If you follow Rolex releases closely, you’ve undoubtedly noticed that in recent years, the company has released new models equipped with a whole new generation of movements. one of these is the Calibre 3235, Rolex’s main time and date automatic movement used in cornerstone collections like the Rolex Datejust and Submariner. With each new time/date watch Rolex releases, the Calibre 3235 slowly replaces its predecessor, the Calibre 3135, but what exactly is the difference between these two movements? Let’s take a closer look at the Rolex Calibre 3135 versus the Calibre 3235 to find out.
History and evolution. Rolex calibers 3135 and 3235
It may come as a surprise to some, but Rolex’s famous 3135 movement made its debut in 1988. That was over thirty years ago, but Rolex continues to use this automatic movement in some of its currently produced watches. Talk to any watchmaker and they will tell you that the Rolex caliber 3135 is not only one of the easiest automatic movements to service, it is also one of the most robust and durable movements that can withstand daily wear and tear.
The 3135 caliber runs at 28,800 vibrations per hour, has a diameter of 28.50 mm and offers a 48-hour power reserve. It also features a seconds function (when the winding crown is pulled out, the seconds hand comes to a complete stop) and a quick-set function (which allows the date to be changed without affecting the chronograph hands). 3135 caliber powers some of Rolex’s most famous icons, including the Datejust 36, Date 34, Submariner Date, Sea- Dweller Deepsea and Yacht-Master 40.
In 2015, Rolex introduced the 3235 movement to its then-new Pearlmaster 39 watch line. Calibre 3235 is Rolex’s new generation of standard time and date movements, and will eventually take the place of Calibre 3135 in the company’s catalog of other standard-size self-winding watches.
According to Rolex, more than 90% of the components of the Calibre 3235 are new and protected by 14 patents. some of the most important changes brought by the Calibre 3235 include a new, more efficient Chronergy Escapement, a longer mainspring housed in a barrel with thinner walls, and a new single automatic winding module. While retaining the same dimensions as the previous Calibre 3135, these improvements have increased the power reserve of the Calibre 3235 by 70 hours.
As expected, since its debut in the Pearlmaster 39, Rolex has extended the new generation of movements to other models. Currently, in addition to the Pearlmaster 39, Rolex uses Calibre 3235 in the Datejust 41, Datejust 36, Sea-Dweller 43, Deepsea, Yacht-Master 40 and Yacht-Master 42. The only models that still use the 3135 The only models that still use the 3135 movement are the Date34 and Submariner Date watches. Although Rolex has never revealed their future plans, it is clear that they will be replacing the 3135 movement entirely with the 3235 movement in the near future.
Quick Specs: Rolex Calibre 3135 and Calibre 3235
Although they perform the same functions and will eventually be installed in the same Rolex watch collection, the Calibre 3135 and Calibre 3235 differ significantly in terms of construction and performance.
Caliber 3135
Year of debut: 1988
Power reserve: 48 hours
Frequency: 28,800bph
Diameter: 28.50 mm
Balance spring: blue Parachrom
Escapement: Swiss lever escapement
Balance bar: Riveted
Shock absorber: KIF
Perpetual motion: Shaft; riveted two-piece
Barrel: Thicker barrel wall and shorter mainspring
Caliber 3235
Year of debut: 2015
Power reserve: 70 hours
Frequency: 28,800bph
Diameter: 28.50 mm
Balance spring: blue Parachrom
Escapement: Chronergy escapement with thinner escapement fork and double escapement teeth. 15% more efficient
Balance bar: Friction fit
Shock absorber: Paraflex
Perpetual motion: ball bearing; monobloc
Barrel: thinner barrel walls and longer mainspring
