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I have an un-engraved VS3135 running really well with a genuine balance & bridge and auto wind wind module. I wanted to see if I could convert it to a 3185 GMT. The least expensive option would be to replace VS parts with VR3185 GMT parts. The other option would be gen Rolex parts which cost a small fortune.
After disassembling both movements and sorting parts for the swap, the first obstacle was met. The VR minute pinion is too large to fit through the bushing in the VS mainplate. The VR mainplate has a jewel and the VS has a bushing which surprised me, but with the help of cutting and smoothing broaches the bushing was opened up to fit the VR minute pinion.
After that it was assembly and lubrication and I had fingers crossed that my experiment would work. It did, and it works quite well. The jumping hour hand on the VR worked well, but felt kind of mushy. Using the VR parts in the VS the jump is crisp and sharp, as is the date change.
The end result is a nice running high amplitude VS movement with Rolex balance, bridge, auto-wind, and all the 3185 GMT goodness.
Did I accomplish anything? Probably not as the VRs seem to get thumbs up reviews from most owners. I haven't had them long enough to see how they hold up over the long haul. But it was a fun project nonetheless.
