AP 3120 accuracy

[Foxman2k]

So I'm curious, my newly acquired runs at ~+9 per day.

I guess my grand seiko special hi beat and spring drives are misleading, but what sort of accuracy is reasonable for this movement?

[NoVaSubowner]

Reports range anywhere from +1 sec per day to the accepted AP range of +12 per day.

While fixing a rebanking issue which was common on the early run of the 15400, I talked Clearwater into regulating it.

It came back running 4.5-5 secs + and has now settled into the 2.5-3 range depending on wearing habits. For me this is perfect.

Keep in mind that the rate of 4.5-5 secs on the fast side was acceptable considering the watch was running at 45 secs a day FAST due to the rebanking issue.

I wish AP did a better job of releasing watches with a better rate, PP's rate requirements are +2 a day tops. +9 Is not bad, but the watch can run better. Unfortunately you will have to send it off to Clearwater to do it if it is still under warranty unless Shreeves have a watchmaker that knows how to adjust a 3120.

[Foxman2k]

Well it is still under warranty (only 5 months old or so). I don't know that I need / want to send it right away, or is there a down side in not doing so?

I have come to appreciate all mechanicals quirks and knew the 3120, at least out of the factory, wasn't going to be setting any records.

That's what I have my HAQ GS I guess.

[Foxman2k]

I'll time it a few more days. If it ends up being consistently greater than +12 would that be of concern?

[subtona]

From seconds to minutes a day depending on when you purchased it.

The time setting on the early models using that caliber caused the minute hand to jump (often several minutes) when the crown was pushed back in.

I believe it has been corrected but I have since sold my diver

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by Foxman2k

Well it is still under warranty (only 5 months old or so). I don't know that I need / want to send it right away, or is there a down side in not doing so?

I have come to appreciate all mechanicals quirks and knew the 3120, at least out of the factory, wasn't going to be setting any records.

That's what I have my HAQ GS I guess.

I would give it a month and see how it runs before you send it back.

[Foxman2k]

I did buy it pre owned from DavidSW. Will give it a week and see how it goes.

Does AP regulate under the warranty coverage if needed?

[NoVaSubowner]

I think you should send it in for 3rd year warranty coverage/pressure proofing and tell them you want a regulation while the watch is there.

[Foxman2k]

Is it too soon to do that since it's only 5 months old?

[PJ S]

Speak to Clearwater, see what they have to say – they may use the ‘operating within specs’, but frankly a watch of this expense should not be performing worse than many are able to at 1/5th of the price, or less.

Regarding your GS – Seiko are well known for performing well beyond their spec sheet. A case of delivering more than they promise.

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by PJ S

Speak to Clearwater, see what they have to say – they may use the ‘operating within specs’, but frankly a watch of this expense should not be performing worse than many are able to at 1/5th of the price, or less.

Regarding your GS – Seiko are well known for performing well beyond their spec sheet. A case of delivering more than they promise.

Agree completely.

[jrs146]

My 15400 is spot on at around +1 sec/day.


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[Foxman2k]

Originally Posted by jrs146

My 15400 is spot on at around +1 sec/day.


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Get it new or pre owned? Was it always that way?


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[jrs146]

Originally Posted by Foxman2k

Get it new or pre owned? Was it always that way?


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Used from a Trusted seller


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[Foxman2k]

Got it. Well I'll contact AP shortly and let you all know.

[acarriles]

I've had my Diver for about 6 weeks now, and it is still spot-on. During the day it will gain +2 seconds, and by resting overnight at 90 degrees it will lose those same 2 seconds, so every morning it starts fresh, at the exact same time as time.gov

[Foxman2k]

That's pretty awesome. I'm not expecting perfection as its mechanical and my spring drives are there for the super accuracy. But somewhere in the +3/-3 range would be good

[bayerische]

My FC Diver is at around +1sec a day. But I wouldn't worry too much about +9 either.

[eal15]

I spoke to Clearwater regarding my 15710 as it was +8 per day. I was told that +12 is the spec. However it's now -32 per day. So it's going For a check up. No drops or dings either. Yet anyway!

[NoVaSubowner]

If you persistently and politely point out that a 2k Omega gets better rate results then an AP you can get them to regulate. It's easier to have that discussion if the watch is in for another issue.

Does anyone know what the rate requirements are for Lange and VC? I've always thought that compared to PP (-2/+2) a day, AP was a little lax in how they set there watches out of the factory....

[acarriles]

I have to admit that when looking to buy my AP Diver, one of my main concerns was regarding accuracy. I know the average answer of "if you want accuracy buy a quartz, blah, blah...", but if I'm buying a high-end watch, I want it to perform accordingly, so I was worried that I could be disappointed in my choice.

The reality is that the AP 3120 is built extremely well. One of the best automatic movements out there, so I can't fathom why would AP may settle for +12 sec per day. Most high-end movements (and even a mid grade ETA) are capable of much tighter specs, if regulated correctly. Given the relative low production volume (compared to Omega and Rolex), it shouldn't be too much to ask from AP to adopt a stricter spec regarding their watches.

I don't know if I got lucky with mine, or if the improvements released in 2015 for the 3120 movement had anything to do with it, but mine has been as good as it gets.

Keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way!

[eal15]

I just sent my 15710 in today. I asked for the B1 test and for the watch to be regulated. It's in for -31 seconds per day. It was a very consistant +8 seconds since i purchased it.

[Foxman2k]

How long did they say it would take?

[NoVaSubowner]

Originally Posted by acarriles

I have to admit that when looking to buy my AP Diver, one of my main concerns was regarding accuracy. I know the average answer of "if you want accuracy buy a quartz, blah, blah...", but if I'm buying a high-end watch, I want it to perform accordingly, so I was worried that I could be disappointed in my choice.

The reality is that the AP 3120 is built extremely well. One of the best automatic movements out there, so I can't fathom why would AP may settle for +12 sec per day. Most high-end movements (and even a mid grade ETA) are capable of much tighter specs, if regulated correctly. Given the relative low production volume (compared to Omega and Rolex), it shouldn't be too much to ask from AP to adopt a stricter spec regarding their watches.

I don't know if I got lucky with mine, or if the improvements released in 2015 for the 3120 movement had anything to do with it, but mine has been as good as it gets.

Keeping my fingers crossed that it stays that way!

Right. It was really tough for me not to sound like one of these accuracy geeks over in one of the other forums..... But the reality is that when you pay as much for one of these watches as we do, the expectation should be that you get a rate that is comparable to the rest of the "big 4." You bring up a good point about 2015 improvements to the 3120 Caliber. Supposedly these improvements include a new mainspring as put in my watch when it was being serviced earlier this year for repeatedly over banking. Now it runs in a range that is acceptable to me.

[eal15]

Originally Posted by Foxman2k

How long did they say it would take?

well, I was told twice by different people that it would take 6 to 8 weeks but that since it was within warranty that AP would try to rush it. This was always by RDV and not AP. When I was talking to clearwater before the -31 seconds I don't recall if they mentioned the durations. At that point I wanted a better rate than +8 seconds but was told +12 was within their tolerance. Hopefully, whatever caused my watch to change was a blessing in disguise. My real issue or worry is I didn't bang it or drop it. So I have no idea how for month it cold be consistently +8 and then -31.

[Foxman2k]

And how long did end up? All is well now?

[eal15]

I sent it in last Thursday!

[bayerische]

My latest, "Volcano" is at around +11sec. I don't worry too much. Recently serviced, so I'll see it if settles. If not I'll probably do nothing. My other 3120 (Volcano is 3120 but with the chrono module) is at 0sec/day. So I guess it's mainly down to regulation.

[ec00421]

I had similar time gain issue with my 15400. Took it to APSC, they adjusted it free of charge as it was in warranty period, and now runs pretty much perfectly.

[Foxman2k]

Yeah I'll need to send it in for the 3rd year warranty and will have them do it then