Automatic weight on new Sub noisy

[roadster198]

Hi All,

My new sub is about a month old and I've noticed recently the automatic weight is making to much noise.

Neither my 2007 Sub nor my 2018 Hulk make this noise.

Am I just being picky? Or cause for concern?

Thanks

[Driver8]

The 3235 movement has a more noisy rotor due to the use of ceramic ball-bearings over the traditional (and silent) sleeve bearings used in the 3135 that both your 2007 and 2018 Subs are running. All perfectly normal for that movement (unless it's horrendously loud of course!).

[paxjedi]

Ask your AD to check it.
If it is new then it should be under warranty.

[roadster198]

Originally Posted by Driver8

The 3235 movement has a more noisy rotor due to the use of ceramic ball-bearings over the traditional (and silent) sleeve bearings used in the 3135 that both your 2007 and 2018 Subs are running. All perfectly normal for that movement (unless it's horrendously loud of course!).

Thanks. I did wonder if it was related to the new movement. It sounds similar to a Longines conquest I have which Is why I was a little surprised.

Both the older subs make no noise at all.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Driver8

The 3235 movement has a more noisy rotor due to the use of ceramic ball-bearings over the traditional (and silent) sleeve bearings used in the 3135 that both your 2007 and 2018 Subs are running. All perfectly normal for that movement (unless it's horrendously loud of course!).

That's all correct and nothing to worry about on any 32 series movement.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by roadster198

Thanks. I did wonder if it was related to the new movement. It sounds similar to a Longines conquest I have which Is why I was a little surprised.

Both the older subs make no noise at all.

On the older 31 series rotor they used a sleeve type rotor bearing but on the 32 series ball bearing rotor.But the main Achilles heel in most of the Rolex 31 series movements like the cal 3135 cal 3185/6 is the rotor shaft bearings. and IMHO it was the 31 series movements weakest link the rotor winding sleeve bearings. Now these needed proper lubrication and its very critical its done right, if it dries out especially in warm climates you will get severe wear in the bearing jewels. Looks like to me Rolex had sacrificed a bit in the engineering department for better winding efficiency. IMHO the small diameter winding post don't offer enough support to the rotor weight, but again some go on for decades without service, but many failed for the lack of it.

[Harry-57]

My 32 based movements are noisy and feel a bit gritty, but not alarmingly so compared to some of my other mechanical watch brands. The 31 movement was so smooth and silent that it spoilt us. I prefer the feel of the 31 TBH, but there's unlikely to be anything wrong with your 32. As it's a month old you can have it checked under warranty if you have a concern, although I expect the AD will tell you it's OK if you present it to them.

[roadster198]

Originally Posted by padi56

That's all correct and nothing to worry about on any 32 series movement.

Would it be wrong to assume this is a cost thing? With the change in bearing?

[Driver8]

Originally Posted by roadster198

Would it be wrong to assume this is a cost thing? With the change in bearing?

It's a longevity thing actually. The ceramic bearings should last longer than the older style bearings, plus they use much less lubrication so less likely to result in gunk in the movement by the time a service is due. However, the trade-off is slightly more noise.

Personally I have no issue with either approach as my 31xx powered movements have all been perfect and run for many years with the need for intervention, but anything that increases lifespan is obviously a good thing. My solitary (and now departed) 3235 did require intervention, but not for anything rotor related. On balance I still prefer the 31xx's myself.

[roadster198]

Thank you all for replying. I'll be honest and say I preferred my watch silent. Hey Ho it is what it is.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by roadster198

Would it be wrong to assume this is a cost thing? With the change in bearing?

The only main problem although the bearing type rotor should last, the bearings cannot be replaced. So the whole unit will have to be replaced if it goes wrong, which would be more costly than the older type.

[BLACKHORSE 6]

Originally Posted by padi56

On the older 31 series rotor they used a sleeve type rotor bearing but on the 32 series ball bearing rotor.But the main Achilles heel in most of the Rolex 31 series movements like the cal 3135 cal 3185/6 is the rotor shaft bearings. and IMHO it was the 31 series movements weakest link the rotor winding sleeve bearings. Now these needed proper lubrication and its very critical its done right, if it dries out especially in warm climates you will get severe wear in the bearing jewels. Looks like to me Rolex had sacrificed a bit in the engineering department for better winding efficiency. IMHO the small diameter winding post don't offer enough support to the rotor weight, but again some go on for decades without service, but many failed for the lack of it.

Great post.

Would you say that the 32 series movements are a serious upgrade over the 31 series, or more of a modest improvement on an already robust movement?

[padi56]

Originally Posted by BLACKHORSE 6

Great post.

Would you say that the 32 series movements are a serious upgrade over the 31 series, or more of a modest improvement on an already robust movement?

Although the 32 series over time will prove its a good movement, for myself the extra power-reserve not a big deal, as 48 hours average is perfectly adequate. So I would say not a upgrade in any way over the cal 31 series which is still a fantastic well proven movement.

[SaintMickey]

Lots of videos about it...I don't hear it personally. Turn up the music or stop putting it to your ear.

I could care less if the Sub41 had this or the previous movement. Any improvements don't matter to me especially power reserve.

[S.Explorer]

I would be happy if a 32XX doesn't wobble and shake like a Valjoux 7750.

[Tim Plains]

https://youtu.be/98zwrJTClAI

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by padi56

On the older 31 series rotor they used a sleeve type rotor bearing but on the 32 series ball bearing rotor.But the main Achilles heel in most of the Rolex 31 series movements like the cal 3135 cal 3185/6 is the rotor shaft bearings. and IMHO it was the 31 series movements weakest link the rotor winding sleeve bearings. Now these needed proper lubrication and its very critical its done right, if it dries out especially in warm climates you will get severe wear in the bearing jewels. Looks like to me Rolex had sacrificed a bit in the engineering department for better winding efficiency. IMHO the small diameter winding post don't offer enough support to the rotor weight, but again some go on for decades without service, but many failed for the lack of it.

I can vouch for this explanation, albeit a different movement. My zenith Daytona has had two new autowind rotors in its approximately 25 year lifespan (to date). The 2nd was installed in 2016 during standard service. On neither occasion did the post/axis need replacement.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by inadeje

On neither occasion did the post/axis need replacement.

That's because the rotor is mounted on a roller bearing.
It is almost inconceivable the post would ever need replacing in this instance.