Rolex watches are known worldwide for their luxury, precision, and timeless elegance. Whether you’re a watch enthusiast or simply curious about these iconic timepieces, you might have some questions. Let’s explore the 10 most frequently asked questions about Rolex watches.
1. When was Rolex established?
Rolex has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The company was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis in London, England. Initially, they started as Wilsdorf & Davis, importing Swiss movements and placing them in high-quality watch cases. It wasn’t until 1908 that the Rolex name was officially registered as a trademark.
2. Are Rolex watches handmade?
Contrary to popular belief, Rolex watches are not entirely handmade, but they’re not fully automated either. The company uses a combination of advanced machinery and skilled human craftsmanship. While robots handle some tasks that require extreme precision or consistency, many crucial components are still assembled by hand. Certified technicians build the movements, and skilled workers craft the bracelets and cases. This blend of technology and human expertise ensures the high quality Rolex is known for.
3. How accurate are Rolex watches?
Rolex watches are renowned for their exceptional accuracy. Every Rolex watch undergoes rigorous testing to earn the title of Superlative Chronometer. This means they are accurate to within -2/+2 seconds per day. To achieve this level of precision, Rolex first sends its movements to be certified by COSC (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute). After certification, Rolex conducts additional in-house testing to ensure even greater accuracy.
4. Are all Rolex watches waterproof?
All modern Rolex watches are water-resistant, but the depth rating varies depending on the model. For example, the Rolex Cellini, a dress watch, is water-resistant to 50 meters. On the other hand, professional diving watches like the Rolex Submariner can withstand depths of 300 meters, while the Rolex Deepsea can go as deep as 3,900 meters. It’s important to note that water resistance can decrease over time, so regular maintenance is crucial to maintain this feature.
5. How often should I service my Rolex?
Rolex recommends servicing your watch approximately every 10 years. However, this can vary depending on how often you wear the watch and the conditions it’s exposed to. Regular servicing ensures that your Rolex continues to function accurately and maintains its water resistance. During a service, the watch is completely disassembled, cleaned, and worn parts are replaced if necessary.
6. Are Rolex watches a good investment?
While Rolex doesn’t market its watches as investments, certain models have shown significant appreciation in value over time. Sport models like the Submariner, Daytona, and GMT-Master II are particularly sought after in the secondary market. However, it’s important to remember that not all Rolex watches will increase in value, and factors such as condition, rarity, and market demand play crucial roles in determining a watch’s worth.
7. What type of movement do Rolex watches use?
Rolex exclusively uses mechanical movements in its watches. Most modern Rolex watches feature automatic (self-winding) movements, which means they wind themselves using the natural motion of your wrist. A few models, particularly in the Cellini line, use manual-winding movements. Rolex no longer produces watches with quartz (battery-powered) movements, although they did briefly in the past with the Oysterquartz model.
8. How do I set the time on a Rolex?
Setting the time on a Rolex is a straightforward process, but the exact steps can vary slightly depending on the model. Generally, you unscrew the crown (if it’s a screw-down crown) and pull it out to the second position. This stops the seconds hand, allowing you to set the time precisely. Turn the crown to adjust the hour and minute hands. Once set, push the crown back in and screw it down (if applicable) to ensure water resistance.
9. Can Rolex watches be traced?
Each Rolex watch has a unique serial number, which can be used to trace its history to some extent. In older models, this number is located between the lugs at the 6 o’clock position. Since 2005, Rolex has also engraved the serial number on the rehaut (the inner bezel ring). While Rolex doesn’t provide a public database for tracing watches, the serial number can be useful when buying pre-owned watches to verify authenticity and production date.
10. Where are Rolex watches made?
All Rolex watches are made in Switzerland. The company has four main production sites in Switzerland: Plan-les-Ouates (cases and bracelets), Chêne-Bourg (dials), Rolex Bienne (movements), and Rolex Genève (final assembly and quality control). Rolex takes pride in controlling every aspect of production, from melting their own gold to crafting the tiniest components of their movements.