Everyone watching this episode on How It’s Made has at least once wondered what it is about Rolex that makes it so unique to any other watch brand. As we all know by now, Rolex is a private and independently running entity, unlike most other companies.
It is really a rare occurrence that Rolex even allows any stranger into its hallowed halls, but we bring you authentic information from their manufacturing locations and let you in our first-hand experiences to know more about how Rolex makes their famous watches.
Rolex has built its own universe with a personalized set of laboratories and whatnot. Their keen and detailed attitude towards manufacturing some of the best timepieces since 1905 has earned them respect, admiration, value, and reputation from across the globe.
This video is going to be about all the things that you need to know about Rolex watches if you are the kind who likes knowing the mechanics of how things work. Before we munch into the best section of this video, if you are a first-time viewer of the channel, make sure you smack that subscribe button and also the notification bell!
What Makes Rolex’s Timepieces Unique With Respect To The Metals Used In the Body?
Many of you are already accustomed to the fact that the manufacturer uses a kind of steel that is unique to only Rolex. As we all know, steel comes in various types and degrees and most watch manufacturers make use of a type of stainless steel known as the 316L.
Currently, all the steel that is used for Rolex watches is of the 904L steel type. So, what makes it special? While many brands continue to use the 316L type till now, Rolex has already launched watches made of 904L steel for the first time in 1988 with a few versions of the Sea-Dweller.
Apart from being more rust and corrosion-resistant as well as somewhat harder than other steels, what really makes these watches unique is the ability to take and hold polishes very well. If you have wondered why the body of a Rolex watch looks unique as many of us did, it is very much owed to how Rolex has learned and emulated the same to perfection.
Rolex Has Its Own Research-Intensive Science Labs
Knowing how far Rolex has come over the decades maintaining or bettering their quality with every passing year, it should not be surprising that they have their own personalized research laboratories. Rolex has, in fact, not one, but a number of different and well-equipped science labs working continuously at their various facilities.
The purpose of investing so much time and money in these labs isn’t just for futile reasons such as to research new watches or things that may go better into watches, but also to research various avenues that can make the manufacturing process more effective and efficient.
They have their personalized chemistry labs. When asked, Rolex stated that the lab is devoted to the development and research processes for oils as well as lubricants that can be used in the timepieces during the manufacturing process.
The lab rooms are equipped with multiple electron microscopes as well as a few gas spectrometers. With the help of these, the researchers are able to see an extremely close look at the metals and other materials in order to investigate the process of machining and manufacturing techniques.
These large areas that are dedicated to only research are mighty impressive. These are used purposefully on a regular basis to prevent, repair, or remedy possible problems. One of the best things about their labs is the stress test room.
This is the room wherein different aspects of the final product like watch movements as well as cases go through a process of simulated wear and abuse with the aid of custom-made machines and robots.
Timepieces And Movements Are Always Hand-Assembled And Tested Multiple Times
One of the common myths about the watch manufacturer is that machines are programmed to develop the watches. The reason behind the said rumor that has become so pervasive is due to the fact that, traditionally, Rolex did not respond or comment much on this.
However, the fact of the matter is that Rolex watches enjoy the warmth of hands-on human attention. However, it is important to know that the company uses machines. In fact, it currently possesses high-end, in-vogue watch-making machinery in the world.
Some of the key tasks accomplished by the semi-automated machinery include filing, sorting, cataloging, and applying the right pressure to fix pins and align micro parts. In addition to this, these carry out ultra-delicate procedures such as the type of care you want a machine to execute. Beginning from Rolex movements to bracelets are congregated by hand.
It is definitely an understatement to even think that Rolex is crazy in terms of quality control. A key theme involved with the manufacturing process is checking, rechecking over and over again.
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