View source for Paraflex

'''Paraflex''' is a [[shock protection]] developed by [[Rolex]] in [[2005]]. Paraflex differs from [[Duofix]] in that the spring extends fully across the [[balance staff]] [[jewel]].

Rolex had long used the [[Kif]] [[Duofix]] anti-shock system, which was supplied by [[Parechoc]]. This common system was easy to install and effective in protecting the [[balance staff]] from breaking during sudden shocks. But the [[jewel]] could be dislodged completely in extreme shocks, because the wide U-shaped spring did not cover it completely. Duofix was also sourced from an external supplier, and Parechoc was experiencing corporate changes in the early 2000s.

In [[2005]], Rolex patented their own shock protection system. Paraflex used a reversible spring that spanned across the jewel and included a retainer around the circumference, providing better shock protection and keeping the jewel in place. This system was claimed to increase the shock resistance of Rolex movements by up to 50% over the Duofix system used previously. Additionally, the spring was reversible and symmetrical, reducing the likelihood of incorrect installation.

The first movement equipped with the Paraflex system was the low-production rectangular shaped [[Rolex 7040|Cal. 7040]] fitted to the new [[Rolex Cellini Prince|Cellini Prince]]. This was also the first Rolex equipped with a display caseback, allowing the new shock protection to be viewed by the owner. And many 7040 movements featured [[guilloche]] patterns centered on the balance, emphasizing this new component. The Prince was produced in limited numbers, allowing Rolex manufacturing to come up to speed and test the new system in the real world.

Paraflex then spread to more high-volume models, starting with the [[Rolex Day-Date II|Day-Date II]] [[Rolex 3156|Cal. 3156]] in [[2008]] and the [[Rolex Explorer|Explorer]] [[Rolex 3132|Cal. 3132]] in [[2011]], and the [[Rolex Datejust II|Datejust II]] [[Rolex 3136|Cal. 3136]] and [[Rolex Explorer II|Explorer II]] [[Rolex 3187|Cal. 3187]] in [[2012]]. By [[2015]], nearly every Rolex model included the Paraflex shock protection system and [[Parachrom]] [[hairspring]], though the original Cellini Prince Cal. 7040 was dropped.

[[Category:Rolex]]
[[Category:Terms]]
[[Category:Paraflex]]