ARF GMT 116710 SH3186 photo review

[wristonfire123]

I swapped in a VR3185 the day my Arf arrived. Swap was straightforward with no issues and is runnnig strong and as said the datewheel is way better than arf.
My SH3186 was runnnig fine but wanted to swap anyway.

It also has a gen crystal and will get a gen insert next week!


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Great! I've reserved a VR3185, hopefully I'll have it by the end of the month and I'll be able to swap them out. Did you have to use the movement tabs that came with the SH3186 or were you able to use the screws that came with the VR3185?

I'm going to have to buy a winder too. After this I'll be leaving that jumping hour hand alone as much as possible!

 

[Mark1937]

I swapped in a VR3185 the day my Arf arrived. Swap was straightforward with no issues and is runnnig strong and as said the datewheel is way better than arf.
My SH3186 was runnnig fine but wanted to swap anyway.

It also has a gen crystal and will get a gen insert next week!


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Beautiful bro. do you think the gen dial is necessary for a good franken?

 

[wristonfire123]

Beautiful bro. do you think the gen dial is necessary for a good franken?

From what I've read in other threads, the VRF dial looks slightly better than the ARF. The letters is nicely raised. Although if you're going to go for a gen dial you'll have to do the hands as well!

 

[Goon3r]

botsyboy you watch looks great! These are the exact changes i want to make to mine, gen crystal and movement swap.

Where did you pick up the movment and crystal from?

Also.. for the non watch maker, is there anything that i can read around making these (swapping movement, crystal etc) changes myself?

 

[botsyboy]

Great! I've reserved a VR3185, hopefully I'll have it by the end of the month and I'll be able to swap them out. Did you have to use the movement tabs that came with the SH3186 or were you able to use the screws that came with the VR3185?

I'm going to have to buy a winder too. After this I'll be leaving that jumping hour hand alone as much as possible!

I used the tabs and screws with the arf movement as mine didn’t com with screws.


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[botsyboy]

From what I've read in other threads, the VRF dial looks slightly better than the ARF. The letters is nicely raised. Although if you're going to go for a gen dial you'll have to do the hands as well!

I’m not so hung up on the dial details but I would go gen dial and hands if it bothered me. The hour markers and hands are really nice on mine so I’ll leave alone. Arf lume is very white but not too bothered on this.


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[botsyboy]

botsyboy you watch looks great! These are the exact changes i want to make to mine, gen crystal and movement swap.

Where did you pick up the movment and crystal from?

Also.. for the non watch maker, is there anything that i can read around making these (swapping movement, crystal etc) changes myself?

Got the movement from a friend of mine and the crystal I picked up on eBay used but good condition.

If you are practical and good with your hands and have the correct tools give it a go but otherwise send to a modder buddy plus 4 hand movements are tricky to get hand clearance perfect.


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[wristonfire123]

Got the movement from a friend of mine and the crystal I picked up on eBay used but good condition.

If you are practical and good with your hands and have the correct tools give it a go but otherwise send to a modder buddy plus 4 hand movements are tricky to get hand clearance perfect.


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This is what I'm slightly worried about. I've built a couple of watches before but never a 4 hand movement and I know that getting the clearance on 3 hand movements can be tricky. Good to know that I can just re use the screws and tabs from the SH3186!

 

[KJ2020]

This is what I'm slightly worried about. I've built a couple of watches before but never a 4 hand movement and I know that getting the clearance on 3 hand movements can be tricky. Good to know that I can just re use the screws and tabs from the SH3186!

The true clone 3185/6 four hand stack is easier because the hour hand is on the bottom and won't interfere with the hour markers. GMT hand on the bottom is more challenging because it has to sit up higher to clear the markers. That pushes all the hand placements up and can turn into a headache.

 

[Cranberry2]

someone knows where to get the winder for the 3186?

 

[wristonfire123]

The true clone 3185/6 four hand stack is easier because the hour hand is on the bottom and won't interfere with the hour markers. GMT hand on the bottom is more challenging because it has to sit up higher to clear the markers. That pushes all the hand placements up and can turn into a headache.

I was looking at it today and thinking the same thing, thanks for confirming, although the second hand is very close to the minute hand at the moment. I'm going to have a go at it my self first and see how I get on. Any issues and I'll send it away to get serviced and put back together on the VR3185.

 

[wristonfire123]

someone knows where to get the winder for the 3186?

I just meant a watch winder as it means that I wont have to set the time if I haven't worn the watch in a few days. It should prevent unnecessary use of the movement which will preserve its life.

 

[Tobel]

I just meant a watch winder as it means that I wont have to set the time if I haven't worn the watch in a few days. It should prevent unnecessary use of the movement which will preserve its life.

Goes both ways, the winder itself will increase the usage of the movement which will decrease its life expectancy
​​

 

[KJ2020]

With reps in general, reducing use of the stem and keyless works components outweighs any shorter lifespan. Add in the less frequent need to exercise the rep jump click, and the fewer threadings of the cheap rep crown to the cheap rep tube and a good case can be made in favor of using a winder. Not to mention the convenience of not having to adjust the watch when you decide to wear it.

IMO keeping the watch on a winder is a smart choice. I have 3 eight position winders and dislike it when I have to adjust one of my other watches that didn't make the cut to a winder position.

 

[OldNavitimer]

With reps in general, reducing use of the stem and keyless works components outweighs any shorter lifespan. Add in the less frequent need to exercise the rep jump click, and the fewer threadings of the cheap rep crown to the cheap rep tube and a good case can be made in favor of using a winder. Not to mention the convenience of not having to adjust the watch when you decide to wear it.

IMO keeping the watch on a winder is a smart choice. I have 3 eight position winders and dislike it when I have to adjust one of my other watches that didn't make the cut to a winder position.

Exactly! Just take KJ2020 word for gospel. I have the exact same setup and it’s extended the life of my reps considerably. Letting them run is far more healthy than hazardous. Stem and keyless are always the weakest links.


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[wristonfire123]

Exactly! Just take KJ2020 word for gospel. I have the exact same setup and it’s extended the life of my reps considerably. Letting them run is far more healthy than hazardous. Stem and keyless are always the weakest links.


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This was exactly my thinking. To be honest I've been so lucky with reps, this is the first one that's failed me in about 8 years. From now on they're all going on a winder!

I'm also hoping to implement a new rule. If you don't have a spare slot on your watch winder then you can't get a new watch. It'll be one in, one out.... I have a feeling I'll end up with another winder though. Then I have to fill that too.

 

[Goon3r]

Any recommendations on cheap reliable winders?

Until i eventually buy gen 3186 parts or the VR3185 i want to be adjusting hour hands as little possible.

 

[RiffRalf]

With reps in general, reducing use of the stem and keyless works components outweighs any shorter lifespan. Add in the less frequent need to exercise the rep jump click, and the fewer threadings of the cheap rep crown to the cheap rep tube and a good case can be made in favor of using a winder. Not to mention the convenience of not having to adjust the watch when you decide to wear it.

IMO keeping the watch on a winder is a smart choice. I have 3 eight position winders and dislike it when I have to adjust one of my other watches that didn't make the cut to a winder position.

I was looking at winders a while back and phew they are not cheap. Plus I have no electrical outlet in my walk in closet where my watches live. I have been winding my GMTs when not wearing them so I don't have to reset them and just leave the stem out when not weareing them. My dateless watches I just let run out and wind and set them when I need them like my Speedy and my PN Panda. You may have me change my mind though.
Any particular winder you can recommend?

 

[Downing]

I have a winder for 4 watches bought from ebay -Quite similar to this one (link) except no places for additional watches. It's been in use 24/7 last 8 yrs or so... Can't complain. These come from China afaik, you can tell from the price tag. As well as our watches

https://www.ebay.de/itm/Watch-Winde...day-Valentines-Day-4-6-Grids-BA3/323903690417

 

[KJ2020]

I had to install an outlet in my closet for the same reason. It's pretty straightforward if an inner closet wall shares the same wall as your bedroom wall. Find an outlet on the bedroom wall, identify the studs it sits between and cut your closet outlet hole on the shared wall between the same two studs. Tap into the existing outlet for power and voila.

I bought these winders on Amazon. They have been good, though one motor failed on one after about 14 months. The company was very responsive on sending a new motor, they have a one year warranty but took care of me anyway.

https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Ext...r&qid=1588611644&sprefix=jins+and+vico&sr=8-5

I also bought two smaller two position winders for my wife's four watches. They have worked well.

https://www.amazon.com/JQUEEN-Doubl...1&keywords=watch+winder&qid=1588611965&sr=8-4

Read reviews and don't buy too cheap.