Movement swap A2836 for gen/SH/VR3135 in VRF 116655?

[Esprit007]

I bought a VRF 116655 about a year and a half ago, and love it. It was available with either an "Asia 3135" (which I understood to be an SA3135) or an A2836. I had read that the SA3135 was problematic, and did not want to swap, so I got the A2836.

Recently, I've been pondering frankening my watch. In order to do so, I would need to swap the movement to either a gen 3135 or clone movement (I've likewise read that the VR 3135 and SH 3135 are more reliable than the SA3135), in order to fit a gen dial.

My question is this -- would the VRF 116655 case that currently has an A2836 in it be able to take a 3135, either gen or clone? On one hand, I would think that the VRF cases are the same for both watches (i.e., those with an SA 3135 or an A2836). On the other hand, I have read some conflicting things about crown and stem height that lead me to think that the 116655 case for an A2836 would not be able to fit a 3135 movement.

Thanks in advance!

 

[KJ2020]

2836 and 3135 cases are very different. The grooves inside the case that are made to accommodate the dial seat and the movement tabs (or case cutouts for gen-spec screw mounts) are different. And more of an obstacle is the tube position which is much lower on the 2836 case. This lowers the crown and the CGs as well.

People do all kinds of amazing things with cases and modifications can be made to do what you want. But unless you are doing it yourself for fun or love of the hobby, finding someone to do it for you and paying for it would be a less desirable path than just buying a proper 3135 case IMO. Even more so on an RG case.

Look at the difference in the crown positions on a 3185 (base 3135) and a 2836 GMT.

 

[Esprit007]

Thanks very much, KJ2020 -- I've read many of your posts and your expertise is much appreciated! This certainly throws a wrench into my plans, but better to find out now than later, after the time and money has been spent...

 

[Esprit007]

KJ2020 -- one more question, if I may: am I correct that a gen dial will not fit the A2836 movement?

 

[QueTip]

am I correct that a gen dial will not fit the A2836 movement?

Correct, unless you cut / resolder the dial feet.

 

[Esprit007]

Got it -- thanks, QueTip!

 

[Esprit007]

Sorry to bump this old thread, but one last question KJ2020 and QueTip -- do you know if the VRF case (with the A2836 inside) will take a gen bezel, including assembly and insert?

 

[KJ2020]

Not many people put gen bezels on rep YMs bro so I can't say firsthand but many top tier reps including VRF will take a gen bezel and insert. I can tell you that the VRF GMT reps will take a gen GMT bezel and insert so I would think it would be the same for the YM. A movement type in a rep does not affect whether or not it will take a gen bezel.

 

[Esprit007]

Not many people put gen bezels on rep YMs bro so I can't say firsthand but many top tier reps including VRF will take a gen bezel and insert. I can tell you that the VRF GMT reps will take a gen GMT bezel and insert so I would think it would be the same for the YM. A movement type in a rep does not affect whether or not it will take a gen bezel.

Thanks man! Just wasn’t sure if the case differences resulting from the movement might affect the bezel fitment or not.

 

[wisedennis]

2836 and 3135 cases are very different. The grooves inside the case that are made to accommodate the dial seat and the movement tabs (or case cutouts for gen-spec screw mounts) are different. And more of an obstacle is the tube position which is much lower on the 2836 case. This lowers the crown and the CGs as well.

People do all kinds of amazing things with cases and modifications can be made to do what you want. But unless you are doing it yourself for fun or love of the hobby, finding someone to do it for you and paying for it would be a less desirable path than just buying a proper 3135 case IMO. Even more so on an RG case.

Look at the difference in the crown positions on a 3185 (base 3135) and a 2836 GMT.

Would the 2836 2824 and 3135 cases are very different in bigger/deeper cases like 16600 and 116600 as well?

Thanks