Have you ever wondered what exactly goes into making a luxurious Rolex timepiece? To be honest, we have. Our quest to find the truth has finally helped us discover the secret factors that make Rolex a ‘Rolex’. As you know, Rolex has an impeccable aura that makes it admired and valued globally. The more you learn about the luxurious watchmaker, the less you seem to know.
Rolex timepieces are famous for being extraordinarily precious and symbolising quality and time appreciation. It is not just a worthy timepiece but also an excellent investment that will reap you benefits in the years to come. This means you can always sell Rolex watches, even after years, to fetch a lucrative amount. But today, we are here to shed light on the closely guarded watchmaking process of the iconic watch brand.
How Rolex makes watches?
Rolex takes the concept of secrecy to another level. And, even though we couldn’t click photos at Rolex (No Photography Policy), we have discovered some actual unknown facts. Here’s everything we know about the popularity of the watch brand that quite literally wears the crown.
1. Handmade Movements
It’s easy to assume that a high-end company like Rolex will surely rely on modern machinery and technology to manufacture their watches. But, NO! Rolex timepieces are fully handmade and are given thorough attention throughout the manufacturing process that directly contributes to its excellence in design and functionality.
Everything within a Rolex, from the bracelets to the bezel, dial, and hour markers, is assembled gracefully by the hands of the skilful craftsman and is set by trained technicians. There are a large group of people and watchmakers who work meticulously to ensure the excellence of every single movement. At the finish, they receive chronometer certification from COSC.
2. Private Science Lab
Since its inception, Rolex has contributed tons to the world of watchmaking. So, it doesn’t come as a surprise if you come to know that Rolex has a science lab of its own. They have their private research and development team with various science labs at their different facilities. The sole purpose of the watchmakers is to research and create new watch designs by implementing more effective manufacturing techniques.
3. In-House Gold Foundry
A small handful of suppliers send Rolex 904L steel, but all the platinum and gold used within the watches are in-house. Rolex turns the 24ct gold into 18ct white, yellow, and Everose gold.
The luxury watchmaker uses large kilns of hot flames to mix and melt all the precious metals and turns them into bracelets and cases. This is why Rolex timepieces stand as an emblem of premium quality.
4. Exclusive Steel
Not all stainless steel is the same, and when it comes to Rolex, the type of steel they use to make their watches is simply unbeatable. Unlike the popular 315L steel, Rolex uses a 904L steel version. This type of steel is more robust and resistant to corrosion, making it harder than the other types of steel. The craftsman's hand polishes them to ensure the finest finish.
5. Army of Gemologists
Rolex has set a very high bar for buying materials from suppliers. For instance, an exclusive gemological department buys, tests, arranges and sets the diamonds into the various Rolex models. The gemologists use x-rays to test the clarity and rarity of diamonds and precious stones.
All the stones and diamonds are hand-picked and hand-set. Furthermore, Rolex has traditional and expert jewellers who design custom settings for the precious stones within the exclusive watches.
Now, it’s easy to understand why Rolex watches are a status symbol that only defines luxury. Be it the expertise, the superior level of craftsmanship, or the effort that goes into making each timepiece. All the factors add to the extensive popularity of the Rolex watches.
You now know how Rolex makes its watches. The amount of effort to make a single Rolex timepiece is enormous. So, let’s crack the next most-asked question.
Also Read: ‘How & When’ You Should Service Your Rolex Watch?
How long does it take to make a Rolex watch?
Just so that you know, Role produces over one million timepieces every year. The production time of a typical Rolex watch involves around 12 months from scratch to finish. The prolonged time it takes to curate a single watch only gives insight into the care, dedication, and love it takes to ensure that every Rolex meets the standards that the customers expect from the luxury brand globally.
Regardless of the cost and time involved, Rolex handles each step of the process with utmost care. A Rolex timepiece goes through extensive testing phases before it finally hits the market!
How many watches does Rolex make in a day?
If you love Rolex, you must know that Rolex hates shortcuts! As said at the start, Rolex maintains top-level secrecy throughout the watchmaking process and is known to be a very secretive & private company. However, estimates have it that Rolex manufactures over 2000 watches/day. The yearly production is approximately between 700000-1million timepieces every year!
Looking keenly at the Rolex watches, you can see that Rolex is more into evolution than revolution. And, this idea applies to their manufacturing process. The watchmakers are constantly learning to advance their quality through better techniques and methods.
For instance, a few examples include shifting from aluminium to the ceramic bezel, using 904L steel instead of other steel, etc.
Before we mark the end, let’s cover one last question, which essentially isn’t something that needs answering, but we’ll still do it (just in case!)
How long will a Rolex last?
What if we say that a Rolex will last a lifetime! Like every precious thing, Rolex recommends servicing the watches every ten years to ensure optimal performance. So, if you do your part, Rolex will ensure that it keeps working flawlessly for a lifetime!
TIP: To ensure guaranteed accuracy, Rolex recommends the wearers' service periodically (every 10 years) depending on the Rolex model.
Therefore, while you turn numerous heads and be the centre of attraction at the party, remember that a Rolex will serve you even after years! And, when we say this, we mean monetarily.
Investing in a Rolex today will fetch you a lump sum amount if you choose to sell Rolex in the future. Many watch collectors and watch lovers consider Rolex an excellent investment option because of its high demand in the pre-owned market. Moreover, few Rolex models appreciate and investing in such Rolex timepieces will secure a high value in the future!
So, what are you waiting for? Kick start your New Year by investing in a Rolex model that not just appreciates with time but also reflects your taste and personality. We bet you won’t ever regret investing in one!
CONCLUSION
Rolex is one of the world’s most famous, renowned, and desirable luxury watch brands, loved by millions. The reason is not just its excellent design, but the rich history and the hours of effort that goes into creating one Rolex masterpiece. So, it only makes sense if they enjoy such a high demand both in the retail and secondary market.
If you’re looking for a watch of the future, we suggest investing in a Rolex. For better value, invest in a model that appreciates so that you can fetch a more excellent value when selling it to reliable Rolex watch buyers in London.
