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Rep Rolex GMT movements explained

KJ2020

Time Traveler
Supporter
12/3/18
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Great post. It would be even greater if it included the Explorer models that also have a GMT hand

Stock from the rep factories,

4 digit Explorers with GMT hands are only available CHS since the gen GMT hand is on the bottom.

CHS
2813/3804
2836

5 digit Explorers with GMT hands are available CHS or ICHS exactly the same as GMTs.

ICHS
2813/3804
2836

CHS
3804 (not recommended, movement is unreliable with this mod)

6 digit Explorers with GMT hands are available CHS or ICHS but none have been fitted with the new superclone movements yet (VR/SH/SA 3185/6). Most 6 digit models have the fake (correct) engraving 3187.

ICHS
2813/3804
2836

CHS
2824 timebomb
3804 (not recommended, movement is unreliable with this mod)

So you can see there is very little difference between the GMT and Explorer models regarding rep movement choices.
 
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KeesKnakworst

You're Saying I Can Sell?
21/9/18
53
8
8
CHS
2824 timebomb

KJ2020, Ive seen your name a whole boatload of times today. I have a Noob 216570 with CHS A3187. As a project I would really like to try to swap it with a VRF 3186. I think you have the most knowledge on this subject, would it be possible to do this?
 

eleventibillion

Known Member
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21/9/20
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NorCal
Subscribed to this post KJ2020, truly amazed at your GMT knowledge here. I think I have the GMT sickness, 2 separate models on their way to me....and so it begins.
 
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Wolex

Active Member
7/2/20
223
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Fantastic information and post! Thank you very much for spending the time to write up about the various different movements. I have learnt a lot and also now bit more knowledgeable but also now curious/tad confuse about the various descriptions on the TD sites.

Q1: Being that there seemingly is a new SA3285 CHS (V3) released from GMF for their Rolex GMT models, what base movement is this out of?

Q2: And is it as reliable as the (ARF)SH3135 or (VRF)VR3185 or (GMF)A3186? Any idea anyone?
 

KJ2020

Time Traveler
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12/3/18
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Fantastic information and post! Thank you very much for spending the time to write up about the various different movements. I have learnt a lot and also now bit more knowledgeable but also now curious/tad confuse about the various descriptions on the TD sites.

Q1: Being that there seemingly is a new SA3285 CHS (V3) released from GMF for their Rolex GMT models, what base movement is this out of?

Q2: And is it as reliable as the (ARF)SH3135 or (VRF)VR3185 or (GMF)A3186? Any idea anyone?

GMF SA3285 (and GMF SA3186) are based on SA3135

GMF released true clone 3285

For either 3135 or 3185/6 movements (which just add GMT bits to the base),

VR>SH>SA
 
Last edited:
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Wolex

Active Member
7/2/20
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VR>SH>SA

this is the chronological order on the development of these. new clone movements of the originals?
 

Floradays

Horology Curious
21/1/22
22
26
13
KJ2020 thanks for these great insights, highly appreciated!

I‘ve seen that you also have extensive experience with the VR3185/3186 used by CF. Is this one in your opinion - after being serviced properly- stable enough to use the hour hand function for setting the date or would you recommend avoiding this function and rather treat the movement as precautionary as a time bomb?
 

KJ2020

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12/3/18
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KJ2020 thanks for these great insights, highly appreciated!

I‘ve seen that you also have extensive experience with the VR3185/3186 used by CF. Is this one in your opinion - after being serviced properly- stable enough to use the hour hand function for setting the date or would you recommend avoiding this function and rather treat the movement as precautionary as a time bomb?

I've never had a VR3185/6 rep hour jumping module break on me. I use them normally except that I avoid setting a date backwards. This is the same precaution I take with my gen 3185. May be overly cautious but I haven't broken one yet. I have a gen hour jumping module still in a blister from when the VR3185 first came out (Nov 2019) that I've not had a need to use. By comparison I have 5 SH3186's (ARF) in my parts drawer with broken jump clicks. They won't be getting fixed.
 

Efigy

Horology Curious
26/1/21
15
2
3
Hello all, I have a GMF CHNR V3 a3285
That jumps ahead 2 days sometimes. Anyway, would a VR3285 be an easy swap for a watchsmith? If so, do any of the trusted dealers source them?
 

KJ2020

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Hello all, I have a GMF CHNR V3 a3285
That jumps ahead 2 days sometimes. Anyway, would a VR3285 be an easy swap for a watchsmith? If so, do any of the trusted dealers source them?

Before proceeding any further, you should open the back of your case and determine which movement you actually have. GMF used 3 different movements in their GMT V3.

You can post a pic of an unblocked view of the balance assembly here if you need help in ID.

See post #4

GMF released true clone 3285