5 Things to Know about how Rolex make Watches

Rolex is a watch brand unlike any other. It is a privately held, independently run entity unlike most other companies and is respected, admired, valued and known all over the world. Rolex use secret and intricate ways to create their timepieces, and very little is known about how it is done. We’ve researched the internet and found five fantastic things about how Rolex make watches.

rg stock 304.jpgMovements are hand-assembled

It’s easy to think that a huge company like Rolex would use machines to create their watches. Rolex watches are given hands-on attention from start to finish and machinery is only used for tasks that humans aren’t as good at. Everything within a Rolex watch from movements to bracelets are assembled by hand and even Rolex watch hands are set by a trained technician.

Large teams of watchmakers and assembly people work together on every single movement that is produced by Rolex. Movements are sent to COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètre) for chronometer certification.

They have their own Science Lab

Rolex have done a lot for the watch world over the years so it doesn’t come as much of a surprise that they have their own internal research and development department. In fact, Rolex has several types of professional science labs at their various facilities. Their purpose is to research new watches, things to go into watches and more effective and efficient manufacturing techniques.

They use a Steel no one else does

Many people love Rolex because they use a type of steel that isn’t used by any other watch company. Not all stainless steel is the same- it comes in various types and grades. A popular steel is called 315L and Rolex use 904L steel.

Whilst Rolex used to use the same steel as everyone else, they made the change in around 2003. 904L steel is more rust and corrosion resistant and is harder than other steels. It also takes and holds polishes very well, which is ideal for Rolex finishes.

Rolex have an in-house Foundry for Gold

Rolex have a small handful of suppliers that send them 904L steel, but all gold and platinum used within the watches are made in-house. 24 karat gold comes into Rolex and is turned into 18 karats yellow, white and Everose gold, which is Rolex’s non-fading version of 18 karat rose gold.

Rolex uses large kilns under hot flames to melt and mix the metals and turn them into cases and bracelets. This way, Rolex can ensure the quality of the gold going into their watches.

Gemmologists work at Rolex

Rolex has insane standards for the materials it buys from suppliers. Therefore, they have a huge gemmological department who buy, test, arrange and set diamonds and other precious stones into Rolex models. Gemmologists use x-rays to test diamonds and other gemstones to ensure they aren’t fake. Rolex recently reported they have only found 2 in 20million diamonds to be fake, though they ensure absolute quality by continuing to test each batch.

All diamonds and precious stones on a Rolex watch are hand-selected and hand-set. Rolex has traditional jewellers in-house to create custom settings for stones within their most exclusive and expensive watches.

It’s easy to understand why Rolex watches are a luxury and expense when you see the level of craftmanship and expertise gone into each and every timepiece. Here at Cuttings, we stock a range of stunning second-hand Rolex watches, like this Rolex Submariner and this Rolex Oyster Date.

For more information on any of the Rolex watches we have available or to simply talk to a member of the Cuttings team, get in touch via our contact page today. 

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