Rolex is one of the most unique
Swiss watch brands for its distinct features and durability.
Swiss Replica Watches are trending nowadays for their affordable prices and very attractive designs. Rolex has its own universe respected, valued, admired and popular across the globe. Though it is a popular brand but very few people know how Rolex makes their perfect watches. One must admire the consistent struggle of which in modifying a simple timepiece into high end professional accessory. The purpose of this article is not only to reveal the secrets of manufacturing but also to show how much efforts are inserted by the manufacturing team of Rolex in making a single watch.
1. Difficult and Expensive To Machine Steel is Used by Rolex Because it Looks Better
Very few people are familiar with the fact that Rolex use such type of steel that no other watch manufacturer uses. Stainless steel is different from common steel. There are various types and grades of steel available for watch makers and mostly 316L stainless steel is used in watch making. While Rolex use 904L steel in all their watches. Before using 904L steel, Rolex also used same steel as everyone else but moved to 904L steel in 2003. The first watch with the special steel was Sea-Dweller released by Rolex in 1988. 904L steel is more corrosion and rust resistant and harder than common steels. Another important aspect of stainless steel is that it is able to take and also hold polish perfectly. If you compare Rolex with any other watch, you will apparently notice the difference because of the 904L steel. The question raises that why other watch brands don’t use 904L steel? One thing is because it is more complicated and expensive to machine. Rolex need to replace most of their steel machines and other tools to meet with 904L steel. It was due to the amount of watches produced by Rolex and other parts in house. Majority of other brands get their cases made by outside suppliers. 904L steel is way better than 316L steel as it is more expensive and also needs special skills and tools and more difficult to work with.
2. Rolex has Private Science Lab
Rolex has its own internal development and research department. Rolex has various types of well equipped and professional science labs at their several facilities. The purpose of such labs is not only to research new watches and other associated things but also to research more efficient and effective manufacturing techniques. Rolex labs are amazing for their diversification. Chemistry lab is the most interesting of all which is full of tubes and breakers that carry gases and liquids. The Rolex Chemistry lab is full professional trained scientists. Rolex uses this lab for researching and developing lubricants and oils which are then used in machines during the manufacturing process. There is a separate room with multiple electron microscopes and gas spectrometers. They have the ability to take a look at metals and materials to explore the effects of manufacturing and machine techniques. These larges are really impressive and are used by Rolex regularly to prevent possible problems. Stress room is another interesting room in Rolex science labs. Watch movements, cases and bracelets undergo simulated wear and abuse on custom made robots and machines.
3. Rolex Movements are Hand Assembled and Tested
The biggest misconception about Rolex is that their watches are machine made. Machines are used in the making process for sure. Rolex has probably the most advanced watch manufacturing machinery in the world. Some automated tasks and robots are used for such tasks that human can’t do perfectly. Such tasks include cataloging, filing, sorting and other complicated producers that only machines can handle. However most the machines are still human operated. Everything in Rolex watch making from movements to bracelets are fully assembled by hand. Machines help to do few things like applying proper pressure in attaching pins, pressing down hands and aligning parts. Watch hands are still managed by hand though professionally trained technician. Rolex is seriously obsessive about quality control. A prime theme is the making is that things are properly checked, rechecked and checked again to assure to the perfection. It also helps to ensure the problems before the watch leaves the factory. A team of watch makers and assembly people work hard on every single aspect of the watch that Rolex produces. Rolex also retests their movements for accuracy after being they are cased for few days while simulating wear before they are presented on retail shops.
4. Gold Used in Rolex Watches
Do you Rolex prepare its own gold for timepiece? However they have small amount of suppliers that sends them steel, platinum and all the gold is made in-house. 24k gold is turned unto white, 18k yellow and Rolex’s Everose gold. Rolex use Large kilns with the help of red hot flames to melt and mix all the metals which are then used in making of bracelets and cases. As Rolex controls the machining and production of gold, so they are able ensure the quality as well as the quality but also the best looking parts.
5. Technology
Rolex has very pragmatic philosophy that if human does it better then let the human do it and if machine is best in the manner than let machine do it. There are two reasons for which most of the watch makers don’t use machines. First thing is that machines need huge investments and the second one is that they don’t have production demand like Rolex. Master supply room is the epicenter of Rolex’s automation prowess.
