I know you’ve all had your share of Rolex calibre 3135 movements lately, but I still wanted you to see this one. Ian from Sweden sent it in (together with the bumper we’ve seen), and this is the sort of Rolex I would happily wear. Three reasons: Plain bezel, great colour dial, great movement. A bling-free Rolex in good taste!
It needs a service, thought, and I’ll get stuck in…
You have to admit that the dark blue dial looks great!
And off we go … As I’ve shown plenty of 3135’s in all gory detail lately, I will shorten the sequence on this one a bit, also because I got the white balance setting on the camera wrong and the photos aren’t that great.
The mainspring grease has solidified, as you would expect.
Everything taken apart and ready for the cleaning machine.Epilame treatment for the usual suspects. On this movement, the fourth wheel and the reverser wheels are epilame treated on top of the pallet fork, escape wheel, and cap jewels. The escape wheel has capped jewels, too, so there are 4 in the photo.
The barrel wall gets the braking grease treatment.
And a new original Rolex mainspring goes into the barrel – not cheap at £46, considering the generic ones are £14 😉
The movement back together and ticking – let’s see how it’s performing…
I adjust the beat error, and I love the amplitude, but it’s a bit fast.
The adjustment nuts on the balance need to put screwed outwards a bit. I notice that the two opposing screws aren’t out by the same amount, so I screw them down all the way, and then unscrew them step by step so that they are in sync. Otherwise, the balance will be out of poise.
The pendant tube gets a new gasket.
Yes, that looks rather nice!A final waterproof testing, and all is well. No pressure loss within one minute.
Great to see inside these watches!
I’ve had my much loved 15200 with the blue face since 1997 and it’s still running fine although I’ve never been able to ‘find’ the money to have it serviced. I bought it as a cash ‘flush’ twenty something.
The strap is about worn out (seriously elongated) and it needs a new crystal/gasket now as the generic one I fitted ten years ago is failing (gasket is crumbling).
Since it’s my daily wear (and I’m in construction) I can’t grumble, but I think I’ll pop another generic crystal in it as I’m sure that getting a genuine strap, crystal and a service means that financially it’s beyond economic repair as they say.
Thanks for your posts, you must have unbelievably steady hands 😉
Cheers
Ian
My rolex work but it has a shakiness inside n the. Date wont adjust.what could be wrong.
It needs a service, and some parts replaced.
Rolex 15200 looks so simple, yet screams elegance!
Hi i am from Singapore. Just want to find out, is rolex 1560 movement reliable and robust? Thanks in advance.
Yes, it is indeed
I have exactly the same model but the sapphire crystal is chipped 🙁 How much would it cost me to get it replaced? Is there a way to repair chipped crystal? Mine is D series and its got laser coronet in the sapphire crystal.
I’m afraid you will have to go to a Rolex dealer or service centre for your crystal as I won’t be able to get hold of a replacement. You can’t repair them I’m afraid.
Could a generic be sourced? Is there something unusual about the profile or fitting of the Rolex ones… other than the cyclops?
Most people seem to dislike the cyclops anyway 😉
Sure, you can get a generic, even with the cyclops.
Christian,
Could you do a piece entitled my favourite movements? If one were to buy an oldish Rolex, Omega…, which movements do you recommend, and why? Finish, accuracy, easy to work on, availability of parts…
Thanks,
Ian
Hmm.. That sounds like opening a sizeable can of worms. People feel quite strongly about movements, and I would rather not get drawn into that. I think it shows quite clearly in my blog when I really like a specific movement. And there aren’t really many that I dislike – well, let’s not talk about fusee pocket watch movements and cylinder escapements 😉
I like this Rolex. A simple understated classic.
That watch oozes class! 🙂
The 3135 is a lovely movement and the good design shines through on the simple but elegant face, Nice colour and hands.
I wonder why the “bling” bezel Rolex models fetch such high prices ?
… Ian will have to send an “On the Wrist” photo ……. Could we have a new section (OTW) ??
Regards Roger
I can add the photo to the blog entry itself if Ian is willing to take a photo once he has the watch back. I am afraid my wrist is so small that any watch will look odd…
The “Date” is only 34mm though isn’t it? Perfect for a small wristed man as myself.
Great job on the Rolex and the Omega 352, many thanks.
Ian.