Much like an orchestra, if one instrument is out of tune, the performance is degraded.įurther information on Rolex automatic movements: The movement (mechanism) of a timepiece is a carefully choreographed symphony of a variety of components, which must all work together in harmony in order to deliver an impeccable performance. Movement - Not Just a Movement - A Revoution Although more difficult to manufacture and mold than the stainless steel used by other manufacturers, 904-L stainless steel is far superior to the 316L stainless steel that is used in the watch industry on a multitude of levels. Oystersteel is much stronger than the 316L stainless steel used by all other watch manufacturers, and it maintains a higher grade of polish for a longer period of time. Initially produced for and widely used in major industrial applications, this “super-alloy” has superior resistance to stress and corrosion. In 1985, Rolex began manufacturing its own version of SAE 904L stainless steel for all steel watches and bracelets, which they named “Oystersteel”. Using a carefully guarded formula, Rolex prides itself on the quality and lustrous sheen of its 18 carat gold timepieces. To maintain the quality worthy of its namesake, Rolex forges all 18K gold in a private foundry for all gold Rolex watches and all gold watch components. This is achieved by Rolex with their maintenance of full control of the manufacturing process. Gold Rolex watches are renowned for their quality and luster. Rolex ensures the utmost quality by keeping all aspects of manufacturing in-house and is only one of two watch manufacturers in the world that produces all of its own components. Having innovated groundbreaking technology in the horological field, Rolex strives to maintain the highest standards in workmanship in each one of its precision timepieces. Not beholden to the demands of a parent company or shareholders, Rolex is dutifully devoted to developing and manufacturing arguably the finest timepieces in the world.Įach component manufactured by Rolex is meticulously crafted to one of the strictest standards in the industry, and all are exhaustively tested prior to assembly. Rolex is one of the few privately owned companies that allows all aspects of manufacturing, quality control, and decision-making to remain in-house. Workmanship & Materials - Forging Ahead of the Curve Aptly named the “Oyster Perpetual”, the model has stood the test of time, and is still being sold nearly a century later. The concepts are still in use today across all fields of watch manufacturing. The Oyster and the Perpetual Rotor were groundbreaking innovations. This invention spearheaded what would become the industry standard in automatic movements and is used by all manufacturers of automatic watches today. Dubbed the Perpetual Rotor, it revolved 360° with movement on the wrist. Pushing the envelope of innovation, Rolex developed and patented the first self-winding mechanism in 1931. Because the innovation was met with a great deal of disbelief and skepticism, Rolex started displaying the watches in filled aquariums to prove their claim. In 1926, Rolex became the first company to conceive of and develop a waterproof watch with a hermetically sealed case, which was given the name “Oyster”. Their first office was first opened in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland in 1908, eventually moving to Geneva in 1915. The company, which would come to be known as Rolex SA, was founded by Alfred Davis and his brother-in-law, Hans Wilsdorf. History - A History of Groundbreaking Innovation
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