The Rolex Explorer II, a rugged and reliable tool watch, has a rich history, and understanding its different movements is key to appreciating its evolution. This article delves into the comparison between two prominent movements found in the Explorer II: the Calibre 3185 and the Calibre 3186. We'll explore their differences, performance, pricing, and ultimately help you decide which might be the better choice for you. We'll also address the specific scenario presented: a local dealer offering a 3185 for $6190 and a 3186 for $6900, both reportedly serviced.
Rolex 3185 vs 3186: A Technical Deep Dive
The Rolex Calibre 3185 and 3186 are both automatic, mechanical movements known for their robustness and precision. However, they represent different stages in Rolex's continuous improvement of their watchmaking technology. The 3185, a predecessor to the 3186, served as the heart of the Explorer II for a significant period. The 3186, its successor, incorporated several refinements and enhancements.
Rolex Explorer 3185 Movement: The 3185 is a workhorse movement, renowned for its reliability and longevity. It's a self-winding movement with a power reserve of approximately 48 hours. Its construction utilizes high-quality materials and meticulous finishing, typical of Rolex's commitment to excellence. While robust, the 3185 lacks some of the features and refinements found in its successor.
Rolex Explorer 3186 Movement: The 3186 represents a significant advancement over the 3185. It boasts improved shock resistance and enhanced anti-magnetic properties. While the power reserve remains around 48 hours, the internal architecture benefits from refinements that contribute to increased precision and longevity. The most noticeable difference is the inclusion of the Paraflex shock absorbers, a system designed to further protect the movement from impacts. This represents a key improvement in durability and resilience, making the 3186 a more robust movement capable of withstanding greater stress. The 3186 also features an improved escape wheel and pallet fork, contributing to smoother operation and enhanced timekeeping accuracy.
3185 vs 3186: Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | Calibre 3185 | Calibre 3186 |
|-----------------|---------------------------------|---------------------------------|
| Shock Resistance | Good | Excellent (Paraflex shock absorbers) |
| Anti-magnetism | Good | Excellent |
| Escapement | Traditional | Refined, improved efficiency |
| Overall Design | Robust, reliable | More refined, improved precision |
Rolex Explorer II 16570: This reference number is crucial to understanding the context of these movements. The Rolex Explorer II 16570 is the model that housed both the 3185 and the 3186 movements. Earlier versions of the 16570 utilized the 3185, while later productions transitioned to the 3186. This means that the age of the watch is a strong indicator of which movement it contains. Identifying the specific movement within a 16570 requires careful examination of the watch's serial number.
current url：https://lqjxjv.e812z.com/bag/rolex-explorer-ii-3185-vs-3186-10751