Improving VS3130 for Better Performance - Gen & Aftermarket Parts

[RoXeW22]

There have been a few threads here on improving the VS3135 with gen parts, but I haven't seen one on the VS3130 specifically -- and wanted to use my current project build as an example.

Tempus Machina 216a Project or bust

Starting this thread to keep myself accountable to a franken Tempus Machina 216a project. Given there have been so few of these over the years, I figured I am the latest brave soul to try and make a go of this as I get sucked deeper into the rep game. After an initial thread about finding...

forum.replica-watch.info

From reading past threads, it seems that the VS31XX series has a few problem areas:

• Keyless Works
• Date-related settings (slipping)
• Weak Mainspring / Barrel
• Poor finishing on certain parts

Servicing aside, I'd like to know 2 things:

1. Has anyone ever used quality aftermarket parts for the movement VS gen parts (Ex: StarTime Superior Swiss Parts) ? Looking at the associated costs, I'm having trouble justifying buying gen parts for this movement if aftermarket parts will do 90% of the job
2. What specific parts should I consider replacing? Not 100% sure if I have gotten all the keyless works parts etc.

For reference, here are the breakdown of my replacement parts so far:

• StarTime Aftermarket Swiss Parts
  
  • 3135-204 Winding Pinion
  • 3135-205 Sliding Pinion Wheel / Clutch Wheel
  • 3135-212 Swiss Intermediate Crown Wheel Core
  • 3135-217 Swiss Sliding Gear
  • 3130-240 Swiss Yoke (no-date)
  • 3135-280 Hour Wheel
  • 3135-421 Pallet Fork
  • 3135 - Mainspring
• Genuine Parts (all picked up from a local watchsmith except the Automatic works)
  
  • 3135-145 Automatic Works Module
  • 3135-315 Barrel Complete (without Mainspring)
  • 3135-260 Minute Wheel
  • 3135-340 Third Wheel

Thanks in advance

 

[MaximillianGT]

I haven't modded the 3135 yet, but based on my experience with the DD4130, the first thing I replaced was the stem - the Chinese stem tends to be an issue. Next, I upgraded the sliding pinion and winding pinion. One major improvement that makes a big difference is swapping out the balance complete. It's a game-changer, but it can be pricey.

I also replaced the barrel complete, including the ratchet wheel, since these are high-pressure components - just like the pallet fork and escape wheel. If you suspect the keyless works are causing problems, I’d recommend changing the setting lever and the yoke as well.

That said, this is all based on my experience with the 4130, so there might be differences with the 3135.