Rolex Caliber 3235 Watch Movement

Brand	Rolex
Caliber Number	3235
Based On	3035 -> 3135
Movement Type	Automatic, self-winding
In-House	Yes
Diameter	28.5mm
Jewels	31
Total Parts	201
Power Reserve	~70 hours
Vibrations Per Hour	28,800 bph (4Hz)
Rotor Direction	Bidirectional
Balance	Paramagnetic Oscillator
Escapement	Chronergy
Shock System	Paraflex
Hairspring	Parachrom Blue
Features	Central hours; central minutes; central sweeping seconds; date at 3:00
Hacking Seconds?	Yes
Country of Manufacture	Switzerland, Swiss made
Known Models	Datejust 36 (ref: 126234, 126281), Datejust 41 (ref: 126301), Sea-Dweller 50th Anniversary (ref: 126603), Deepsea Sea-Dweller (ref: 126660), D-Blue dial “James Cameron” DSSD (ref: 126660), Yacht-Master 40 (ref: 126655, 126621, 126622), Yachtmaster 42 (ref: 226659), Pearlmaster 39 (ref: 86409RBR, 86405RBR, 86285, 86289), Yacht-Master 42 RLX Titanium (ref: 226627)

The Rolex caliber 3235 is in in-house automatic movement that was originally announced at Baselworld 2017. This caliber contains technology that is protected by 14 patents acquired by “The Crown”. One of the patents includes the Paramagnetic Oscillator with new balance staff that offers enhanced resistance to magnetism.

Some of the topics covered in this caliber listing:

Accuracy:

Rolex claims the new caliber 3235 is two times more precise than an officially certified chronometer with an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day “after casing”.

In Rolex’s Own Words:

The Sea-Dweller is equipped with calibre 3235, a new-generation movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. This self-winding mechanical movement is at the forefront of the art of watchmaking. A consummate demonstration of Rolex technology, with 14 patents, it offers fundamental gains in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. It incorporates the new Chronergy escapement patented by Rolex, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel-phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic interference. -Rolex

Manual Winding:

Manually wind the movement by turning the crown clockwise. The Rolex manual states that it takes at least 25 turns for partial winding. For a full list of Rolex crown time setting directions click here.

Which models have the 3235?

The Rolex 3235 is used in the larger Datejust 41, red Sea-Dweller 43mm watches, as well as the newer Deepsea (including the James Cameron D-Blue version). When this caliber was released, it was thought that the larger diameter cases allowed for a larger barrel offering the 70 hour power reserve, however, this movement is also found in the Yacht-Master 40 and even the newer Datejust 36 models.

As of March 2020, the Rolex Submariner is still powered by the classic caliber 3135 and not the 3235. Many Rolex enthusiasts have been anticipating Rolex announcing a new style Sub with the 3235 inside, but with Baselworld 2020 cancelled, the wait continues.

At Watches and Wonders 2023 on March 27, 2023, Rolex introduced the Yachet-Master 42 in RLX Titanium with a full titanium bracelet, powered by the cal. 3235.