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31 July 2008, 02:30 AM | #1 |
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The Parachrome...What It Is, And What It Isn't...
It seems that the Parachrome Bleu hairspring has generated enough ink and paper to clear a forest and render a herd of Octopi extinct.
But, is it really deserved....... Personally I think it is over-hyped. Probably to show that Rolex isn't really the tortoise folks think it is and to generate some enthusiasm.. Also, to counter some of Omega's over hyped Co-ax modified ETA ink. Here is what I see: The 3186 has a new designation, not because of the Parachrom, but because parts were modified internally; so certain parts cannot be interchanged with the earlier 3185 The DSSD press kit information states that the DeepSea is equipped with the usual 3135, Parachrome equipped movement, and not a different number. The new Day-Date II has a a movement fitted with the new Rolex in-house Paraflex shock system, the Parachrom, and perhaps other enhancements to fit into the latest 41mm case. More has been done than just a hairspring This tells me that just the change to the Parachrom is not enough of a change, even by Rolex standards, to get a different movement number.. It also might mean that the 3135 assembly line is ratcheting up to incorporate the Parachrom....It seems like it might be a direct replacement for the Nivarox spring that Rolex knows will be tightening their distribution network. I just can't imagine Rolex operating one 3135 assembly line for the Paracharm hairspring and a separate one for the Nivarox hairspring. The Parachrom is an advancement because Rolex was able to use their own methods and different materials to obtain their own patent....But, it is still just a hairspring - it just doesn't do anything differently. What do you think..??
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31 July 2008, 02:35 AM | #2 |
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I agree, especially with "over-hyped" part.
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31 July 2008, 03:38 AM | #3 |
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Dude, it's blue. It has to be better!
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31 July 2008, 03:40 AM | #4 |
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I'm with you Larry. The Parachrom spring is an improvement, don't get me wrong. But it doesn't deserve the "hype" that it's getting.
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31 July 2008, 03:41 AM | #5 |
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31 July 2008, 03:54 AM | #6 |
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Not sure what it isn't....but it sure as hell looks beautiful!!
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31 July 2008, 04:05 AM | #7 |
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Tools, I couldn't agree with you more.
You have an ability to make logic and sense on this issue that is uncanny. It is for this, and other reasons, that I find this site so damn appealing. No where else in my universe can I find these topics discussed and I thank you and everyone else for their participation. Hey JJ....love that picture!!!! |
31 July 2008, 04:43 AM | #8 |
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parachrome hairsping??????????
WTH are you lot talking about???????? J |
31 July 2008, 06:37 AM | #9 |
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Anybody know if it would be in a M series SD ?
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31 July 2008, 07:58 AM | #10 |
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I'll bet that Rolex will simply start putting this hairspring in their movements the same way they started putting the 3186 in the EXP II.
Since there is no real way of telling unless you physically see it, it's going to be a while before the word is out...
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31 July 2008, 08:01 AM | #11 |
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It is overhyped just like every move that rolex is making
When you are the king of the market you can do whatever you want and every single move you make is a hype since everybodys attention is on you
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31 July 2008, 08:03 AM | #12 |
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Nope the SD's did not receive this update
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31 July 2008, 09:11 AM | #13 |
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I could be wrong, but wasn't it also meant to be less affected by magnetic fields? Not something you need to scream from the rooftop, methinks they're just clawing at any adantage they can find...?
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31 July 2008, 09:44 AM | #14 |
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Larry, you may have just undone the wiggle testers. Of course it's better, Rolex did it, right?
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31 July 2008, 09:47 AM | #15 | |
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The parachrom hairspring is no small miracle of micro-engineering. It cost who knows how many millions of dollars to develop and perfect.
The parachrom hairspring provides evidence why Rolex is not just a luxury object that derives it's value from marketing and branding, but indeed also from an intimidating level of reliability and technical excellence. The parachrom yields among it's attributes: (a) greater resistance to temperature change and therefore more accuracy; (b) less reaction to magnetic influences, so again more accuracy and reliability; (c) greater suppleness so it is 10 times more shock resistant than Invar (the material otherwise used to manufacture hairsprings) Quote:
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31 July 2008, 10:43 AM | #16 |
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On reflection, I do get just as good performance from many other Rolex watches that don't have the Parachrom hairspring, so does that mean it isn't worth paying any extra, or worthy of anything other than saying 'yeah cool' next!
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31 July 2008, 11:31 AM | #17 |
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very interesting read.... Thanx guys. :-)
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31 July 2008, 11:42 AM | #18 |
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I saw a video from a microscope where they show the difference of the parachrome
spring and a regular Rolex spring in a "earthquake" situation. I can tell you there is a serious difference even if you never will shake your watch like that. So it´s not just a hype IMHO. Jocke
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31 July 2008, 11:57 AM | #19 |
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The parachrome by Rolex and Spiromax by Patek were developed under a secret joint venture between the two aforementioned companies and a materials science specialist whose name escapes me. Both companies were seeking new technologies in escapement and balance design.
The result among others were the parachrome and PP's silicon based material. Each company decided which one's they wanted and went their separate ways. Philippe Stern, President of PP, revealed this in an interview. |
31 July 2008, 12:08 PM | #20 |
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Thank-you for the interesting info, I think it is overrated, its like porsche adding 20kw to it's performace, looks good on paper, but do you really need it??
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31 July 2008, 12:10 PM | #21 |
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Anything that helps a mechanical watch to resist shock = better precision & rate performance, plus anti-magnetic properties are also a plus in this phone and gadget reliant world we live in.
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31 July 2008, 12:17 PM | #22 |
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31 July 2008, 12:18 PM | #23 |
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....hope it does....
....NOT rust!!!! Looks like blued steel like that of a gun, which in FACT will rust!!
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31 July 2008, 12:56 PM | #24 |
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Mechanical watches have been around for more than 200 years... so I do not think we can expect leaps and bounds in its design. Improve resistance to shock and magnetism is important... but I would not chuck and older Rolex to get its newer blue spring brother. Rolex's reputation for accuracy, reliability and durability existed long before the PB hairspring. But it is nice to see that small improvements are still being made over time.
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31 July 2008, 12:59 PM | #25 | |
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Quote:
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31 July 2008, 01:08 PM | #26 |
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Make a new movement with a "new and improved" spring that can fit into a slim Patek and last 10 days and then you will have bragging rights with no one questioning if your new design is over hyped.
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31 July 2008, 01:22 PM | #27 |
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All I can say is that if I was looking at buying an Explorer II or 16710 GMT Master, had a choice between the two movements, and the one with the 3185 was significantly less money, I would save my money.
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31 July 2008, 02:29 PM | #28 |
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In the earthquake yesterday, I did not notice any change in the accuracy of my GMT II-c. If anything it gained .0008 seconds after the quake.
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31 July 2008, 02:31 PM | #29 |
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Material wise, it's more advanced technology
Functionally speaking, it's hardly any different.
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1 August 2008, 02:48 AM | #30 | |
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Quote:
After the earthquake, I ran in to check the Rolex box and determine accuracy deviation....All 11 of them had stopped completely.... Should I send them to the RSC...
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