Thanks everyone for this superb site, you people are a great help! I am about to order a 16710 (GMT II from 1990s) ,I have to chose either a 2836 or VR3186. I am confused: article about rep movements r/Reptime (from RWI site) says 2836 doesn't have ability to move independent 12hr hand, but on RWI thread "What do you have in 2836", I see pics of GMT watches with 12hr hand in different positions (like the 12hr hand has been moved). Anyway, my main question is: I want long-term reliability of movement, can I trust VR3186 or better to go with 2836 and not have full control of adjustable 12hr hand but workhorse movement that will last ? Hope you guys can educate me with your experience. Thanks a lot.
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Newbie here: 2836 vs VR3186 long term reliability
- Thread starter olpercy
- Start date
Both are good. The eta clone will have parts available for the next 100 years because it’s so common and despite its age is still in production. The vr3186 is either out of production or ending production… but it’s a good movement and unlikely to fail unless you abuse it. If it were me I’d go for the vr3186 since it’s good and gives you the same crown operation as gen. That said, make sure to do a movement check when you buy since there are Asian 3186 movements which are timebombs. See the comprehensive guide for how to identify the movement.
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A2386 lets you set the GMT hand independently. The hour hand (if you mean that with '12hr hand') can't be moved independently by turning the crown like with Rolex movements. So the mechanism may works different but the function of having an independent GMT time is equally featured by both movements.
Check this video for reference on how to set the A2836:
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Hi buddy
If you are considering the lifespan of the replica in question, I will recommend you to get the ETA version of the GMT movement.
There will be parts for service years down the road. VR3186 is good but asia made custom movement of this sometimes it is hard to get parts of the movement but getting an entire movement to do a swap change is possible.
If you require any help, please let me know via Email or PM
Thanks
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I totally agree. I just wish that factories known for the best dials cases and bezels were using the a2836 movements to power their watches.
It would be nice if you organized a section on your website for those of us who prefer the reps the eta movements.
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Thank you so much to you that replied to my question and confirming my understanding of this whole movement versions thing ! I am definitely buying the 2836 ! Thank you, Zeta7 for your reply to trusty time . Anxious to see what their reply is !! Hopefully these sellers will understand that many people like me want a reliable movement, not the latest copy of a gen rolex mvmt that might fail in a few years ! and be thrown out ! The ETA 2836 is available and a proven workhorse. Hopefully, the factories will read this and understand that they are losing sales by not offering the 2836. And last but not least: I have a gen 16600 from 2006. So happy I have it, one of the last 5 digits, I basically gave up on Rolex new models since 2007, too big lugs, hands, size, etc. But, that's just IMHO ! Hope this reply is read by the TDs on RWI.
The rep factories already exhausted the 2836 versions for years. People now want correct hand stacks and compatibility with gen parts. I have Asian clones that have worked well for many years and are still ticking. A lot relating to reliability depends on how you take care of your watch. I've seen people ruin genuine movements by not using the watch properly
I had one ETA based GMT that was a nightmare to have repaired when it acted weird. I think after I sold it as is, it was discovered the GMT module went bad. I have another one that works fine to this day since 2008. Luck of the draw I guess. i also have an Asian movement one that still works fine I am wearing a new Clean Pepsi and I hope its movement will serve me well
I think one of the big problems is none of the high-end Rolex replicas use the 2836 movements anymore. There's multiple inconsistencies versus a true clone movement including stem height hand stack, function, etc. the current generation of superclone movements are pretty much on par with the A2836 for finish and reliability. Like any mechanical device it you will have some that have failures and some that develop issues but overall I anticipate a majority will last when treated gently as you would with the genuine counterpart
Yeah. I'm not sure where this unreliability information is coming from. Even the Asian 2836 movements fail.
The only CHS time bomb movement that I know of was one that was used by noob way back in the day. That one was a modified 2836 that had a really weak spring which would snap if you looked at it the wrong way. Even with that one there's still a number of them floating around that are running flawlessly.
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It’s all about perspective. I own a bunch of reps. I have some great VSF Frankenstein pieces but they cost a bit more. I have some great eta pieces that only cost a couple of hundred bucks. I typically wear one of my a2836 subs or GMT’s because if something happens I can swap out movements with a Swiss movement. Not only repairing my rep but actually making it better. I can’t do that with my vsf’s or cleans. If one my vsf or cleans breaks it’s cheaper and easier just to buy another rep unless it’s one of my Frankensteins. Those cost the same to repair as gen. That’s just how I see it but everyone is different.
I think exactly the same way you do: Your 5th & 6th sentences sum it all up ! If something happens
just swap it for a Swiss mvmt. Done !
Important to me because I plan to wear it often, but it will be treated
with care: (no sports of any kind, etc.)
just swap it for a Swiss mvmt. Done !
Important to me because I plan to wear it often, but it will be treatedwith care: (no sports of any kind, etc.)
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Rolex doesn’t make a bunch of changes. Their watches haven’t changed much over the past several decades. I don’t mistreat my watches and they look new for years so swapping to Swiss movements just makes sense to me. Some people are rough on their watches and buying a new rep makes sense for them. Different strokes for different folksI think exactly the same way you do: Your 5th & 6th sentences sum it all up ! If something happens
just swap it for a Swiss mvmt. Done !
with care: (no sports of any kind, etc.)