Rolex is well know for the extreme longevity of his movements. In fact, the well known and regarded 4130 has been released over 20 years ago (and I can’t see them retiring it anytime soon) yet they kept silently improving it over time. This is in my opinion their major breakthrough: the springed chronograph seconds wheel, part no. 4130-820. Crafted thanks to the MEMS (micro-electro-mechanics-system) technology, LIGA (litographie-galvanoformung-abformung) grows metallic parts galvanically on a disc within tiny resin moulds. Starting with a precise mould, equally precise metallic parts with complex planar geometries can be formed, several dozen at a time, thus making the process perfect for manufacturing gears: flat, planar, and required in sizeable numbers. The loaded springs allow for the vertical clutch to couple perfectly, without leaving the slightest tolerance hence correcting the stutter of the chronograph’s seconds wheel (for those who wonders yeah, it also happens on gen Daytonas, and the reason why Rolex developed this upgrade).
This is a great (and not overly expensive) update for your A4130, and helps those who want to have a reliable chronograph. Start will be smooth, and so will be the functioning.
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