Rolex Caliber 3230

The Rolex caliber 3230 is a 3-handed, time only, no-date (ND) automatic luxury watch movement. As with all current production Rolex watches, the 3230 is an in-house movement.

When was it introduced?

This caliber was announced in 2020 with the release of the Submariner 41, as well as the Oyster Perpetual 36 and 41. On November 1, 2022, Rolex launched the 50mm Deepsea Challenge in RLX Titanium, powered by the cal. 3230. A new generation Air-King was also introduced with this caliber.

In Rolex’s Own Words:

“The new-generation Air-King is equipped with calibre 3230, a movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex that was released in 2020 and is fitted on this model from 2022. At the forefront of watchmaking technology, this self-winding mechanical movement led to the filing of several patents, and offers outstanding performance in terms of precision, power reserve, resistance to shocks and magnetic fields, convenience and reliability. Calibre 3230 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement, which combines high energy efficiency with great dependability. Made of nickel- phosphorus, it is also insensitive to magnetic fields. The movement is fitted with an optimized blue Parachrom hairspring, manufactured by Rolex in a paramagnetic alloy that makes it up to 10 times more precise than a traditional hairspring in case of shocks. The blue Parachrom hairspring is equipped with a Rolex overcoil, ensuring the calibre’s regularity in any position. The oscillator is fitted on the Rolex-designed, patented high-performance Paraflex shock absorbers, increasing the movement’s shock resistance. Calibre 3230 is equipped with a self- winding module via a Perpetual rotor. Thanks to its barrel architecture and the escapement’s superior efficiency, the power reserve of calibre 3230 extends to approximately 70 hours.” –source

With the release of the Deepsea Challenge, Rolex also has this to say about the 3230:

“Introduced in 2020, calibre 3230 guarantees a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. This feat was achieved thanks to two key features: a barrel with thinner walls, which can better accommodate a longer spring and thus store more energy, and the integration of the Chronergy escapement. Made of nickel-phosphorous and patented, the Chronergy escapement combines high energy efficiency with great dependability and is unaffected by magnetic fields.” –source

Accuracy:

Rolex claims the caliber 3230 is more precise than an officially certified chronometer with an accuracy of -2/+2 seconds per day “after casing”.

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.

“Before being worn for the first time, or if it has stopped, a Rolex watch must be wound manually in order to function correctly and precisely. To wind the watch manually, unscrew the winding crown completely, then turn it several times clockwise. (Turning in the other direction has no effect.) A minimum of 25 turns is required for adequate partial winding. The watch will then be wound automatically as long as it is worn on the wrist. Carefully screw the crown back down against the case to ensure waterproofness.” –source

For a full list of Rolex crown time setting directions click here.

Power Reserve:

Once the watch is fully wound, it should run for approximately 70 hours. You will get the best rate of precision when measuring accuracy on a full power reserve.

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

• Excellent accuracy rating.
• Excellent power reserve.
• Smooth winding and easy setting without the calendar complication.

Cons:

• It’s a new Rolex caliber, good luck finding parts.
• Ball bearing rotor may be audible and annoying to some enthusiasts who are sensitive to such things.

TL;DR / Quick FAQs:

Which way does it wind via the crown?
Clockwise

Can you overwind the caliber 3230?
No.

How long will it stay running on a full wind?
About 70 hours.

Does the seconds hand stop when setting the time?
Yes, it hacks.

Which way does the rotor move?
Both directions.

What models have this movement?
Sub 41 ND, OP 36, OP 41, Air-King, Deepsea Challenge.

At Watches and Wonders 2023 (on March 27, 2023) Rolex introduced the Explorer 40, powered by the cal. 3230. The brand also announced a new dial version of the Oyster Perpetual 41 called Turquoise blue, Celebration motif.

Additional Resources:

• List of Rolex movements
• Official Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 brochure (pdf)
• Official Air-King 40 brochure (pdf)
• Official Deepsea Challenge brochure (pdf)
• Deepsea Challenge user guide (pdf)