Knowledge & History

Rolex 3235 Movement: Innovative Design and Performance Revolution

3255機芯
25
Aug

▲ Cal. 3235 Technical Specifications
> Functions: Central hour, minute, and second hands; second hand stop function
> Balance wheel system: Paramagnetic blue Parachrom hairspring; high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers
> Escapement: Paramagnetic nickel-phosphorus alloy escapement fork and escapement wheel
> Vibration frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
> Power reserve: 70 hours
> Certification: C.O.S.C. Swiss Observatory certification, Rolex Observatory precision timekeeping test

Rolex Caliber 3235: Innovative Design and Performance Improvements

Launched by Rolex in 2016, the Caliber 3235 is known for its exceptional accuracy, 70-hour power reserve, and ease of maintenance. Since the invention of the perpetual rotor in 1931, Rolex has maintained durability, reliability, and accuracy in automatic winding. From the 1030 movement of the 1950s to the 3135 movement of 1988, and the development of the 3235 in 2015, Rolex continues to innovate in performance and design.

Innovation in Dial Design

 

The 3235 movement has replaced the dial foot fixing method of the 3135 movement with a slip-in design, originating from the early Ref. 1803. This design avoids the risk of dial feet breaking or shifting and reduces the possibility of screws loosening. Such changes not only enhance stability but also reduce maintenance hassles.

Optimized Time and Date Adjustment Design

The time adjustment design of the 3235 movement has reduced one gear and changed the instant-jump date spring to a fixed type, making maintenance more convenient and avoiding the issue of lost parts. Adjusting the quick-set date at any time does not affect timekeeping, and its stop-seconds design is more refined, with simple parts that are not easily damaged.

Technical Breakthrough in the Escapement

The 3235 movement features a new generation of Chronergy escapement system, utilizing precision electroforming technology and anti-magnetic alloy materials for the escapement wheel, enhancing the movement’s efficiency and durability. The balance wheel still uses anti-magnetic Breguet-style double-layer blue niobium-zirconium alloy, with optimized micro-adjustment design for easier adjustments.

Advancements in Power Reserve and Automatic Winding

The power reserve of the 3235 movement has been increased from 50 hours to 70 hours, ensuring precise timekeeping even when not worn over the weekend. The automatic winding system has shifted from a pivot to a ball bearing, resulting in slightly more noise but more flexible operation with less wear, leading to higher automatic winding efficiency.

Convenience in Production and Maintenance

The design of the 3235 movement considers production efficiency and maintenance convenience, simplifying the assembly process and improving production efficiency. However, the fixed clips for the rotor and date disc require specialized tools for disassembly, which may be inconvenient for general maintenance providers.

Improvements and Differences Between the New Generation 3235 and 3135 Movements

  • Enhanced Power Reserve

Firstly, one of the most significant improvements of the 3235 movement is the enhanced power reserve. The 3135 movement offers a power reserve of 48 hours, while the 3235 increases this value to 70 hours. This enhancement means that wearers can enjoy a longer running time without needing to rewind the watch when it is not worn. According to actual measurements, the running time of the 3235 movement can reach 71 to 72 hours, making it a very practical improvement for users who need to go long periods without wearing their watch.
 

  • Convenience of Date Adjustment

Secondly, the 3235 movement has also improved the date adjustment function. The 3135 movement has a restricted period for date adjustment around midnight, and Rolex officially recommends avoiding date adjustments during this time to prevent damage to the movement’s parts. However, the 3235 movement has eliminated this restriction, allowing users to safely adjust the date at any time, increasing usability.
 

  • Stability of Second Hand Stop Function

In terms of the second hand stop function, the 3235 movement also has optimizations. The 3135 movement sometimes fails to stabilize the second hand when the crown is pulled to the second position, which can affect the precise setting of the time. The 3235 movement resolves this issue, allowing the second hand to stabilize in the second position, ensuring the accuracy of time adjustments.
 

  • Manual Winding Reminder Function

Additionally, the 3235 movement introduces a manual winding reminder function. When fully wound manually, the movement provides tactile and auditory feedback to the user, eliminating concerns about potential damage from overwinding. This feature was lacking in the 3135 movement and is a thoughtful design for users unfamiliar with manual winding.
 

  • AM/PM Indicator Phenomenon

Finally, the 3235 movement has an interesting phenomenon that helps users determine whether the current time is AM or PM. When the hour hand is between 12 and 6, the tactile feedback for quick-setting the date differs between AM and PM: AM time jumps with a louder sound and a sense of vibration, while PM time is quieter. Although this is not an official feature, it is an interesting and practical tip for users who need to quickly confirm the time period.
 

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