other hand, the 3135 movement is a tried and tested workhorse, known for its precision and reliability. It is COSC-certified, meaning that it has undergone rigorous testing and meets the strict standards set by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. The 3135 movement has a quickset date function, allowing the wearer to easily adjust the date display without having to cycle through the entire 24-hour period. This feature is particularly convenient for those who frequently travel or need to quickly set the date for any reason.
Ultimately, the choice between the 3235 and 3135 movements depends on individual preferences and requirements. Some may prioritize the extended power reserve and improved accuracy of the 3235 movement, while others may value the proven reliability and convenience of the 3135 movement. Both movements are exceptional in their own right, showcasing Rolex’s commitment to innovation, precision, and durability.
