Quote:
Originally Posted by kate10010
Any info on pre 1998/99 mid-size movement?
I have read that sometime around 98/99 Rolex changed the movement on the 29mm and 35mm (to 2235) but I can't find a reference to what it was before that anywhere. I am looking at a 1997 two tone YM and would like to know more about what movement was in the ladies and mid-size during that era. Thanks.
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Yes, that's correct. The first midsize versions were the 68623 (two-tone)
and 68628 (18k). Similarly for the 29mm version, the 69623 and 69628.
They all had the 2135 movement. In 1999, when they changed to the
2235 movement they renumbered them and also added the leading '1' to
the models, eg. 168623. The platinum/steel version was first released in
1999 so you'll only find those as the 168622 & 169622 with the 2235
movement.
Note also that the dial markings are helpful. If it says 'Swiss' at 6pm it's
most likely the 2135-based 68623, if 'Swiss Made', it's the 2235-based
168623. Not cast in stone but helpful. Looking around you see lots of
68623 with 'U' serial numbers. Must have made a whole bunch of the cases
that year.
The 2135 is reportedly a very good, reliable, movement. Main functional
difference is a balance cock vs balance bridge, but there's differing opinions
about what practical importance that carries. I'm not qualified to give an
opinion on that. There are good writeups on the 2135 around the web.
Regards, Jack D.