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Luv rolex
21 January 2009, 10:42 PM
hi guys,

i dont know it might be repeated question but...

as i informed by some of u that the only differ between new and old gmt (in movement) that the new got the blue hairspring .

what exactly is it for? (in easy and simple way)


thanks alot and appretiate ur patiance.:bye::bye::bye:

yannis7777
21 January 2009, 10:56 PM
It is more resistant to higher magnetic fields and my experience is that a watch equipped with the hairspring is more accurate. My GMT-IIc is on +/_ 0.5 secs a day which is much better than my older (D serial) GMT-II (the non-ceramic model). However, accuracy depends on many factors but Rolex - nonetheless - claim that accuracy is one of the strong points for watches equipped with the blue Parachrom hairspring.

padi56
21 January 2009, 11:20 PM
hi guys,

i dont know it might be repeated question but...

as i informed by some of u that the only differ between new and old gmt (in movement) that the new got the blue hairspring .

what exactly is it for? (in easy and simple way)


thanks alot and appretiate ur patiance.:bye::bye::bye:

IMHO its 95% pure hype and would seriously doubt if its more accurate or proved more anti-magnetic in real everyday normal life,than the older ETA Nivarox hairsprings that Rolex used for decades before.And the main reason for Rolex to develop there own hairspring,was mainly to stop the strangle hold Hayek from the ETA Swatch group,there main supplier of balance springs.Now they had such a strangle hold,on nearly all the Swiss watch manufactures including Rolex and Patek to name a few. But Rolex and Patek spring is under a different name now they can now manufacture there own. But still Swatch Nivarox was/is there main hairspring supplier until Rolex becomes totally self sufficient.


Lets not forget that ETA Nivarox H/springs have been in Rolex watches for 40 plus years.But now the only need for this new parachrome balance hair-spring,to be completely self sufficient in all watch parts for Rolex watches.Parachome is just a word like superlative, Rolesor, Rolesium and many more.Is it going to be more accurate or long lasting than the Nivarox springs IMHO I would doubt it.

Rolex movements from the 15XX upward have all been very accurate and extremely long lasting. Just look how many of the vintage ones are still running today 40 years on plus, and still running to COSC spec.Fact John Harrisons marine chronometer a watch made nearly 300 years ago is as accurate or more accurate than best Swiss watches made today without a parachrome hairspring.

yannis7777
21 January 2009, 11:35 PM
Padi, one thing though. It appears that most 3185 movements run in between the +/- 2-4 sec range whereas it is common that 3186 movements are doing a bit better. One example is my recently acquired GMT-IIc.

Luv rolex
21 January 2009, 11:40 PM
PADI,YANNIS thanks alot for ur excellent reviews

MrCowboy99
21 January 2009, 11:50 PM
what exactly is it for? (in easy and simple way)




To.................

1. add $$$$ to a 16710 model if it has it?

2. Let TRF members test their watches and see if they "wiggle"

3. To Let TRF members "brag" by putting in the signature line they have a 3186 with a 16710. (note: GMTIIc have it but the 3186 doesn't get mentioned. :chuckle:)

4. Take processing up on the TRF server since this is one of the most discussed topics.

5. To make the watch anti-magnetic and allow Rolex to insource 100% their watches.

6. To add color to the movement or give a reason to take the back off and see the movement.


Any of these answers will work.

frostie
22 January 2009, 12:32 AM
Padi, one thing though. It appears that most 3185 movements run in between the +/- 2-4 sec range whereas it is common that 3186 movements are doing a bit better. One example is my recently acquired GMT-IIc.

Same here :thumbsup:

Last time i synchronised my watch was 4 months ago and it has gained just 15 seconds from that day

karmatp
22 January 2009, 12:36 AM
It's not like movements with the 3186 are not being sent back for regulation. I have heard a many instances were the 3186 is not running within COSC specs. The Explorer II's have them now and they are by no means more accurate than the models with the 3185.

Padi has summed it up already, it's hype and Rolex was just trying to go all in house, that's it.

yannis, I think it's pure luck that your GMT II is running near perfect. Many members here who have the GMT IIC and not so lucky.

padi56
22 January 2009, 01:06 AM
Padi, one thing though. It appears that most 3185 movements run in between the +/- 2-4 sec range whereas it is common that 3186 movements are doing a bit better. One example is my recently acquired GMT-IIc.

Well reading the many post on this forum and quite a few others its swings and roundabouts with 3186, which is in reality just a very slightly modded 3185.With any mechanical watch its how they are regulated thats where most of the accuracy come from.Myself and quite a few others have vintage Rolex running to + or - 2 seconds a day.And lets be perfectly honest here if any mechanical watch runs + or minus a couple of seconds a day.What more could you ask for, if you want better, then the other option is quartz.I have a $60 Alpha Mechanical M/Wind chrono that after some careful regulation has been running well inside the COSC spec for over two years but for how much longer only time will tell.

Moto
22 January 2009, 01:55 AM
Padi you sound jealous, you should just go get a watch with a parachrome hairspring and be done with it.

Also, I am one of those people that appreciates precision in a fine timepiece. It is the foremost task of a watch, remember, to keep time? Explain again your reasoning as to why Rolex should not be expected to accomplish what John Harriman managed to do alone in a candlelit basement 250 years ago?

No, +2sec/day is not good enough. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, and the art of timekeeping has ALWAYS evolved around accuracy. The parachrome hairspring, which you denounce at every opportunity, is a small part of that evolution. At WORST it is the equal of the previously used component, at best (and in reality) it is indeed measurably better, even though this might not translate directly to "more accurate" by itself. In any case, it's a significant step forward for Rolex that should be appreciated for what it is. Not villified because of some perceived need to defend the fact that there are many fine timepieces that don't have it.

Finally, no I don't want a quartz, despite your frequent recommendation of this to anyone that dare mention Rolex accuracy in any capacity. I enjoy the tiny machine for what it is, what it has been, where it has come from, and for what it can be. For me the quest for excellence/precision is an integral part of the enjoyment of horology. I'm not going to throw my Rolex in the trash if it runs +2sec/day, but at the same time I enjoy bringing that spec as close to zero as possible.

padi56
22 January 2009, 02:02 AM
Padi you sound jealous, you should just go get a watch with a parachrome hairspring and be done with it.

Also, I am one of those people that appreciates precision in a fine timepiece. It is the foremost task of a watch, remember, to keep time?



And why would anyone be jealous of a watch with a parachrome hairspring in it its a escapement spring nothing more nothing less Well if you are looking for a mechanical watch thats 100% accurate and thats one in 10 million perhaps. If any mechanical watch performs to COSC spec thats good enough for me if I wanted better I would buy a quartz its that simple.

Tools
22 January 2009, 02:26 AM
No, No, No....

Stop it....Stop it....

The 3186 movement did not get it's new number because it got a parachrom hairspring..

As Padi was pointing out....the Parachrom hairspring in the movement is irrelevant in it becoming the 3186 from the 3185...it is a non-event....

The 3185 was modified.......It got thicker main plates and the Jump Feature detents were moved away from the hand-stack.... All the parts no longer interchange

This decoupled it from that area so it no longer wiggles the 24 hr hand when you jump the Mercedes hand.........

The watch was modified with new parts and detent gears so it got a new movement number....

The new in-house Parachrom hairspring is in the Daytona, the Day Date II, the DSSD, the YM II, the GMT II, and the EXP II......... It will eventually be in the entire line.......you might have one in your new M or V series watch......it is unlikely to be an advertised event when it happens.... Your watch will not take on magical qualities because it has a blue hairspring..

watchnut
22 January 2009, 02:50 AM
The blue hairspring is something we see a lot of in Florida. It keeps the blue hair out of our eyes! :chuckle::chuckle:

builtforspeed
22 January 2009, 01:42 PM
If I understand you correctly, your question is "What is a hairspring" (also known as a balance spring). Here goes:

"The balance spring is an essential part of the balance wheel; together they form a harmonic oscillator. The balance spring provides the linear restoring force that reverses the motion of the wheel so it oscillates back and forth."

That's about the easiest to understand definition I could find. the "blue" part of the term refers to the alloy used in the spring's manufacture. Hope that helps.

Cheers,

Chris

cody p
22 January 2009, 03:25 PM
i, for one, am quite angry that my rolex has a little bit of swatch in it. come next service, i shall demand that it be fitted with a genuine rolex hairspring! :angry:

Gedanken
22 January 2009, 04:33 PM
Padi you sound jealous, you should just go get a watch with a parachrome hairspring and be done with it.

Also, I am one of those people that appreciates precision in a fine timepiece. It is the foremost task of a watch, remember, to keep time? Explain again your reasoning as to why Rolex should not be expected to accomplish what John Harriman managed to do alone in a candlelit basement 250 years ago?

No, +2sec/day is not good enough. A man's reach should exceed his grasp, and the art of timekeeping has ALWAYS evolved around accuracy. The parachrome hairspring, which you denounce at every opportunity, is a small part of that evolution. At WORST it is the equal of the previously used component, at best (and in reality) it is indeed measurably better, even though this might not translate directly to "more accurate" by itself. In any case, it's a significant step forward for Rolex that should be appreciated for what it is. Not villified because of some perceived need to defend the fact that there are many fine timepieces that don't have it.

Finally, no I don't want a quartz, despite your frequent recommendation of this to anyone that dare mention Rolex accuracy in any capacity. I enjoy the tiny machine for what it is, what it has been, where it has come from, and for what it can be. For me the quest for excellence/precision is an integral part of the enjoyment of horology. I'm not going to throw my Rolex in the trash if it runs +2sec/day, but at the same time I enjoy bringing that spec as close to zero as possible.
What's with the attitude, tiger?

Wind your neck in before I wind it in for you. I'm only in the habit of saying things nicely ONCE.

Omega_Precision
22 January 2009, 05:03 PM
Proof that the Rolex spring or blue spring is better than the old spring. Like I said before, Rolex is finally living up to it's name that it made years ago, with the introduction of new designs, models, bracelet and clasp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E3lEiFUmVM&feature=related

you guys might want to bookmark this link for future references or PM me if you have further questions.

You guys are welcomed.

onkyo
22 January 2009, 05:23 PM
The blue hairspring is something we see a lot of in Florida. It keeps the blue hair out of our eyes! :chuckle::chuckle:


Always a comedian in the crowd.... (not bad timing though :rofl::rofl:)

:cheers:

Gedanken
22 January 2009, 05:42 PM
Proof that the Rolex spring or blue spring is better than the old spring. Like I said before, Rolex is finally living up to it's name that it made years ago, with the introduction of new designs, models, bracelet and clasp.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7E3lEiFUmVM&feature=related

you guys might want to bookmark this link for future references or PM me if you have further questions.

You guys are welcomed.
You gonna walk around with your caseback off and wearing magnets on your wrist? If not, what's your point in relation to the real-world terms that padi mentioned?

And what are the guys welcomed to?

TheVTCGuy
22 January 2009, 05:44 PM
Someone tell me my Z Daytona has a blue hairspring or I'll cry :crying:

Omega_Precision
22 January 2009, 06:06 PM
You gonna walk around with your caseback off and wearing magnets on your wrist? If not, what's your point in relation to the real-world terms that padi mentioned?

And what are the guys welcomed to?

My point as stated in my post, new spring is better than the old ones, that Rolex outsourced. The proof is from the link I provided. In relation to real world terms?...I don't know what everyone is exposed to in real life situations or where they place their watch at night.

As mentioned, the new spring makes magnets obsolete to the movement, that right there gives me the peace of mind that Rolex's movement can withstand anything thrown at it.

Do we need those turbines in the Porsche 911 Turbo?...No, but it's really nice to know you can hit 200mph whenever you feel like it and to know the watch is capable of withstanding anything and more than what my wrist can absorb.

They are welcome to watch the video just like you are....enjoy.

Lol-x
22 January 2009, 08:13 PM
I like this video, but I agree with Peter, my Milguass made in 1969 is just as accurate as my Milgauss made in 2008.

um5WX6WTDhE

Omega_Precision
22 January 2009, 08:23 PM
I like this video, but I agree with Peter, my Milguass made in 1969 is just as accurate as my Milgauss made in 2008.

um5WX6WTDhE

Your Milgauss, in my opinion, is the best of them :thumbsup:

argee1977
22 January 2009, 08:29 PM
The Rolex hype really does turn into fact :rofl:

If the parachrom hairspring was better due to the anti-magnetic feature then surely the likes of the Milgauss, IWC ingi and other anti-mag watches would be the best in the world, infact most companies would have put in a soft iron core in their entire ranges due to the benefits, so why haven't they, and why are anti-mag watches so rare?

The whole thing is like Padi says, Rolex wanting to be completely in-house, it's the same arguments with 904 steel against 316, people believe that 904L is better as Rolex uses it and make statements on it, but in reality it's better in some ways but poorer in others, and for making watch cases they're both as good as each other as you'll never reach the limits that both have.

padi56
22 January 2009, 09:00 PM
My point as stated in my post, new spring is better than the old ones, that Rolex outsourced. The proof is from the link I provided. In relation to real world terms?...I don't know what everyone is exposed to in real life situations or where they place their watch at night.

As mentioned, the new spring makes magnets obsolete to the movement, that right there gives me the peace of mind that Rolex's movement can withstand anything thrown at it.

Do we need those turbines in the Porsche 911 Turbo?...No, but it's really nice to know you can hit 200mph whenever you feel like it and to know the watch is capable of withstanding anything and more than what my wrist can absorb.

They are welcome to watch the video just like you are....enjoy.

Would agree that the video did show a less or no magnetisation to the in-house spring.But don't think many people are going to take there case backs off to try it.And again its possible for the video they used a weaker magnet.In the real everyday life of the average guy in the street its doubtful if it will make any real difference.While I applaud Rolex now for making there own escapement springs,at a huge cost to set up and tool up for the process.And in future all Rolex watches will have the in-house spring.But you have just got to look at the millions upon millions of Rolex watches in this world today.And the other 95% of the whole Swiss watch industry still using the Nivarox ones.Myself having owned many Rolex watches for well over 30 years.Have never experienced any watches getting magnetised.Working in the steel industry using and being very close to powerful magnets capable with the magnet weight of lifting around 15 tons.Never experienced any form of magnetisation to any watch I was wearing.And even my old watches that my sons wear still perform to the COSC spec.Now that -4 to +6 seconds a day is fine for me and even with the parachrome spring the COSC test is still -4 to + 6 seconds a day.And if the parachrome spring does improve it say a second either way.We will have to wait and see, but time will tell over perhaps the next 40 odd years.

Gedanken
22 January 2009, 09:14 PM
My point as stated in my post, new spring is better than the old ones, that Rolex outsourced. The proof is from the link I provided. In relation to real world terms?...I don't know what everyone is exposed to in real life situations or where they place their watch at night.
So unless someone's working at CERN or stupid enough to put their watch on top of a honking big speaker when they sleep, it doesn't really make a cracker of a difference, does it?

As mentioned, the new spring makes magnets obsolete to the movement, that right there gives me the peace of mind that Rolex's movement can withstand anything thrown at it.
Is that a fact, now? Okay, so you wouldn't have any problem dropping your Rolex off the top of the Chrysler Building now, would you?

it's really nice to know you can hit 200mph whenever you feel like it
Indeed? Call me crazy, but somehow I doubt the cops would agree.

The problem here is in relation to your mention that:

Rolex is finally living up to it's name that it made years ago, with the introduction of new designs, models, bracelet and clasp.

The name Rolex made years ago, what with screw-down crowns and automatic movements, is that the innovations they introduced were ones that counted in the real world, not just nifty little gadgets that only meant something as technical exercises.

What you are talking about is innovation purely for innovation's sake, and that most certainly is not where Rolex made its name - that sort of nonsense was left up to the wannabes.

They are welcome to watch the video just like you are....enjoy.
Whoops, I didn't realise it was your video clip. I do appreciate your generousity.

Triplock
22 January 2009, 09:33 PM
Rolex, like so many other companies, is probably fed up with Swatch Group and sees potential danger in them (ETA) being the sole supplier of such a vital part of the Rolex movement. In the process of tooling up to develop their own hairsprings they discover how to alloy a couple of metals that will not only make a good hairspring, but a non-magnetic one. So as any good business will do, they color it blue (packaging) and use it to their advantage to promote their product and separate it from the competition. Whether or not it's the Holy Grail of hairsprings is yet to be determined. Does it work? Of course it does. Does it work THAT much better than Nivarox hairspring? Maybe not, but if it does, it might not be a measurable amount that we can notice in the real-life wearing of a Rolex watch.

I have repaired watches (non-Rolex) that were magnetized, and I can tell you that it wreaks havoc on their ability to maintain accurate time, so the fact that the new spring is antimagnetic just might save someone's watch from repair should they get it too close to strong magnet. Personally I have never had a problem with magnetism in a Rolex, but surely some people have. Every watch repair manual discusses the problems of magnetism, so it does exist, but maybe to a lesser degree in Rolex.

I think most will agree that the Rolex engineers have an excellent track record for innovation and quality. The products speak for themselves and I don't think the company needs to resort to hype to sell them.

Gedanken
22 January 2009, 09:36 PM
Well said, Triplock. If going to a blue hairspring means that Rolex can become self-sufficient for parts, more power to them. :cheers:

buz-lh
22 January 2009, 09:46 PM
Triplock's points are well made but I thought the blue color came from oxidation of the materials used and is not added for "packaging".....just a natural occurance.

Triplock
22 January 2009, 09:51 PM
Well said, Triplock. If going to a blue hairspring means that Rolex can become self-sufficient for parts, more power to them. :cheers:

I've been to Basel many times and have talked to a lot of people in the watch industry who have can no longer get ETA parts and movements for their products. Needless to say this is a horrible situation to be in as their livelihood depends on an uninterrupted supply. ETA (Swatch) has sent the watch industry into panic. No doubt Rolex doesn't want to be forced into a situation of having to beg for parts, and they have the money and know-how to develop their own hairsprings.

The fact that every part will be made in-house certainly does add to their coolness.

nylawbiz
22 January 2009, 10:57 PM
From my point of view, Rolex watches have slowly evolved over the years. Almost every improvement can be dismissed as marketing hype. For example, how many people have ever used a helium escape valve? Or ventured to the depths that our Rolexes are rated? Or even used graduated bezels on an Explorer, Daytona or Submariner? Or ever looked at the decorative designwork on the movement? I feel that each time Rolex makes an improvement to their timepieces it s another step in the evolution of the Rolex horology.

It is the engineering (or over-engineering) in the miniscule mechanical device on my wrist that adds greatly to the pleasure of owning a fine watch.

Instead of defending or attacking a hairspring, I suggest we have faith in Rolex that there is more to their engineering improvements than just hype. Sure they hype and promote each improvment, that's their business. But I have faith that Rolex would not promote an "improvement" as such, unless there is actual merit to the assertion. I believe they have that level of integrity and honesty.

One man's opinion anyway,

Cheers,

Brian

Moto
23 January 2009, 12:17 AM
What's with the attitude, tiger?

Wind your neck in before I wind it in for you. I'm only in the habit of saying things nicely ONCE.

Excuse me?

Looking over your posts you seem somewhat abrasive. Maybe snarkily attacking people's thoughts and opinions line by line and making veiled threats is not a suitable role for a moderator.

But don't worry, I'm only going to say this once.

Gedanken
23 January 2009, 12:22 AM
Let's see, that's six points for trying to push padi's buttons, plus six for the temerity of presuming to dictate the role of a moderator ....

Whoops, guess it was neither veiled nor a threat. You're right thing about one thing, though - you WILL only say it once. :bye:

padi56
23 January 2009, 01:31 AM
i, for one, am quite angry that my rolex has a little bit of swatch in it. come next service, i shall demand that it be fitted with a genuine rolex hairspring! :angry:

Cannot understand why its only a name and its from a manufacture thats part of a well respected group of Swiss watch manufactures.And if it was not for the ETA Nivarox escapement parts doubt if there would be a Swiss mechanical watch industry over the past 50 years.But now several independent manufactures have started now to make there own under a few different names.Mainly to become totally in-house made and not rely on the Swatch group.Your Rolex is still the same as it been for the past 50 years, simply one of the most reliable accurate and long lasting watches in this world today.So by having a part from the Swatch group in any Rolex there must be million upon million of very satisfied customers, judging there world wide sales over the past few decades.

Tools
23 January 2009, 01:48 AM
Triplock's points are well made but I thought the blue color came from oxidation of the materials used and is not added for "packaging".....just a natural occurance.

This is frequently true as the bluing can be part of the oxidation process. Bluing, such as the screws and other parts, used to be an indication of a finely crafted movement...

However, it is not true here. The original hairsprings in the early releases (2000-2004) were not blued and has been controversial for the Daytona.

The Parachrom hairspring was intentionally blued and called the Parachrom Bleu specifically for marketing position and release in the newly up-dated 116710.

It has been wildly successful, they have managed, with their Parachrom Bleu marketing, to take the ho-hum sales of the GMT and launch it into the stratosphere.

It is not because of the "new clasp".... Daytonas, Day-Dates, YM II's, Jubilees, all had new clasps first, and even now, the Air-King, Explorer, etc. are all getting upgrades without fan-fare..

Bluing the hairspring, marketing, and launching it in the GMT II was sheer genius...........
.......................and that's all evidenced by the comments on these pages and the frenzy for the 16710 GMT just because they might get one with a blue hairspring...

...................:cheers:

cody p
23 January 2009, 02:55 AM
Cannot understand why its only a name and its from a manufacture thats part of a well respected group of Swiss watch manufactures.And if it was not for the ETA Nivarox escapement parts doubt if there would be a Swiss mechanical watch industry over the past 50 years.But now several independent manufactures have started now to make there own under a few different names.Mainly to become totally in-house made and not rely on the Swatch group.Your Rolex is still the same as it been for the past 50 years, simply one of the most reliable accurate and long lasting watches in this world today.So by having a part from the Swatch group in any Rolex there must be million upon million of very satisfied customers, judging there world wide sales over the past few decades.

Padi, i was just kidding around - the nivarox in my 3130 works pretty darn good at around plus 1 a day. next time i'll use one of those laughing smilies. :cheers:

onkyo
23 January 2009, 03:28 AM
Let's see, that's six points for trying to push padi's buttons, plus six for the temerity of presuming to dictate the role of a moderator ....

Whoops, guess it was neither veiled nor a threat. You're right thing about one thing, though - you WILL only say it once. :bye:

Saw that coming a mile away! He forgot to end his statement with this --> :banme:

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:

:cheers:

Mirx
23 January 2009, 05:15 AM
3. To Let TRF members "brag" by putting in the signature line they have a 3186 with a 16710. (note: GMTIIc have it but the 3186 doesn't get mentioned. :chuckle:)

Love it!!:chuckle:

TheVTCGuy
23 January 2009, 07:17 AM
I said:


Someone tell me my Z Daytona has a blue hairspring or I'll cry :crying:


Tapping foot.....

Parachrom
23 January 2009, 08:15 AM
red spring, blue spring, steel spring dead spring. As long as my trusty Sd keep perfect time, and it does. I dont need no stinking Blue spring.

argee1977
23 January 2009, 08:31 AM
I said:





Tapping foot.....


The daytonas were the first to get them, your Z Daytona will have one fitted.

TheVTCGuy
23 January 2009, 08:39 AM
Thanks Ryan! :biggrin:

padi56
23 January 2009, 08:40 PM
red spring, blue spring, steel spring dead spring. As long as my trusty Sd keep perfect time, and it does. I dont need no stinking Blue spring.

Now that I 100% agree with you lets be perfectly honest here. If any watch Rolex or any other performs to the COSC standard, what more could you ask from a mechanical watch.

buz-lh
23 January 2009, 09:29 PM
This is frequently true as the bluing can be part of the oxidation process. Bluing, such as the screws and other parts, used to be an indication of a finely crafted movement...

However, it is not true here. The original hairsprings in the early releases (2000-2004) were not blued and has been controversial for the Daytona.

The Parachrom hairspring was intentionally blued and called the Parachrom Bleu specifically for marketing position and release in the newly up-dated 116710.

It has been wildly successful, they have managed, with their Parachrom Bleu marketing, to take the ho-hum sales of the GMT and launch it into the stratosphere.

It is not because of the "new clasp".... Daytonas, Day-Dates, YM II's, Jubilees, all had new clasps first, and even now, the Air-King, Explorer, etc. are all getting upgrades without fan-fare..

Bluing the hairspring, marketing, and launching it in the GMT II was sheer genius...........
.......................and that's all evidenced by the comments on these pages and the frenzy for the 16710 GMT just because they might get one with a blue hairspring...

...................:cheers:

Indeed the early Parachrom hairsprings on the 4130 movement were not blue but according to this article by John Holbrook http://www.rolexreferencepage.com/parachrom/parachrom.html the additional layer of oxygen (which resulted in a natural bluing) was added to increase the long term stability of the oscillator even further. Is this true or untrue? I would really like to know as a fact whether the bluing is just marketing or is a technical improvement. Thanks.

Triplock
23 January 2009, 10:07 PM
After reading that article and the pages from Rolex, I think the blueing must surely be a technical improvement. Rolex is what it is because of its brilliant engineers, and until I have a reason to doubt them, I'll accept what they say. Excellent reading, btw. Thanks for posting that link.

Alex49
7 April 2009, 05:52 AM
I think that the whole discussion about accuracy has to be seen in a bit another light as well: As I live in Switzerland and I love precision I bought a Rolex GMT a few years ago. To have it regulated I did not wnt to go to the shop where I bought it but I went directly to the factory in Geneva. It seemed that the loved customers like me as i was asked to come back any time to have my watch regulated even better. So I did. Butttttttt: Afte 3 years or so (maybe 4) the accuracy is not where it was after my visit in Geneva. The moral of the story: The precision is always a question of a few moths or years. Then the whole story restarts from zero.
Cheers Alex

weizhen77
3 July 2009, 01:09 PM
So, is there anyway to tell/test whether your Rolex has a parachrome without opening up the watch?

:thinking:...putting a magnet near it to see whether it continues to tick?

abigsecret
3 July 2009, 03:17 PM
putting a magnet near it to see whether it continues to tick?

:lol::dummy:

padi56
3 July 2009, 07:54 PM
So, is there anyway to tell/test whether your Rolex has a parachrome without opening up the watch?

:thinking:...putting a magnet near it to see whether it continues to tick?

Nivarox is the name for the alloy that the hairsprings are made from much like Rolex calling theres parachrome.Now Nivarox alloy is made from s.steel alloys mixed with Cobolt,Nickel,Chromium,Titanium,and Beryllium and 99.99% non-magnetic.Now with the balance wheel made from a metal called Glucydur so Rolex watches without the Parachrome hairspring were 99.99% anti-magnetic to start with.

And most Swiss watches including Rolex are tested to
the ISO 764 magnetic resistant watch standard.This standard has been used for many years.The complete cased watch must resist exposition to a direct current magnetic field of 4,800 A/m (Ampere per meter). And I am 100% sure that 98% of average wearers would never come into contact with such a strong magnetic field.I have seen several post where there watches have been between +5 + 10 secs a day fast.And they were told there watches were magnetised IMHO I would doubt it.If a watches get magnetised symptoms run very erratic generally speed up and not by a few second.Or come to a complete stop and refuse to start.

weizhen77
4 July 2009, 01:35 AM
Great infos Padi :cheers:

Think I don't have to worry too much about using my sling bag that is having magnetic front flap.