Replacing 2836 movement

[Janaconda]

First off - new to the forum here so my apologies if this is better placed in a different section. Figured this place would be the safest bet while I'm still getting the hang of things.

Purchased a BP 36mm DayDate President rep with a broken movement. Previous owner states it's a 2836 movement that broke. Looking to replace the movement. When looking online to find a replacement movement, it seems that all the a2836 movements with the DayDate functions seem to have the day wheel in the middle, whereas I need it at the top. Is this a simple swap of the day wheels? Or will I need to find a 2836 movement with the day wheel at the top?

Secondly, I've been discussing the job with a local watch repair who is not familiar with reps but from what he sees, he suspects it's a 2834 movement. He judges this solely by the images I sent him that I'm attaching below. Can anyone confirm if this is a 2836 or 2834 based on these pictures?

Lastly, this'll be the first time I'm replacing a movement in a watch so any advice will be greatly appreciated. Got some tools for the job off of amazon and trying to get a better handle on it.

So in summary/TL;DR:
1. Can I just swap the day wheels on a 2836 movement from a center date to a top date?
2. Can anyone confirm what movement this is from these pictures?
3. Any advice on swapping a movement?

Thank you!

 

[Feefo]

Hi and welcome to RWI! Glad you found your way here.
Doesn't look to me you needed the flame free zone for this, you have some legitimate questions and you're serious about it. I'm not an expert, so I'll tag in some who will have the answers, hoping they won't mind.
@KJ2020 @dogwood sorry guys.

Then, back to moderator business, I'll give you the customary speech:

Please take some time to read the sticky threads in the new members area (all subsections), learn the basic forum rules and get some very good advice in the process. A number of questions has already been answered there, this is just an example:

https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/you-are-welcome.10935638/
Another good thread to read to understand where RWI comes from and some fundamentals is this:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/the-first-constitution-of-rwi.51989/post-11252239

For anything else, feel free to reach out to @eBoy or me, we're happy to assist.

This forum is a treasure trove of information and benefits from the engagement of all members who take their time to share their knowledge, help each other out and have some fun. We hope that you'll benefit and enjoy this platform as well as contribute positively to it.

If at any point you feel to contribute also on another level, feel free to pm the boss (trailboss99) to become a supporter and get some little perks with the status (editing rights, for example).

Enjoy the forum.

 

[KJ2020]

It is an A2836 so you can replace it with any rep or gen 2836.

You will just transfer the daywheel and datewheel over from the rep to the new movement. You would need to do that anyway because the replacement movement will not come with Rolex fonts, regardless of position. It's an easy swap, just a little circlip holding the daywheel in place.

 

[Janaconda]

Hi and welcome to RWI! Glad you found your way here.
Doesn't look to me you needed the flame free zone for this, you have some legitimate questions and you're serious about it. I'm not an expert, so I'll tag in some who will have the answers, hoping they won't mind.
@KJ2020 @dogwood sorry guys.

Then, back to moderator business, I'll give you the customary speech:

Please take some time to read the sticky threads in the new members area (all subsections), learn the basic forum rules and get some very good advice in the process. A number of questions has already been answered there, this is just an example:

https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/you-are-welcome.10935638/
Another good thread to read to understand where RWI comes from and some fundamentals is this:
https://forum.replica-watch.info/threads/the-first-constitution-of-rwi.51989/post-11252239

For anything else, feel free to reach out to @eBoy or me, we're happy to assist.

This forum is a treasure trove of information and benefits from the engagement of all members who take their time to share their knowledge, help each other out and have some fun. We hope that you'll benefit and enjoy this platform as well as contribute positively to it.

If at any point you feel to contribute also on another level, feel free to pm the boss (trailboss99) to become a supporter and get some little perks with the status (editing rights, for example).

Enjoy the forum.

Appreciate the links and the feedback, thank you! Been reading through the sticky posts as I find them. Looks like KJ has the answer I've been looking for so I'll give that a shot. Thanks again!

 

[Janaconda]

It is an A2836 so you can replace it with any rep or gen 2836.

You will just transfer the daywheel and datewheel over from the rep to the new movement. You would need to do that anyway because the replacement movement will not come with Rolex fonts, regardless of position. It's an easy swap, just a little circlip holding the daywheel in place.

Awesome, will give this a shot thank you!

Will follow up in this thread once the job is done for anyone else that searches.

 

[McDuck888]

I know very little about movements but I think if you buy another replica movement, it might be handy to know that some of the replica 2836 movements have a GMT hand I think.
So try not to pick a four handed 2836-2 if you buy a replica one.
3 hands needed.

And if you choose a gen movement.. All genuine 2836 movements will have just 3 hands.

 

[KJ2020]

Seagull makes very good quality movements

US $65.99 50%OFF | Seagull Automatic Mechanical Watch Movement 2836-2 Day/Date Display Eta 2836 Clone Tianjin Made Watchmaker Parts Replacements

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLgFptI

 

[dogwood]

Hey @Janaconda welcome to RWI. What KJ said is correct. So the only advice I can offer is just to be careful with the keyless works when you remove the stem. Have the crown pulled out to the time setting position before you press the release button.

 

[Winni1611]

Switching the movement is not that simple as you might think . There are a few challanges you have to deal with.
Keyless works - as said above - I crashed two of them
Pulling of and setting hands - the second hand is really small and easy to destroy
Pressing the crystal out and in.

So if you have the skills and some Training it should be no Problem but without that you may easily destroy
you watch.

 

[Janaconda]

I know very little about movements but I think if you buy another replica movement, it might be handy to know that some of the replica 2836 movements have a GMT hand I think.
So try not to pick a four handed 2836-2 if you buy a replica one.
3 hands needed.

And if you choose a gen movement.. All genuine 2836 movements will have just 3 hands.

Looking at buying a gen movement. I see that some seiko's use the 2836-2.

Will definitely make sure I'm looking at just the 3 handed movements, thank you!

 

[Janaconda]

Seagull makes very good quality movements

US $65.99 50%OFF | Seagull Automatic Mechanical Watch Movement 2836-2 Day/Date Display Eta 2836 Clone Tianjin Made Watchmaker Parts Replacements

https://a.aliexpress.com/_mLgFptI

Was going to order this one but it doesn't look like it has a seconds hand - Something to avoid or just a matter of adding the hand to the post?

 

[Janaconda]

Hey @Janaconda welcome to RWI. What KJ said is correct. So the only advice I can offer is just to be careful with the keyless works when you remove the stem. Have the crown pulled out to the time setting position before you press the release button.

I appreciate that - I've been watching some movement replacement videos on youtube and didn't catch that. I appreciate the heads-up and will definitely remember to pull out the crown.

 

[Janaconda]

Switching the movement is not that simple as you might think . There are a few challanges you have to deal with.
Keyless works - as said above - I crashed two of them
Pulling of and setting hands - the second hand is really small and easy to destroy
Pressing the crystal out and in.

So if you have the skills and some Training it should be no Problem but without that you may easily destroy
you watch.

Thank you! We all have to start somewhere right? haha I got a pretty good deal on this watch as I bought it broken. If I have to buy another movement to replace it with so be it. I am nervous about pulling the hands off though and scratching the face. I ordered some dial-protecting plastic sheets to hopefully protect the face but even if that goes - I guess it's an excuse to look for a gen dial. I've always been toying with and doing my own work on anything that breaks around the house/car/motorcycle/gadgets/tech so I've hoping some skills carry over to watch repair - albeit I know to be super gentle/delicate.

Going to tear apart the old broken movement to see what went wrong with it. Maayyyybbee repair it too

 

[KJ2020]

Was going to order this one but it doesn't look like it has a seconds hand - Something to avoid or just a matter of adding the hand to the post?

The hands that come on replacement movements (if any) are just cheap junk provided to demonstrate capability or functionality. They are not suitable for any permanent use, especially not in a Rolex rep. Second hands are frequently just omitted but of course there is a second wheel and pinion ready to seat one.

 

[KJ2020]

You should consider practicing some watchmaking skills on a lower quality watch or rep.

It's highly likely that you will scratch up the dial or hands, or bend the hands before acquiring some skill. Also the rep 2836 Daydate has some peculiarities that can introduce challenges you would handle better with more experience.

For example the dial feet are set into the movement holder, not the movement like nearly all other reps and gens that use dial feet. Then the movement tabs are usually anchored to the movement holder and not to the case like most others. This creates two sources of potential rotary movement, both of which have to be aligned correctly to keep the hands correct to the dial, and the dial correct to the case (and cyclops).

Looking at your pics above, your movement tabs are performing both roles, anchoring the movement to the movement holder and the movement holder to the case. This is OK as long as there is a good friction fit between the movement and the movement holder but often there is not so by the time you get it all in the case some rotation can occur, which means the dial is off from the hands. This is one reason you see a lot of rep Daydates with off center daywheels or datewheels. They are not wrong on the movement, but the dial can rotate separately from the movement. Frequent corrections to these dial, movement and case positions to get everything lined up can be frustrating and can also damage a dial's minute track or outer perimeter face from getting scratched by the rehaut.

Also, while a gen dial can usually work in a 2836 rep Daydate, the gen dial feet have to be cut off and new feet glued or soldered on, or dial dots used, etc (ewww). This is more advanced level work.

If these things sound confusing, it's all the more reason to start your watchmaking journey on a simpler rep. There are plenty of cheap or dead reps that you can remove and replace hands on until you can do it without damage, and you can explore how the dials are anchored, how the movements are held in place, how to change out a datewheel, etc.

 

[takamakatai]

I know very little about movements but I think if you buy another replica movement, it might be handy to know that some of the replica 2836 movements have a GMT hand I think.
So try not to pick a four handed 2836-2 if you buy a replica one.
3 hands needed.

And if you choose a gen movement.. All genuine 2836 movements will have just 3 hands.

What is the 4 handed one for?

 

[KJ2020]

What is the 4 handed one for?

A watch that has a GMT function

 

[HulkyGalore]

Hello janaconda, as someone who is relatively new to this, I think the advice you have above is really good. In particular KJ's post - if you can get a low cost rep to "play around" with then you can have fun, whilst learning and then you gain skills you will not lose, and likely some tools and equipment along the way, that you will find useful.

As I got involved I had no idea of the fun factor and addictive nature - I had one rep from many years ago that I wanted to restore, having no idea about this whole world of parts, reps, and people with a like minded view!! It can be a bit addictive as you get parts, since soon enough you have enough "spares" to build another watch. It is the creating bit that I quite enjoy, as building your own or modding your own creates a sense of value which is different than simply buying the complete item. You have a bond with the watch before you even start creating a bond through experiences with it, if that makes sense.

My first attempts with movements called DG2813 resulted in a few mess-ups, but the thing is about this place is that someone will know the answer and have a method to do whatever you want to do, you are in the right place.

 

[Janaconda]

You should consider practicing some watchmaking skills on a lower quality watch or rep.

It's highly likely that you will scratch up the dial or hands, or bend the hands before acquiring some skill. Also the rep 2836 Daydate has some peculiarities that can introduce challenges you would handle better with more experience.

For example the dial feet are set into the movement holder, not the movement like nearly all other reps and gens that use dial feet. Then the movement tabs are usually anchored to the movement holder and not to the case like most others. This creates two sources of potential rotary movement, both of which have to be aligned correctly to keep the hands correct to the dial, and the dial correct to the case (and cyclops).

Looking at your pics above, your movement tabs are performing both roles, anchoring the movement to the movement holder and the movement holder to the case. This is OK as long as there is a good friction fit between the movement and the movement holder but often there is not so by the time you get it all in the case some rotation can occur, which means the dial is off from the hands. This is one reason you see a lot of rep Daydates with off center daywheels or datewheels. They are not wrong on the movement, but the dial can rotate separately from the movement. Frequent corrections to these dial, movement and case positions to get everything lined up can be frustrating and can also damage a dial's minute track or outer perimeter face from getting scratched by the rehaut.

Also, while a gen dial can usually work in a 2836 rep Daydate, the gen dial feet have to be cut off and new feet glued or soldered on, or dial dots used, etc (ewww). This is more advanced level work.

If these things sound confusing, it's all the more reason to start your watchmaking journey on a simpler rep. There are plenty of cheap or dead reps that you can remove and replace hands on until you can do it without damage, and you can explore how the dials are anchored, how the movements are held in place, how to change out a datewheel, etc.

Hello janaconda, as someone who is relatively new to this, I think the advice you have above is really good. In particular KJ's post - if you can get a low cost rep to "play around" with then you can have fun, whilst learning and then you gain skills you will not lose, and likely some tools and equipment along the way, that you will find useful.

As I got involved I had no idea of the fun factor and addictive nature - I had one rep from many years ago that I wanted to restore, having no idea about this whole world of parts, reps, and people with a like minded view!! It can be a bit addictive as you get parts, since soon enough you have enough "spares" to build another watch. It is the creating bit that I quite enjoy, as building your own or modding your own creates a sense of value which is different than simply buying the complete item. You have a bond with the watch before you even start creating a bond through experiences with it, if that makes sense.

My first attempts with movements called DG2813 resulted in a few mess-ups, but the thing is about this place is that someone will know the answer and have a method to do whatever you want to do, you are in the right place.

Greatly appreciate the advice along with everyone else on here. Was hoping to use this DayDate as my entry point to some more serious work but I really love the watch too much. Ended up speaking with this older gentleman at a local watch repair and he said he'd do the replacement for me (40+ years experience). I ordered the replacement 2836 @KJ2020 linked and he'll pop that one in. Going to take apart the old movement and put it back together again as a trial run and will hopefully have a spare movement at the end of it. If not - it was a learning experience. Also debating buying some cheap beater watches off amazon to do the same.

Thanks again all I greatly appreciate the advice. Will follow up once the watch is in working condition and the carnage I get into with the old movement.

 

[dogwood]

Greatly appreciate the advice along with everyone else on here. Was hoping to use this DayDate as my entry point to some more serious work but I really love the watch too much. Ended up speaking with this older gentleman at a local watch repair and he said he'd do the replacement for me (40+ years experience). I ordered the replacement 2836 @KJ2020 linked and he'll pop that one in. Going to take apart the old movement and put it back together again as a trial run and will hopefully have a spare movement at the end of it. If not - it was a learning experience. Also debating buying some cheap beater watches off amazon to do the same.

Thanks again all I greatly appreciate the advice. Will follow up once the watch is in working condition and the carnage I get into with the old movement.

A great movement to start on is the ETA 6497. It’s bigger than the 2836/2824 so you’ll have an easier time manipulating the parts. It’s also a very inexpensive movement to buy, so if/when you break something, it won’t be an expensive mistake. Watchmaking is a fun hobby. Enjoy the journey.