VS3235 date jumps 2 days ahead instead of 1

[lovegensandreps]

I got this VSF 126610 about a month ago and now that I am wearing it I noticed that when the day change happens it always skips a number, so it jumps 2 days ahead instead of 1.

I already got some feedback from dogwood and majorwilliams that maybe it has to do with the over lubrication of the date change lobe or that the date change spring needs some tightening.

But after the suggestion from KJ2020 I decided to also post here so others can benefit from the discussion and also if someone has some additional feedback it would be more than welcome, since I am not that experienced with servicing movements so it would be ideal to pinpoint the issue so I can go in fix that and not fiddle around in the movement too much.

Thanks in advance

 

[derjenigewelcher]

I remember DD3135 movement also having date change problems, but others. I think something was with a jewel. And yes, it was a VS3135, not a VS3235

Tutorial: How to fix Date changing issue on VS3135

It's time again for a little tutorial. With the help of KJ2020 I was able to solve a problem with the VS3135 - Shoutout to the master of Rolex movements :) To the initial situation: I ordered a movement for a build and noticed the following when testing it: Position 0: Winding works and is VS...

forum.replica-watch.info

 

[lovegensandreps]

Yeah I read the thread before but mine it insta changes at 00:00 , it just always goes over 2 days. About the jewel though I still don't know I haven't opened it up yet.

 

[KJ2020]

To fix this, some knowledge of the calendar parts is needed. There are 3 main parts - date finger (df), date jumper (dj) and date corrector (dc).

The dj and the df each have springs that force together parts which impact the datewheel's rotation. These springs can become weak resulting in a date double flip. They can be gently bent to restore their proper functionality. Both springs need to be removed to be bent, and ofc bending them implies risk of breakage.

The dj spring is on the bottom of the date plate. It is the the most likely culprit. The two arms need to be bent back together to increase the tension of the jumper onto the datewheel, ensuring that it catches the next tooth without skipping over it.

I would test functionality after bending this spring first - it may be all that is needed.

The df spring is on top of the datewheel and needs to be bent apart to exert more force on the finger at the jewel, preventing extra rotation of the finger.

 

[dogwood]

Brilliant explanation @KJ2020 the only thing I’ll add is that lobe on the date jumper (DJ) that arrests and centers the teeth of that indicator disc can sometimes have too little friction on it. The Rolex manual calls for the two faces to be lubricated with grease. The lubrication helps prevent the lobe stopping before it pushes all the way down between the teeth on the date indicator disc. If your date window doesn’t display the date perfectly centered after the flip at midnight, then underlubrication may be the issue. If the date jumps two spots, then adjust the springs as KJ2020 suggests and then DO NOT lubricate the faces of the lobe on the date jumper. The unlubricated faces should result in more friction and less likely hood of the date indicator seating jumping two positions.

 

[lovegensandreps]

Omg KJ thanks so much for this super detailed answer!!! Now I know which spring (dj) majorwilliams meant and which direction to bent it.

I am currently waiting my new hand removing levers since my old ones are ass and don't wanna risk messing the dial and as soon as they arrive I ll get on with it and report with the results here!

 

[lovegensandreps]

Also thanks dogwood for the again super helpful insight!!

 

[KJ2020]

DO NOT lubricate the faces of the lobe on the date jumper. The unlubricated faces should result in more friction and less likely hood of the date indicator seating jumping two positions.

Good point bro, thanks for the mention. I've done the same with pallet stone faces (re-clean then leave under-lubricated) to reduce a balance wheel's excessively high amplitude. I read about it in the article below and it worked. I actually left one unlubricated as there is so little lubrication to begin with.

When Amplitude Attacks: Diagnosing and Dealing with Knocking • Adjusting Vintage Watches

A watch will "knock" when amplitude is too high. How do we diagnose and cure knocking?

adjustingvintagewatches.com

Love this line from the article "we can’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good"

 

[Slugger]

I need to add something I ran into recently. The watch had been previously serviced and the datewheel spring had been replaced. Not only was it the wrong size, it was so rigid that the datewheel could no longer advance and the watch would lock up around midnight. I assume over-adjusting the force from the spring could do the same thing.

 

[lovegensandreps]

ofc bending them implies risk of breakage.

aaaaand I broke it

 

[dogwood]

aaaaand I broke it

If you need a spare, DM me, I think I have a couple in my parts drawer. I’d suggest not bending the next one, just clean the teeth of the date disc with a foam tip and ipa to remove any lubrication so that you maximize stopping friction.

 

[lovegensandreps]

Progress Update

I can happily report that with the new date jumper that I got from dogwood and after cleaning with ipa the datewheel teeth for any extra lubrication the date change works perfectly!!!

Now the only thing left since I had to pause the repair is to put the movement inside the case and remember where the 2 little metal plates that secure the movement to the case go, so if anyone has any tips it would be greatly appreciated.

All in all its going great

 

[KJ2020]

Progress Update

I can happily report that with the new date jumper that I got from dogwood and after cleaning with ipa the datewheel teeth for any extra lubrication the date change works perfectly!!!

Now the only thing left since I had to pause the repair is to put the movement inside the case and remember where the 2 little metal plates that secure the movement to the case go, so if anyone has any tips it would be greatly appreciated.

All in all its going great

 

[lovegensandreps]

And its done!!! Thanks to all who helped and special thanks to @KJ2020 and @dogwood 🫡

 

[Dweller@Sea]

I just got a new watch with the vs3235 movement and I have this same date skipping problem, date rolls over 2 numbers every day instead of 1. I don’t see anything discussed here that would cause problems elsewhere in the watch, so I can safely ignore this, Correct?

 

[dogwood]

I just got a new watch with the vs3235 movement and I have this same date skipping problem, date rolls over 2 numbers every day instead of 1. I don’t see anything discussed here that would cause problems elsewhere in the watch, so I can safely ignore this, Correct?

Yes if it doesn’t bother you, it’s safe to ignore.

 

[Dweller@Sea]

Thanks

Yes if it doesn’t bother you, it’s safe to ignore.

Thanks, your Comprehensive Rolex Guide got me into this.

 

[Dweller@Sea]

I just realized that my last comment could have sounded negative.
I'm not here for fake watches, I'm here for high quality watches that look the way I want and I can open up and service my self if I so desire.
Your Comprehensive Rolex Guide made this possible for me. So, Thank You, Really, I was not being sarcastic.