What is going on with 32xx Rolex movements

[BMWMotoRider]

Originally Posted by sgt10p

I wish people could play nicely and respect others opinions ��.

I find these discussions interesting as I have a 32XX movement which is only a baby, 3 months of use 24/7 and am interested when problems may occur.

Mine was very accurate the first several months, then started slightly slowing down but I could adjust adequately with crystal up at night. After a bout a year the massive slowdown started and continues to get worse, now about 30 seconds a day after 2 years.

Hopefully they have quietly come up with a fix for newer movements and yours will remain accurate for many years.

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by BMWMotoRider

Mine was very accurate the first several months, then started slightly slowing down but I could adjust adequately with crystal up at night. After a bout a year the massive slowdown started and continues to get worse, now about 30 seconds a day after 2 years.

Hopefully they have quietly come up with a fix for newer movements and yours will remain accurate for many years.

From my understanding the Rolex “fix” is to lubricate the area with the design flaw, which is not a permanent fix.

[sgt10p]

Originally Posted by BMWMotoRider

Hopefully they have quietly come up with a fix for newer movements and yours will remain accurate for many years.

Thanks for your reply. Do you intend sending it to Rolex to be fixed?

[Jonny8]

^I wouldn’t be so sure - from what I’ve seen and read it’s more likely to happen a year or two into ownership.

[Mystro]

Another 32 thread full of drama and conspiracies,….shocking. A topic that never can be proven or denied with data the customer will never be disclosed. Not sure going down this rabbit hole again will yield anything more that insults and accusations?

I do wish the OP the best as getting it serviced under warranty is not the end of the world and is only mildly inconvenient.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Another 32 thread full of drama and conspiracies,….shocking. A topic that never can be proven or denied with data the customer will never be disclosed. Not sure going down this rabbit hole again will yield anything more that insults and accusations?

I do wish the OP the best as getting it serviced under warranty is not the end of the world and is only mildly inconvenient.

Have to agree in the real world some might slow down a few seconds while many will not.But if you have things like timegraphers, phone apps and watch spend more time testing than wearing then the drama sets in.But would doubt if it's life threatening or to be traumatised if watch is a few seconds slow or fast life to short to worry and fret over a few seconds out of 86400 in a day.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by padi56

Have to agree in the real world some might slow down a few seconds while many will not. But if you have things like timegraphers, phone apps and watch spend more time testing than wearing then the drama sets in.

PADI, while i do agree with you, for them it's not just a part of life, it is their life and any 'hiccups' could very well lead to traumatizing and deep emotional distress. It triggers them, and we should recognize they may not have been equipped with life tools to handle the emotional stress, let alone the ability to accomplish the physical act(s) of finding a solution.

Not every human nowadays can handle such challenges PADI. It is deeply disturbing for them. So let's be kind and give them emotional support and validate their deepest hardship that Rolex may have triggered inside of them. Perhaps TRF could setup a special Hotline for help to those who may truly need extra special attention through this highly stressful, troubling times for which they have not been equipped to handle.

Rest assured we recognize you, and validate you. We here at TRF are here for you during these enormously challenging times.

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

PADI, while i do agree with you, for them it's not just a part of life, it is their life and any 'hiccups' could very well lead to traumatizing and deep emotional distress. It triggers them, and we should recognize they may not have been equipped with life tools to handle the emotional stress, let alone the ability to accomplish the physical act(s) of finding a solution.

Not every human nowadays can handle such challenges PADI. It is deeply disturbing for them. So let's be kind and give them emotional support and validate their deepest hardship that Rolex may have triggered inside of them. Perhaps TRF could setup a special Hotline for help to those who may truly need extra special attention through this highly stressful, troubling times for which they have not been equipped to handle.

Rest assured we recognize you, and validate you. We here at TRF are here for you during these enormously challenging times.

Not sure of the need to be patronising to the OP and others there, but let's just remember that this is a watch forum and by its very nature it's all about discussing a topic (i.e. reasonably expensive mechanical watches) that is utterly inconsequential in the grand scheme of life. So whether it's back-slapping how amazing Rolex is and how they can do nothing wrong at one end, or talking about occasions where they aren't quite so amazing at the other, it's all just as valid, and simultaneously as utterly irrelevant, as each other.

If you don't care about accuracy, then that's great. But when people do care about it, it doesn't mean they "aren't equipped to deal with life". It just means they've read the Rolex marketing spiel and would kind of like their tens-of-thousands-of-pound watches to perform as expected.

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Driver8

But when people do care about it, it doesn't mean they "aren't equipped to deal with life". It just means they've read the Rolex marketing spiel and would kind of like their tens-of-thousands-of-pound watches to perform as expected.

Agreed we do wish things always worked as they should. Sometimes they don't, and thankfully this situation is being addressed.

[DoDe]

Originally Posted by Driver8

Not sure of the need to be patronising to the OP and others there, but let's just remember that this is a watch forum and by its very nature it's all about discussing a topic (i.e. reasonably expensive mechanical watches) that is utterly inconsequential in the grand scheme of life. So whether it's back-slapping how amazing Rolex is and how they can do nothing wrong at one end, or talking about occasions where they aren't quite so amazing at the other, it's all just as valid, and simultaneously as utterly irrelevant, as each other.

If you don't care about accuracy, then that's great. But when people do care about it, it doesn't mean they "aren't equipped to deal with life". It just means they've read the Rolex marketing spiel and would kind of like their tens-of-thousands-of-pound watches to perform as expected.

This

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

PADI, while i do agree with you, for them it's not just a part of life, it is their life and any 'hiccups' could very well lead to traumatizing and deep emotional distress. It triggers them, and we should recognize they may not have been equipped with life tools to handle the emotional stress, let alone the ability to accomplish the physical act(s) of finding a solution.

Of course it's all good while everybody is laughing.
That is until the bills for keeping them running as promised start coming due after one has scrimped and saved to get "a Rowlex" thinking they will be on a winner and set for life.
As to solutions. The preferred solution is for Rowlex to get their house in order and not pass on their dodgy products with an outrageous cost base onto the unsuspecting public.

One might as well get something with a Seagul ticking away merrily inside it and enjoy it for what it is under some circumstances and derive more peace of mind out of it.
Of course, there are potentially other high end brands that offer a better ownership experience. Which is regrettable for Rowlex but maybe beneficial to those not so well heeled as yourself

[enjoythemusic]

Originally Posted by Dirt

Of course it's all good while everybody is laughing.

Am not laughing, as we know there are those with emotional and mental health issues who have not benefitted from 'tools' to cope with life. Perhaps they have family issues, or school issues, or ??? that have not provided them with tools for daily living. Imho there seems to be a relatively new generation of 'youth' who may be especially susceptible, and we should care for them when they need help. While they may not directly ask for help, the signs are there imho if one pays close attention to their cries for help.

We should be deeply compassionate for those who are not capable of handling adverse life situations. There are a variety of mental / emotional health issues... so help them with tools for living / coping within modern society. If by chance something within their life is not 100% perfect, it could trigger them.

Has any of your family members, or yourself, or a friend suffered from such mental / emotional issues when life does not go as planned? This was generally something we experienced as very very young children, yet now we may see it within much older people in their teens and 20s.

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by Mystro

Another 32 thread full of drama and conspiracies,….shocking. A topic that never can be proven or denied with data the customer will never be disclosed. Not sure going down this rabbit hole again will yield anything more that insults and accusations?

I do wish the OP the best as getting it serviced under warranty is not the end of the world and is only mildly inconvenient.

Are you saying that confirmation from an RSC watchmaker is a conspiracy? Bas has stated there has been a consistent low amplitude issue which can affect 32xx movements and for which there had been no identified "fix"

That's a bit disrespectful.

Do you also believe the Earth is flat?

[Scholar]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Are you saying that confirmation from an RSC watchmaker is a conspiracy? Bas has stated there has been a consistent low amplitude issue which can affect 32xx movements and for which there had been no identified "fix"

That's a bit disrespectful.

Do you also believe the Earth is flat?

People on WUS claimed a highly respected watchmaker who works on all manner of difficult watches (complete with fabricating parts) was jealous because he analyzed the 32 series and suggested what might be the sources of the issue.

There's also a guy who owns one Rolex (a current gen Sub) who attacks anyone, including watchmakers, who questions the 32 movement as Rolex haters/enviers even if those people own many more Rolex models than he does, lol.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by Devildog

Are you saying that confirmation from an RSC watchmaker is a conspiracy? Bas has stated there has been a consistent low amplitude issue which can affect 32xx movements and for which there had been no identified "fix"

That's a bit disrespectful.

Do you also believe the Earth is flat?

Really that is your take away from my post?….
To clarify: I’m saying the topic has been beaten to death and nothing but snarky insults tend to surface when it comes up. It’s also the topic many gravitate to when they want to openly be combative and create drama. Life is too short to go down the same old topic without any new concrete information that we will never be privy to anyway. What little data is shared from our one and only source, Bas is still up to interpretation by his own admission regarding any altered serviced techniques by Rolex. Rolex doesn’t disclose anything regarding manufacturing tweaks or changes to their movements during manufacturing unless a change in actual parts are being made.

I personally have not had any issues with the movement over multiple pieces but that is just me and my own experience and means nothing to those who have their minds made up. Those that know my reputation will remember I am rather picky on the performance of my automatic movements.

FYI: Bas has also recently stated he has seen significantly less warranty work. This was also reported in the last very extensive thread on this topic. There is nothing more now that wasn’t said in the early thread that was moved to the movement section via our moderators.

It’s real simple: If you believe there is a hidden issue with the 32 series movement and Rolex won’t eventually remedy it behind closed doors then don’t buy one. If you don’t believe there is a serious issue and have faith Rolex would remediate if there was an issue behind closed door then do buy one..

That last paragraph probably just saved 30 pages of cyclical divisive chatter without ever hope of a satisfying ending for anyone on both sides of the topic.

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by Mystro

FYI: Bas has also recently stated he has seen significantly less warranty work. This was also reported in the last very extensive thread on this topic. There is nothing more now that wasn’t said in the early thread that was moved to the movement section via our moderators.

Possibly these problem watches are being sent to a different service center than where Bas works. I’m not seeing any fewer issues on this forum.

It’s real simple: If you believe there is a hidden issue with the 32 series movement and Rolex won’t eventually remedy it behind closed doors then don’t buy one. If you don’t believe there is a serious issue and have faith Rolex would remediate if there was an issue behind closed door then do buy one..

Exactly, however I feel bad for those who spent their hard earned money on a watch with a defective movement that Rolex DID know about? How is this not grounds for a class action suit? Imagine that discovery process.

The outbursts will be epic when 32xx owners find out repairs are at full cost when out of warranty. If Rolex did otherwise they’d be admitting culpability.

Personally, life has enough unpleasant surprises for me to buy a known problem. Hope is not a strategy.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by East of Eden

Possibly these problem watches are being sent to a different service center than where Bas works. I’m not seeing any fewer issues on this forum.



Exactly, however I feel bad for those who spent their hard earned money on a watch with a defective movement that Rolex DID know about? How is this not grounds for a class action suit? Imagine that discovery process.

The outbursts will be epic when 32xx owners find out repairs are at full cost when out of warranty. If Rolex did otherwise they’d be admitting culpability.

Personally, life has enough unpleasant surprises for me to buy a known problem. Hope is not a strategy.

Discovery process?
I imagine one may have as much success in China or Russia as with Rolex.
As you note, there will be no possible admission of culpability, but they might offer a new and vastly improved world beating new movement as an exchange with a 33 in front of its designator. It will be an exclusive offer of an upgrade path for the life of the watch to original owners provided proof of purchase and regular RSC service history.
An industry first to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to their customer base
It will run along side the CPO programme

[Easy E]

Originally Posted by Mystro

It’s real simple: If you believe there is a hidden issue with the 32 series movement and Rolex won’t eventually remedy it behind closed doors then don’t buy one. If you don’t believe there is a serious issue and have faith Rolex would remediate if there was an issue behind closed door then do buy one..

I’ll add option 3: you do believe there is a problem, and you believe it will be fixed(in production).

I have a 2024 LV Sub, for just that reason, plus the exit is basically risk free. If the problem pops up on this on this I have to pull out until there is verifiable remediation. Yes, for sure, sending in for service is an option, but that is getting old. I have just enough faith to give it one more go.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Easy E

I’ll add option 3: you do believe there is a problem, and you believe it will be fixed(in production).

I have a 2024 LV Sub, for just that reason, plus the exit is basically risk free. If the problem pops up on this on this I have to pull out until there is verifiable remediation. Yes, for sure, sending in for service is an option, but that is getting old. I have just enough faith to give it one more go.

I'd hang onto it if possible and hope for a good outcome long term.
To my mind, it's a really lovely watch especially if it has the MK II bezel insert which yours will have, but i acknowledge that regretful purchases are hard to shake off as well.

[Krash]

There are a lot of guys on this forum that have been through a lot, have overcome huge obstacles, and then have gone on to achieve significant success.

If you use words like “traumatized” to describe taking your watch to an RSC, then you’re just begging to be ridiculed.

Getting into a motorcycle accident and losing your leg is traumatizing.

Finding out you have stage 4 pancreatic cancer is traumatizing.

Taking your watch to an RSC is a minor inconvenience by comparison (as Padi pointed out above).


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Scholar]

I admit I'm a bit surprised that Padi has kept coming down on the "movement issues are no big deal, people are too obsessed with tracking" side, when I think the bigger critique of the 32-series movement isn't accuracy qua accuracy; it is the fact that the movement goes off a reliability cliff at a relatively early point which was not the case with earlier Rolex calibres.

And more importantly because Padi is pretty much a goldmine of knowledge on watch accuracy, chronometer standards, and history. I fondly remember his posts explaining how the Swiss shut down their far tougher original Observatory standard for chronometers in favour of COSC, because off-the-shelf Grand Seikos were winning the competition ahead of purpose-built competition designs from Switzerland.

So if anything I would have thought he'd come down on the "reliability is king" side over the modern Rolex bling guy side lol.

[Ravager135]

I've been seeing these posts so I went out and purchased a timegrapher. All of the 32xx movements I have in my collection are +/- 0 seconds. I have five watches with a variation on this movement bought over the past seven or so years. My only Rolex without a 32xx movement is a 216570 from 2013 that I recently had serviced after 10 years of use and it's also keeping perfect time.

I am sure there are issues with movements. There always have been and will continue to be. The problem is people are blowing these issues out of proportion or making it seems it is commonplace given the exposure the internet provides. All my watches run perfectly, it doesn't mean that there aren't defective movements. On a long enough timeline, all movements become defective. I just don't see this being the norm.

In my anecdotal experience, my Omega watches with co-axial movements keep far superior time over a long period of time and that includes my handwound Speedmaster Moonwatch.

[the dark knight]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I've been seeing these posts so I went out and purchased a timegrapher. All of the 32xx movements I have in my collection are +/- 0 seconds. I have five watches with a variation on this movement bought over the past seven or so years. My only Rolex without a 32xx movement is a 216570 from 2013 that I recently had serviced after 10 years of use and it's also keeping perfect time.

I am sure there are issues with movements. There always have been and will continue to be. The problem is people are blowing these issues out of proportion or making it seems it is commonplace given the exposure the internet provides. All my watches run perfectly, it doesn't mean that there aren't defective movements. On a long enough timeline, all movements become defective. I just don't see this being the norm.

In my anecdotal experience, my Omega watches with co-axial movements keep far superior time over a long period of time and that includes my handwound Speedmaster Moonwatch.

Ironically the co-axial movements had known issues early on but the problems were much more transparent. Not necessarily Omega being forthcoming, but the community at large. There were people defending Omega to the death and denying issues just like people here are doing with Rolex of course, but there were a lot more members that acknowledged there were real issues with that movement along with watchmakers.

And Omega indirectly provided some transparency because they kept coming out with slight modifications of the movement - 2500A,B,C,D, and by D the architecture was significantly changed and more akin to the 8500, by which time all the issues seemed to have been worked out.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Ravager135

I've been seeing these posts so I went out and purchased a timegrapher. All of the 32xx movements I have in my collection are +/- 0 seconds. I have five watches with a variation on this movement bought over the past seven or so years. My only Rolex without a 32xx movement is a 216570 from 2013 that I recently had serviced after 10 years of use and it's also keeping perfect time.

I am sure there are issues with movements. There always have been and will continue to be. The problem is people are blowing these issues out of proportion or making it seems it is commonplace given the exposure the internet provides. All my watches run perfectly, it doesn't mean that there aren't defective movements. On a long enough timeline, all movements become defective. I just don't see this being the norm.

In my anecdotal experience, my Omega watches with co-axial movements keep far superior time over a long period of time and that includes my handwound Speedmaster Moonwatch.

Your experience is excellent and so it should be considering the growing gap between average earnings and the purchase price of this class of wrist watches
We generally hope to be able to hear more about these types of experiences from a broader range of participants

[enjoythemusic]

Maybe you did, maybe you didn't. We may never know. It's a mystery. The truth is out there.

[bin31z]

I have two 32xx movements and they both drop in amplitude alot when 12 o clock up vs dial up. Amplitude goes from like 280-290 to 240-250 and timekeeping loses 5-6 seconds. That seems a little excessive as this is fully wound so it will only get worse when it winds down. For comparison, my date day 18238 amplitude loses 30 degrees and loses 3 seconds.

[TickTockChuck]

If folks are having problems with their 32XX movement Rolex I don't see why they can't talk about it. Rolex makes lofty claims about accuracy, makes you wait months to years for a watch because of the extreme care in manufacturing and then you pay big bucks for it. If as some are saying there is a loss of 30 or so seconds a day, I think any mechanical watch can match that. All the same, peace to all. Cheers!

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by TickTockChuck

If folks are having problems with their 32XX movement Rolex I don't see why they can't talk about it. Rolex makes lofty claims about accuracy, makes you wait months to years for a watch because of the extreme care in manufacturing and then you pay big bucks for it. If as some are saying there is a loss of 30 or so seconds a day, I think any mechanical watch can match that. All the same, peace to all. Cheers!

Yep.
Not just manufacturing. There's hological design excellence, engineering, materials and craftsmanship which are all executed to perfection. Better still, it's in accordance with the "Rowlex way"(their words).

[881]

Nothing wrong with the current Rolex movement a lot of wind being blow by a few people

[East of Eden]

Originally Posted by 881

Nothing wrong with the current Rolex movement a lot of wind being blow by a few people

Like the forum member with problems with 6 of his 8 32xx watches?