• Tired of adverts on RWI? - Subscribe by clicking HERE and PMing Trailboss for instructions and they will magically go away!

Possible VR3185 Damage?

butler182

Renowned Member
14/12/20
634
655
93
I just received a brand new VR3185 movement today. However, I noticed on the top of the movement just below the temporary hands there is a copper colored washer that looks quite damaged and misshapen (see pic below for reference). Is this just a temporary/throwaway washer that was put in place to protect the top of the movement from the temp hands? Or is this something that needs to be fixed and should be addressed by the seller? Any guidance would be much appreciated.
 

butler182

Renowned Member
14/12/20
634
655
93
After watching a few watch movement videos, I think that piece may be a brass dial washer, which keep the hour wheel from disengaging from the minute wheel pinion when the watch is turned upside down. This piece has a built-in curve to it so it fits snuggly against the back of the dial. Looks like mine may just have come with a little damage, which hopefully will not diminish its function. Not really sure that's all correct as I'm a bit of a noobie. If there's any movement experts, please chime in. Would love to get your thoughts.
 

PsychoTee16

-- Watchmaker --
Supporter
Vendor (Watch Repair)
Certified
24/3/12
1,131
668
113
California - Bay Area
Thanks PsychoTee16. Much appreciated!

Hey FYI. See below. It is the 24hr friction spring.

VB7MFR.jpg

VB7erA.jpg


I bet you could find one on eBay or elsewhere.
 
Last edited:

butler182

Renowned Member
14/12/20
634
655
93
Hey FYI. See below. It is the 24hr friction spring.

I bet you could find one on eBay or elsewhere.

Agreed. Since the friction spring is not an ultra high precision piece (just needs to fill the gap), if I can't find the exact part, I likely will find something close enough. Those tech manuals are awesome!
 

PsychoTee16

-- Watchmaker --
Supporter
Vendor (Watch Repair)
Certified
24/3/12
1,131
668
113
California - Bay Area
Agreed. Since the friction spring is not an ultra high precision piece (just needs to fill the gap), if I can't find the exact part, I likely will find something close enough. Those tech manuals are awesome!

I’ve got them loaded on google drive. Check out my post and request access.
 

Futzorr

Renowned Member
DO NOT TRADE WITH ME
15/8/19
516
167
43
EU
Hey mate,
do you mind me asking if you could throw me a pm or reply here where as to get the vr3185 - if you have a specific seller?

cheers
 

PsychoTee16

-- Watchmaker --
Supporter
Vendor (Watch Repair)
Certified
24/3/12
1,131
668
113
California - Bay Area
Your title states vr3185. Did you mean vr3186?
Looking for the 3185 not the 3186 mate

So what really is the difference between a 3185 and 3186? Why would you want one over the other? The VR3186 is currently the best GMT Movement available for reps. The link to the sales thread is here:

https://forum.replica-watch.info/fo...ries/8498404-vr3186-movements-blue-hairspring

Really going from a 3185 to a 3186 has always been fairly contested in the Rolex communities. There are very few difference (Date Jumpers, Springs, Blue Parachrome Hairspring), but at the end of the day it is still the same dimensions. Give that fella a PM and he can hook you up.
 

mari115

Put Some Respect On My Name
9/6/18
4,439
2,478
113
Nearer than you think
There is no VR3186, the VR is a copy of the 3185 movement, while the ARF's SH3186 is a copy of the 3186 movement. They are mostly the same but the VR3185 is far more reliable than the ARF SH3186
 

PsychoTee16

-- Watchmaker --
Supporter
Vendor (Watch Repair)
Certified
24/3/12
1,131
668
113
California - Bay Area
There is no VR3186, the VR is a copy of the 3185 movement, while the ARF's SH3186 is a copy of the 3186 movement. They are mostly the same but the VR3185 is far more reliable than the ARF SH3186

Apologies...yes the VR is the 3185...they just cleverly labeled it as a 3186.

VBqDIA.jpg
 

PsychoTee16

-- Watchmaker --
Supporter
Vendor (Watch Repair)
Certified
24/3/12
1,131
668
113
California - Bay Area
So is the movement thrillhunt sells a vr3185 with a 3186 label, or? :(

Seems so! His sales thread is 3186. Now, I'm about to receive one and tear it down....interested to see if it is the same as the 3186 manual on the dial side. I bet someone can confirm.

If that plate bugs you, i bet you could find a gen plate on ebay for the 3185.