Explorer 114270: 3130 minute hand backplay

[Juggernaut]

Hello friends, it’s been a while, but I’m back.
I have a Z series Explorer 114270 and although I don’t think it’s due for service, it’s hasn’t been serviced in a while. The amplitude is about 260-280°, but beat error is up around 1.2 and it’s gaining around 7 seconds/day on wrist.
When I’m setting the time, the minute hand springs back or rebounds a minute or so when I let go of the crown. Is this a common thing for the 3130 or is it another sign that I’m due for service?

Thanks
Dan

[S.Explorer]

Absolutely normal, I believe it's gear backlash.

[tylerad1]

I always thought it was due to the friction between the crown tube gasket and the crown stem causing the springing back action after turning the crown.


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[padi56]

Originally Posted by S.Explorer

Absolutely normal, I believe it's gear backlash.

Exactly if there was not a tiny bit of backlash the gears would not engage properly.

[Juggernaut]

Ah, thanks for the responses. I’m glad it’s “normal” for this movement. Unfortunately, it does make setting the exact time a little quirky….

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by Juggernaut

Ah, thanks for the responses. I’m glad it’s “normal” for this movement. Unfortunately, it does make setting the exact time a little quirky….

You'll get used to it and there's a couple of techniques that I use after I've gained a bit of a feel for it to set the time and have the hands pointing to the right position.
If i recall correctly all the Rolex movements of that era i played with were like that where there was a certain springiness to the minute hand when setting the time and both my 3135 movements as well as my wife's DJ 31 is the same as you describe
I also currently have a Seiko and a GS and a couple of Omegas all with very different movements and they have some very minor play but not the same springiness as the Rolex watches.
Enjoy

[WatchSmith]

Beat error should be close to 0.0 or less than 0.5. Might be a good idea to have your watch looked at.

[Juggernaut]

Originally Posted by WatchSmith

Beat error should be close to 0.0 or less than 0.5. Might be a good idea to have your watch looked at.

Yes, I know. I'm planning on the perfect time to send it in to Rolex Service Center, but now that I know that the service won't cure the "springiness" of the handset, I'm not as motivated to send it in so soon.

[Dirt]

If timekeeping goes off any more or the watch shows some other sign that something is not quite right then I highly recommend sending it in.depending on how often you are wearing it, it could be sooner than later anyway

They are a great watch.
I had one for a number of years but moved it on to another happy home because I wasn't wearing it enough.

[Andad]

Rebounding a minute or so when setting is not normal to me.

[Mario3252]

Absolutely normal.

[Juggernaut]

Maybe normal for this movement, but if so, that’s an issue nonetheless…

[KatGirl]

Beat error and inaccuracy, would have me sending it in. Don’t wait too long….

Kat


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