I bought a new Rolex Oyster Perpetual datejust in 2015 .
The serial number is R596C193 which implies that it was manufactured in 1987 according to a website Bobs watches.
In recent years the serial numbers have been random . Is there any way of checking that the watch I bought is indeed new and not pre owned ?
I read the above content about the ROLEX .It inspires me a lot, with this I learnt that how much ROLEX CO. And the employees work hard to make a brand name and reached at the peek level in watch Industry, Rolex maintain there quality and also take care of customer satisfaction. I hope one day company reached at the top in the world.
An in-house foundry makes all the gold for Rolex watches. This ensures that all gold used for the production of Rolex watches have a consistent look and quality.
Rolex is probably a very good watch, but it serves also as a “show off”. People wil buy a Roles like others will buy a BMW, to show that they have made it.
As a fore-stander of keeping a low profile, I would prefer to buy a Breguet, Jaeger, Audemars or IWC and eventually a Langhe. Most unknown brands amongst most people, but certainly as good as a Rolex.
Last but not least, if you read annual statements of a company and you notice that that company spends 30% of sales in marketing, sponsoring and publicity, then the finished product is only worth 70% of its purchase value. The pure value of a product is the sum of engineering, Raw materials and production cost. The est is absorbed in the sales price.
Your “pure value” is cost of goods sold. In the real world cost is what you pay, value is what you get. That’s why a GMT Master II increases over 40% in value when you buy it.
Hi, it is not a matter of lost quality. The highly engineered twinlock or triplock crowns have a top gasket seal which compresses with use and guarantees that your Rolex will remain watertight until next service. If you mind watching, you will notice that the crown screws more deeply with the use and years. It is Impossible with such a system to ask for a fixed position for it. Best!
I recently picked up a Datejust – Aesthetically its a beautiful watch. I was however surprised that the crown when in the locked position did not align so as to have the Rolex Symbol face straight up. In my watch, it faced the 6 O’Clock position completely upside down. Now typically this would not bother me, but as a company who prides itself on precision engineering, they would have standards around having the Rolex Symbol always face the 12 O’Clock position. After all its their logo. Interestingly in any picture taken by Rolex of their watch they show the crown always facing the 12 O’Clock position.
On bringing this to the attention of Rolex authorized dealer in Canada, they advised me with a smoke and mirror answer that the crown would face a different way depending on where the thread was started during the manufacturing process.
What surprised me is that if a cap on a Heinz Ketchup Bottle or on a bottle of Maple Syrup (I tested both) were engineered to always screw on so the spout faced the front, why is it that a company that prides itself on precision and markets itself as a quality product, not able to have standards where their own symbol is not shown upside down.
They obviously care about in it their ads, why not in actual production? Perhaps this is the difference between a company that strives for perfection each time on its product. Or is is simply that Rolex Standards are slipping and its more about the brand image and less about the product?
Hi, it is not a matter of lost quality. The highly engineered twinlock or triplock crowns have a top gasket seal which compresses with use and guarantees that your Rolex will remain watertight until next service. If you mind watching, you will notice that the crown screws more deeply with the use and years. It is Impossible with such a system to ask for a fixed position for it. Best!
Honor to Rolex, but in an article you do not stare blindly.
Was the submariner not a ‘homage’ to the Blancpain Fifty Fatoms? Are at least, Fatom was the first underwater-style-watch.
With this information you stretch your article to the world of watches.
Thanks for your article, François
All I know is that I have 2 Rolex, 2 Hublot, 1 IWC, 1 Chopard and 1 Lange and every single one but the Rolex has required extensive service and a trip but to the factory except the Rolex’s. There are a bunch of great watches out there but for the dollar you can’t beat Rolex.
There’s definitely something special about Rolex,it’s so well known that it’s the brand most people think of when they consider quality luxury watches. I’ve never owned one but the brand is never far from my thoughts or others with an interest in watches. One day I’d like to own one to experience the connection with this historic and iconic brand.
My first was a 1977 SS datejust. I now prefer a watch with a diameter between 44mm & 48mm.
It baffles me as to just why Rolex does not offer their models in larger sizes along with their standard ~38mm line. A day/date/month and PVD models would sell well…I’m never paying for a stopwatch complication again ever…no one uses that, it just looks cool.
I want to respond to a few comments that have been made and want to add a few observations as well.
1. ALL watches are tools: they tell the time. Nonetheless, some are more tool than others.
2. I am sure many owners of Rolex made their purchase for others to see. We have them with us and we feel sorry for them. Fact is that Rolex is a very affordable watch, judging the cost of luxury watches across the spectrum. There are MANY brands, now including Omega, that cost as much as Rolex, but then there are a huge number that are a great deal more expensive than Rolex. So, if you are wealthy, purchasing a Rolex for a son or daughter as a gift in recognition for some or other achievement is a non-event.
3. If one considers that Rolex does a lot of research (their patents prove it) and makes its own movements (all chronometer grade), its prices may not be all that expensive. Because its main goal is not profit, it is possible that, compared to the market, it sells for far below its actual value.
4. Certain Rolex models, e.g. the Submariner, is surely the most copied watch in history. I can think of a long list of brands that makes or made a watch that looks just like the Submariner. It is a hugely popular design, or, it taps into clientele that cannot afford the best-known Rolex. Personally, it took me 10 years of collecting before I bought my first Rolex, a transitional Submariner. The reason is that Rolex is simply unattractive. Only its tool watches have a measure of attraction for me. BUT, it ages fantastically well. Dials, hands and bezels pic up the most wonderful patina and in the process, time acts to augment Rolex’s idea to create master pieces. For me personally there is not a single current Rolex that I will purchase based on its looks. Rolex simply does not make a watch as attractive as the Daytonas of the sixties and seventies that used the Valjoux 72 movement.
5. Rolex is mass produced without a doubt. BUT, who knows what their production plant looks like, how many employees it has and how their production line is organised. It is a mass produced watch that performs unlike a mass produced watch.
6. I surf the web everyday to see what is new on discussion and sales forums. Listings are dominated by pre-owned Rolex. What I cannot figure out is where all these watches come from. Are they from dissatisfied owners or from owners who are ready for their next luxury watch? The mystery for me continues. Prices are going up in a market that seems to be flooded with the product. What about supply and demand determining price?
Whatever whoever says about Rolex, it is a unique enterprise that makes high quality watches that are hugely in demand on a tremendous scale, and that represent an investment to a varying degree.
The issue with Rolex is the world best known watch brand name, make close to 1 million a year and a status symbol. You either hats or love Rolex. I will never buy a Rolex but AP, Patek or Lange.
“In 1926, Rolex patented the first waterproof watch – its famous Oyster.” I didn’t read all the comments if someone pointed that out so: You should be claiming water resistance since no watch is 100% waterproof that is why there is a depth indication on the dial.
However I love your articles :)
To all the people who have a Rolex on their wrist, you’re basically letting the rest of us know that you’re a tool and have no interest in watches. You just bought one because you could pronounce it to the sales assistant without looking and sounding like a tool…oops, too late! But that wasn’t enough, you went ahead a bought it anyway. I bet you probably drive a mercedes or BMW, because you have no interest in driving either. But your friends are impressed.
Request: Mr. Mikey, Please post the link (to this forum) to your globaly recognized brand… I ass/u/me that “your brand’s” net worth is more than $8.8B…
Mikey thank you for your insightful information.
Please note I am an avid watch collector and I have one sea dweller in my collection and my wife has 2 in hers.
I didn’t buy this to act like a tool young man. I bought this as it’s now out of production and has already made me 3000e extra euros young man.
Someday If you say up you also can aspire to be a tool. In the meantime young man less of the jealousy as it’s only a watch.
I have 9 of them and they have all increased in value. I’m sorry you can’t afford one and you spill your jealousey onto these sites. The only tool I see is you for venting such crap.
Let people spend their hard earn money on what ever they desire. Enjoy your swatch watch tool!!
Dear Mickey (mouse),
The only tool I see here is your jealous self because you obviously can’t afford one. What I don’t understand is that you have just embarrassed yourself by even commenting on this way about people who can spend their hard earned money which ever way they wish.
I hope you enjoy your swatch watch tool!!!
Mikey, your comment is about as moronic as any post I have ever seen. You have zero concept of value. What I value, and what you value, may be different. For example, just because you highly value a pile of stinky stuff on the dirt patch behind your tent does not make you a bad guy- feel free. Personally, I value a wide variety of well made and timeless things that include, yes, Rolex. Your comment exposes your major issue- jealousy. I cannot afford a Lamborghini (any model), but I sure do respect the car, and the mechanical artists that produce them. Likewise, I appreciate the designers, and craftsmen and women, that produce heirloom quality watches. Please don’t make sweeping and broad judgements about people you have never met. You, as an individual, would be surprised who owns, or has owned, the watches you despise.
Maybe that is why Rolex is known for building “tool” watches. Guilty of owning multiple Rolex’s (Sea Dweller – 2004), 5 vintage Oyster Perpetuals, GMT II Coke & Pepsi, Explorer I & II. Every one has gone up in value since I purchased. Also on my 5th BMW. Love to drive the BMW’s, but Rolex beats BMW on quality hands down. I have no worries buying old, used Rolex’s but would not own a BMW out of warranty. And the value of a BMW does nothing but go down (rapidly). Maybe I should buy more Rolex’s.
Nice brand but I can’t help wonder how much one really pays for the ‘prestige and hype’ that comes along with it as well as in other luxury items against their true value (manufacturing cost, etc). Probably around 20%…….rest is one pays for the ‘p&h’. Self-image is really essential to those who need it.
The Rolex Submariner wasn’t the first dive watch. The Zodiac Sea Wolf and the Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms were the first ones in 1953. the submariner was released one year later.
It’s always Rolex, Rolex, Rolex! Get your four-figure toolwatches right here! Who cares about their history?! It’s not one of particular innovation, just good manufacturing and marketing. The bottom line is they are mass producing an item for around 1500 bucks, and pushing it to their customer for five times that! At that sort of level, who cares about their history?! They’ve obviously been oblivious to it themselves!
Sirs, I had read all what did you say about both brands. Rolex and Seiko. Most of you having several watches perhaps of a better brands, like Patek, or Lange and I believe to fight it should be Rolex, or Seiko just strange. Will it be the only watch for all your life? I believe not. Why to fight? Buy Rolex and after buy Seiko. Tastes differ. Why not to wear Asian one as well? Interesting. Even you have all top brands like Patek, Lange, Vacheron, AP, Journe, or even Mille, or any stratospheric and extravagant ones. Are you eating the same meal day by day? No? Why to fight? Today continental and tomorrow Sushi. :) Piece?
Frankly, despite generations of love and respect for the brand by a worldwide audience, the Rolex watch does not do it for me. I’ve looked at every conceivable model and incarnation but they don’t move me. The latest version of the Yacht Master comes close but not to the point of wanting to own one. Each to his own…no disrespect intended.
I would like to get involved with the discussion involving the Rolex brand. I am speaking through experience as I have owned a Rolex Sea Dweller and I must say it was a great tool watch and had lots of prestige and status associated with it. Also kept pretty good time -1.25 seconds a day. However having said that I also had and currently own Omega watches, yes that’s right folks the poorer cousin of Rolex and also the brand that James Bond currently wears. Let’s put aside all this Hollywood hype and look at the watches for what they are. Rolex make good high quality watches and you pay a premium for that and of course the prestige of owning one of the most sought after brands in watches. Omega on the other hand also make good quality watches that keep exceptionally good time they are cheaper than a Rolex and don’t have that same prestige factor as a Rolex until now. Look at what Omega have achieved in terms of innovations like the Master Coaxial Movement the only brand that offers a fully anti magnetic time piece and I’m not talking about encasing the movement in a paramagnetic core like the Rolex Milgauss but actually replacing the hairspring and other parts with anti magnetic materials. I have owned the Seamaster 300 Master Co Axial watch now for 4 months and how does -0.57 seconds a day impress you for accuracy. Not only that but I wear my watch around computers and near strong magnetic fields and it never affects the accuracy of the timekeeping. Let’s talk quality as well, the watch feels and looks top notch from the bezel to the bracelet and the quality feel of wearing it. Not a cheap watch especially the limited Spectre edition which I own and not as expensive as a Rolex Submariner but certainly in the same league in terms of quality and miles ahead in accuracy. Would I buy another Rolex , you bet I would because both brands make fantastic watches.
McQueen wore the Heuer Monaco in Le Mans for the motor racing association and the sponsorship, and this has quite rightly made their mark in history. However, in his private life he wore a Submariner 5512 and Explorer II 1655. So, his personal choice was Rolex, no sponsorship or paid for endorsement.
I owned ROLEX SUBMARINER it becomes more pomb and affluent looks.I got also carrera of TAG HEIUR when i knew Jamesbond used to only three brands with indulged Tah heiur .both are well but prefering to Rolex
T.L.Shaw,
“either you’re expressing a great sense of humor, or you somehow feel culturally attached to Rolex and compelled to defend it, or you simply have never even held a Grand Seiko, much less owned one. Anyone who has ever gone the extra mile in life, and made the decision to wear a Grand Seiko has a continuing experience and feeling of knowing, without a doubt, that they are the temporary guardian of something truly special.
From the bracelet clasp to the feeling of the case and the winding crown, and the perfect sound of the incomparable click of a perfect bezel….Few are even close, none are better….and NO Rolex under $30k is even relevant in such a comparison. However, the Rolex is, and has been for many decades, the perfect watch gift given to someone for achievement in graduating from High School/ College. It makes a fine replacement for the ubiquitous first plastic wrist watches from Timex or Swatch Watch.”
Anyone with watch cred knows that Patek Philippe, Lange + Sohne and others are miles ahead of Rolex in every way, shape and form; and yes I own those better brands and I would still prefer a Grand Seiko to a similar priced Rolex.
Rolex is a nice safe luxury item like a BMW – it is not a Ferrari or 911 or Lamborghini, no matter how much spin you want to market around it; but congratulations on Rolex being better at marketing that the other watch brands. It makes for entertaining blogs anyway.
You need to add Top Gun to the movies with Rolex in them. As to those that besmirch the Rolex prestige and price, it is still one of the most aspirational personal possessions that you could ever want. While I get that rarity drives true value like Ferrari, Jaeger Le Coultre, etc. the Rolex still remains a target of personal accomplishment. And, the durability and robust nature of the oyster cases makes them irrisistable.
Not that it matters but seiko is older than Rolex. Has made Countless innovations as well. Until recently seiko has kept all there finest pieces in the Japan domestic market some cost in the tens of thousands but the seiko brand isn’t a name I’d spend 70 grand on great watches though
Yes, a Seiko watch can retail in the thousands, as in thousands of Yen. I really can’t understand how anyone could equate a Seiko watch in any way, shape or form as a Rolex watch.
Take a look at any Grand Seiko or Credor. I think you’re be hard-pressed to identify any way in which it would be inferior to a Rolex. Except for marketing, of course. Rolexes are undoubtedly the best-marketed watches in the world.
David, either you’re expressing a great sense of humor, or you somehow feel culturally attached to Seiko and compelled to defend it, or you simply have never even held a genuine Rolex, much less owned one. Anyone who has ever gone the extra mile in life, and made the decision to wear a Rolex has a continuing experience and feeling of knowing, without a doubt, that they are the temporary guardian of something truly special.
From the bracelet clasp to the feeling of the case and the winding crown, and the perfect sound of the incomparable click of a perfect bezel….Few are even close, none are better….and NO Seiko is even relevant in such a comparison. However, the Seiko is, and has been for many decades, the perfect watch gift given to someone for achievement in graduating from Junior High School. It makes a fine replacement for the ubiquitous first plastic wrist watches from Timex or Swatch Watch.
Hi, thanks for the article.
I’d like to make a comment regarding the $1m “bar”.
I think that we can say that just one, the last one was above $1m, since the currency conversion has been impacted by the overnight 20+% increase of the CHF vs the other currencies. At the time of the auctions, the sum was below $1m for three out of 4 of them. Am I right?
Keep continuing doing the great job!
I wish I could quote a source, I cannot remember, but I believe I read that the most used watch in the James Bond series of movies was Seiko. Can’t really say for sure where I read that. Oh well. The article was extremely interesting to say the least. peace
Correct informations and history are important.. Thank you for the articles and our reader friends on their contributions to educate people like me who are novice who just starting in the world of watch collection. Im blessed to have all collections of professional rolex watches over the years.. May you continue to publish articles like this.. Thank you..
“In 1931, Rolex invented and patented the first self-winding mechanism with a “Perpetual rotor”.
This statement is completely incorrect and a myth which your magazine both perpetuates and indeed already accepted in a reply letter to me that 1933/34 was the true date
Rolex did not apply for their “self-winding” patent until 14th January 1932, it was granted in March 1933.
The first Rolex self-winding (rotor) wristwatches so called “Didactics” were shipped either Q4 CY 1933 or Q1 CY 1944.
The patent No.,(actually filed by Aegler) is CH160492
If Rolex as you claim manufactured a self-winding watch in 1931:
1) Where is the patent related to a ‘self- winding-rotor’ watch?
2) Not one advert for Perpetual exists prior to 1934, while I have many with “Oyster” during 1931,32 and 33 – but NO mention of “perpetual, or automatic, or self-winding”. Why?
Does your magazine not find that strange, that Rolex would keep its manufacturing secret for four years?
Truly a World Wide magazine of your standing should research its facts prior to constantly repeating this incorrect information.
If you disbelieve me – ask Mr James Dowling, co-author of Rolex-The Best of Times.
Adam R. Harris
For the last 70 years I have loved and admired. ROLEX
I could never afford to.buy one.
I never got to meet mister Albert.I do love Rolex watches though.
I bought a new Rolex Oyster Perpetual datejust in 2015 .
The serial number is R596C193 which implies that it was manufactured in 1987 according to a website Bobs watches.
In recent years the serial numbers have been random . Is there any way of checking that the watch I bought is indeed new and not pre owned ?
I am about to recieve my first Rolex watch and I am very excited I have wanted the time piece since I was five years old
I read the above content about the ROLEX .It inspires me a lot, with this I learnt that how much ROLEX CO. And the employees work hard to make a brand name and reached at the peek level in watch Industry, Rolex maintain there quality and also take care of customer satisfaction. I hope one day company reached at the top in the world.
Hi, could you please tell me if ROLEX made the UNICORN brand wrist watch, cheers Karen
An in-house foundry makes all the gold for Rolex watches. This ensures that all gold used for the production of Rolex watches have a consistent look and quality.
How can I find out how many of a certain vintage watch were produced?
I’ve always loved the Rolex brand. Now I know more of the history of the timepieces, which makes me an even bigger fan.
was the ladies watch ever produced without a second hand ?? and were any produced that we not self winding ??
“Launched in 1953, the Submariner was the first divers’ watch waterproof to a depth of 100 meters”
Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t Panerai’s Radiomir of 1938 tested to 100M, and didn’t Blancpains Fifty Fathoms beat Rolex to the market in 1953?
Rolex is probably a very good watch, but it serves also as a “show off”. People wil buy a Roles like others will buy a BMW, to show that they have made it.
As a fore-stander of keeping a low profile, I would prefer to buy a Breguet, Jaeger, Audemars or IWC and eventually a Langhe. Most unknown brands amongst most people, but certainly as good as a Rolex.
Last but not least, if you read annual statements of a company and you notice that that company spends 30% of sales in marketing, sponsoring and publicity, then the finished product is only worth 70% of its purchase value. The pure value of a product is the sum of engineering, Raw materials and production cost. The est is absorbed in the sales price.
Your “pure value” is cost of goods sold. In the real world cost is what you pay, value is what you get. That’s why a GMT Master II increases over 40% in value when you buy it.
Hi, it is not a matter of lost quality. The highly engineered twinlock or triplock crowns have a top gasket seal which compresses with use and guarantees that your Rolex will remain watertight until next service. If you mind watching, you will notice that the crown screws more deeply with the use and years. It is Impossible with such a system to ask for a fixed position for it. Best!
I have a ladies watch made by Rolex pre the name change
I recently picked up a Datejust – Aesthetically its a beautiful watch. I was however surprised that the crown when in the locked position did not align so as to have the Rolex Symbol face straight up. In my watch, it faced the 6 O’Clock position completely upside down. Now typically this would not bother me, but as a company who prides itself on precision engineering, they would have standards around having the Rolex Symbol always face the 12 O’Clock position. After all its their logo. Interestingly in any picture taken by Rolex of their watch they show the crown always facing the 12 O’Clock position.
On bringing this to the attention of Rolex authorized dealer in Canada, they advised me with a smoke and mirror answer that the crown would face a different way depending on where the thread was started during the manufacturing process.
What surprised me is that if a cap on a Heinz Ketchup Bottle or on a bottle of Maple Syrup (I tested both) were engineered to always screw on so the spout faced the front, why is it that a company that prides itself on precision and markets itself as a quality product, not able to have standards where their own symbol is not shown upside down.
They obviously care about in it their ads, why not in actual production? Perhaps this is the difference between a company that strives for perfection each time on its product. Or is is simply that Rolex Standards are slipping and its more about the brand image and less about the product?
Hi, it is not a matter of lost quality. The highly engineered twinlock or triplock crowns have a top gasket seal which compresses with use and guarantees that your Rolex will remain watertight until next service. If you mind watching, you will notice that the crown screws more deeply with the use and years. It is Impossible with such a system to ask for a fixed position for it. Best!
I was wondering about the Rolex annual production today ; at least 1 million I believe…
Rolex this largest knock-off brand in the world, so bad that used watches are deemed worthless, cause many experts are fooled
You’re high. Look at the cost of a Sub or a GMT, or a Milgauss from the 60’s.
Honor to Rolex, but in an article you do not stare blindly.
Was the submariner not a ‘homage’ to the Blancpain Fifty Fatoms? Are at least, Fatom was the first underwater-style-watch.
With this information you stretch your article to the world of watches.
Thanks for your article, François
Great article! But no mention about history of GMTII.
“horlogerie exquise” It’s just as well they didn’t call in Horlix!!
All I know is that I have 2 Rolex, 2 Hublot, 1 IWC, 1 Chopard and 1 Lange and every single one but the Rolex has required extensive service and a trip but to the factory except the Rolex’s. There are a bunch of great watches out there but for the dollar you can’t beat Rolex.
I’m tired of hearing about ROLRX…..There are too many watches out there of excellent quality, so lets hear about them, eh?
Do you get tired listening to the Beatles ?
I loved anykind of Rolex, because Rolex has “soul and heart,”
I love Rolex
There’s definitely something special about Rolex,it’s so well known that it’s the brand most people think of when they consider quality luxury watches. I’ve never owned one but the brand is never far from my thoughts or others with an interest in watches. One day I’d like to own one to experience the connection with this historic and iconic brand.
My first was a 1977 SS datejust. I now prefer a watch with a diameter between 44mm & 48mm.
It baffles me as to just why Rolex does not offer their models in larger sizes along with their standard ~38mm line. A day/date/month and PVD models would sell well…I’m never paying for a stopwatch complication again ever…no one uses that, it just looks cool.
Thank you for the contribution. From my own point of view you omitted arguably the most significant fact about Rolex, namely that it is not a for-profit company. See here: https://www.quora.com/Is-Rolex-a-non-profit-company-And-if-so-why
I want to respond to a few comments that have been made and want to add a few observations as well.
1. ALL watches are tools: they tell the time. Nonetheless, some are more tool than others.
2. I am sure many owners of Rolex made their purchase for others to see. We have them with us and we feel sorry for them. Fact is that Rolex is a very affordable watch, judging the cost of luxury watches across the spectrum. There are MANY brands, now including Omega, that cost as much as Rolex, but then there are a huge number that are a great deal more expensive than Rolex. So, if you are wealthy, purchasing a Rolex for a son or daughter as a gift in recognition for some or other achievement is a non-event.
3. If one considers that Rolex does a lot of research (their patents prove it) and makes its own movements (all chronometer grade), its prices may not be all that expensive. Because its main goal is not profit, it is possible that, compared to the market, it sells for far below its actual value.
4. Certain Rolex models, e.g. the Submariner, is surely the most copied watch in history. I can think of a long list of brands that makes or made a watch that looks just like the Submariner. It is a hugely popular design, or, it taps into clientele that cannot afford the best-known Rolex. Personally, it took me 10 years of collecting before I bought my first Rolex, a transitional Submariner. The reason is that Rolex is simply unattractive. Only its tool watches have a measure of attraction for me. BUT, it ages fantastically well. Dials, hands and bezels pic up the most wonderful patina and in the process, time acts to augment Rolex’s idea to create master pieces. For me personally there is not a single current Rolex that I will purchase based on its looks. Rolex simply does not make a watch as attractive as the Daytonas of the sixties and seventies that used the Valjoux 72 movement.
5. Rolex is mass produced without a doubt. BUT, who knows what their production plant looks like, how many employees it has and how their production line is organised. It is a mass produced watch that performs unlike a mass produced watch.
6. I surf the web everyday to see what is new on discussion and sales forums. Listings are dominated by pre-owned Rolex. What I cannot figure out is where all these watches come from. Are they from dissatisfied owners or from owners who are ready for their next luxury watch? The mystery for me continues. Prices are going up in a market that seems to be flooded with the product. What about supply and demand determining price?
Whatever whoever says about Rolex, it is a unique enterprise that makes high quality watches that are hugely in demand on a tremendous scale, and that represent an investment to a varying degree.
The issue with Rolex is the world best known watch brand name, make close to 1 million a year and a status symbol. You either hats or love Rolex. I will never buy a Rolex but AP, Patek or Lange.
“In 1926, Rolex patented the first waterproof watch – its famous Oyster.” I didn’t read all the comments if someone pointed that out so: You should be claiming water resistance since no watch is 100% waterproof that is why there is a depth indication on the dial.
However I love your articles :)
The United States FTC allows Rolex to use the term waterproof. Rolex uses it on their website when listing a watch’s rated waterproof depth.
Yes yes we all Know about the King beeing Patek, the Queen Vacheron and the PM Mr Lange. Rolex the knight wins all battles for himself and them.
To all the people who have a Rolex on their wrist, you’re basically letting the rest of us know that you’re a tool and have no interest in watches. You just bought one because you could pronounce it to the sales assistant without looking and sounding like a tool…oops, too late! But that wasn’t enough, you went ahead a bought it anyway. I bet you probably drive a mercedes or BMW, because you have no interest in driving either. But your friends are impressed.
Mr. Mikey, why so mad about Rolex?… What are your brands of choice and why do you love them so?
Request: Mr. Mikey, Please post the link (to this forum) to your globaly recognized brand… I ass/u/me that “your brand’s” net worth is more than $8.8B…
Rolex is the best tool watch maker in the world. Too bad your on welfare.
Isn’t it so.
Hey Mikey,
You are a man of little vision, and short on imagination if you think that all a Rolex watch is for is something to impress people with. Get educated.
Mikey thank you for your insightful information.
Please note I am an avid watch collector and I have one sea dweller in my collection and my wife has 2 in hers.
I didn’t buy this to act like a tool young man. I bought this as it’s now out of production and has already made me 3000e extra euros young man.
Someday If you say up you also can aspire to be a tool. In the meantime young man less of the jealousy as it’s only a watch.
I have 9 of them and they have all increased in value. I’m sorry you can’t afford one and you spill your jealousey onto these sites. The only tool I see is you for venting such crap.
Let people spend their hard earn money on what ever they desire. Enjoy your swatch watch tool!!
Dear Mickey (mouse),
The only tool I see here is your jealous self because you obviously can’t afford one. What I don’t understand is that you have just embarrassed yourself by even commenting on this way about people who can spend their hard earned money which ever way they wish.
I hope you enjoy your swatch watch tool!!!
Mikey, your comment is about as moronic as any post I have ever seen. You have zero concept of value. What I value, and what you value, may be different. For example, just because you highly value a pile of stinky stuff on the dirt patch behind your tent does not make you a bad guy- feel free. Personally, I value a wide variety of well made and timeless things that include, yes, Rolex. Your comment exposes your major issue- jealousy. I cannot afford a Lamborghini (any model), but I sure do respect the car, and the mechanical artists that produce them. Likewise, I appreciate the designers, and craftsmen and women, that produce heirloom quality watches. Please don’t make sweeping and broad judgements about people you have never met. You, as an individual, would be surprised who owns, or has owned, the watches you despise.
Haha!I gess i’m inclusive in the list,bt if I may ask,where were all them other brands when the first rolex waterproof watch came to being in 1914
Geez I was just about to buy a Sky Dweller, thankfully I read your post though. I’m off to the Squale dealer now. Thanks!
Maybe that is why Rolex is known for building “tool” watches. Guilty of owning multiple Rolex’s (Sea Dweller – 2004), 5 vintage Oyster Perpetuals, GMT II Coke & Pepsi, Explorer I & II. Every one has gone up in value since I purchased. Also on my 5th BMW. Love to drive the BMW’s, but Rolex beats BMW on quality hands down. I have no worries buying old, used Rolex’s but would not own a BMW out of warranty. And the value of a BMW does nothing but go down (rapidly). Maybe I should buy more Rolex’s.
You must have touched a sore point, Mickey, judging by the number of responses!
Great article.
Rolex to me is a lifetime asset, I own a 1974 date that has not fade in time.
Nice brand but I can’t help wonder how much one really pays for the ‘prestige and hype’ that comes along with it as well as in other luxury items against their true value (manufacturing cost, etc). Probably around 20%…….rest is one pays for the ‘p&h’. Self-image is really essential to those who need it.
The Rolex Submariner wasn’t the first dive watch. The Zodiac Sea Wolf and the Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms were the first ones in 1953. the submariner was released one year later.
It’s always Rolex, Rolex, Rolex! Get your four-figure toolwatches right here! Who cares about their history?! It’s not one of particular innovation, just good manufacturing and marketing. The bottom line is they are mass producing an item for around 1500 bucks, and pushing it to their customer for five times that! At that sort of level, who cares about their history?! They’ve obviously been oblivious to it themselves!
Sirs, I had read all what did you say about both brands. Rolex and Seiko. Most of you having several watches perhaps of a better brands, like Patek, or Lange and I believe to fight it should be Rolex, or Seiko just strange. Will it be the only watch for all your life? I believe not. Why to fight? Buy Rolex and after buy Seiko. Tastes differ. Why not to wear Asian one as well? Interesting. Even you have all top brands like Patek, Lange, Vacheron, AP, Journe, or even Mille, or any stratospheric and extravagant ones. Are you eating the same meal day by day? No? Why to fight? Today continental and tomorrow Sushi. :) Piece?
Frankly, despite generations of love and respect for the brand by a worldwide audience, the Rolex watch does not do it for me. I’ve looked at every conceivable model and incarnation but they don’t move me. The latest version of the Yacht Master comes close but not to the point of wanting to own one. Each to his own…no disrespect intended.
I would like to get involved with the discussion involving the Rolex brand. I am speaking through experience as I have owned a Rolex Sea Dweller and I must say it was a great tool watch and had lots of prestige and status associated with it. Also kept pretty good time -1.25 seconds a day. However having said that I also had and currently own Omega watches, yes that’s right folks the poorer cousin of Rolex and also the brand that James Bond currently wears. Let’s put aside all this Hollywood hype and look at the watches for what they are. Rolex make good high quality watches and you pay a premium for that and of course the prestige of owning one of the most sought after brands in watches. Omega on the other hand also make good quality watches that keep exceptionally good time they are cheaper than a Rolex and don’t have that same prestige factor as a Rolex until now. Look at what Omega have achieved in terms of innovations like the Master Coaxial Movement the only brand that offers a fully anti magnetic time piece and I’m not talking about encasing the movement in a paramagnetic core like the Rolex Milgauss but actually replacing the hairspring and other parts with anti magnetic materials. I have owned the Seamaster 300 Master Co Axial watch now for 4 months and how does -0.57 seconds a day impress you for accuracy. Not only that but I wear my watch around computers and near strong magnetic fields and it never affects the accuracy of the timekeeping. Let’s talk quality as well, the watch feels and looks top notch from the bezel to the bracelet and the quality feel of wearing it. Not a cheap watch especially the limited Spectre edition which I own and not as expensive as a Rolex Submariner but certainly in the same league in terms of quality and miles ahead in accuracy. Would I buy another Rolex , you bet I would because both brands make fantastic watches.
Amen!
That was a great article…. anyone that owns one or would like to should read it!
Interestingly, you failed to mention that Rolex’s, at least my last 3 – Daytona, Explorer II and Day-Date – DO NOT KEEP GOOD TIME!
When I think James Bond I think Omega Seamaster. When I think Steve McQueen I recall the original Heuer Monaco. I’ll give you the Newman Daytona.
Omega has only recently been on Bond’s wrist. Sean Connery to Pierce Brosnan, all of them wore a black Submariner.
Bond wore a modified Breitling Top Time in Thunderball.
McQueen wore the Heuer Monaco in Le Mans for the motor racing association and the sponsorship, and this has quite rightly made their mark in history. However, in his private life he wore a Submariner 5512 and Explorer II 1655. So, his personal choice was Rolex, no sponsorship or paid for endorsement.
I owned ROLEX SUBMARINER it becomes more pomb and affluent looks.I got also carrera of TAG HEIUR when i knew Jamesbond used to only three brands with indulged Tah heiur .both are well but prefering to Rolex
T.L.Shaw,
“either you’re expressing a great sense of humor, or you somehow feel culturally attached to Rolex and compelled to defend it, or you simply have never even held a Grand Seiko, much less owned one. Anyone who has ever gone the extra mile in life, and made the decision to wear a Grand Seiko has a continuing experience and feeling of knowing, without a doubt, that they are the temporary guardian of something truly special.
From the bracelet clasp to the feeling of the case and the winding crown, and the perfect sound of the incomparable click of a perfect bezel….Few are even close, none are better….and NO Rolex under $30k is even relevant in such a comparison. However, the Rolex is, and has been for many decades, the perfect watch gift given to someone for achievement in graduating from High School/ College. It makes a fine replacement for the ubiquitous first plastic wrist watches from Timex or Swatch Watch.”
Anyone with watch cred knows that Patek Philippe, Lange + Sohne and others are miles ahead of Rolex in every way, shape and form; and yes I own those better brands and I would still prefer a Grand Seiko to a similar priced Rolex.
Rolex is a nice safe luxury item like a BMW – it is not a Ferrari or 911 or Lamborghini, no matter how much spin you want to market around it; but congratulations on Rolex being better at marketing that the other watch brands. It makes for entertaining blogs anyway.
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I own all the watches you mention but still wear Rolex the most. Patek and Lange are simply not very durable
I have held and operated a Grand Seiko! They are well made but I prefer the materials of a Rolex.
I like your post, but not your taste in cars!
You need to add Top Gun to the movies with Rolex in them. As to those that besmirch the Rolex prestige and price, it is still one of the most aspirational personal possessions that you could ever want. While I get that rarity drives true value like Ferrari, Jaeger Le Coultre, etc. the Rolex still remains a target of personal accomplishment. And, the durability and robust nature of the oyster cases makes them irrisistable.
Not that it matters but seiko is older than Rolex. Has made Countless innovations as well. Until recently seiko has kept all there finest pieces in the Japan domestic market some cost in the tens of thousands but the seiko brand isn’t a name I’d spend 70 grand on great watches though
Yes, a Seiko watch can retail in the thousands, as in thousands of Yen. I really can’t understand how anyone could equate a Seiko watch in any way, shape or form as a Rolex watch.
Take a look at any Grand Seiko or Credor. I think you’re be hard-pressed to identify any way in which it would be inferior to a Rolex. Except for marketing, of course. Rolexes are undoubtedly the best-marketed watches in the world.
David, either you’re expressing a great sense of humor, or you somehow feel culturally attached to Seiko and compelled to defend it, or you simply have never even held a genuine Rolex, much less owned one. Anyone who has ever gone the extra mile in life, and made the decision to wear a Rolex has a continuing experience and feeling of knowing, without a doubt, that they are the temporary guardian of something truly special.
From the bracelet clasp to the feeling of the case and the winding crown, and the perfect sound of the incomparable click of a perfect bezel….Few are even close, none are better….and NO Seiko is even relevant in such a comparison. However, the Seiko is, and has been for many decades, the perfect watch gift given to someone for achievement in graduating from Junior High School. It makes a fine replacement for the ubiquitous first plastic wrist watches from Timex or Swatch Watch.
Well put
Hi, thanks for the article.
I’d like to make a comment regarding the $1m “bar”.
I think that we can say that just one, the last one was above $1m, since the currency conversion has been impacted by the overnight 20+% increase of the CHF vs the other currencies. At the time of the auctions, the sum was below $1m for three out of 4 of them. Am I right?
Keep continuing doing the great job!
Over rated and way overpriced
How can a company that makes more than 1 MILLION watches a year yet claim to have “prestooge”
Love how a Grand Seiko totally outperforms it! :-)
Good luck to the fools that bite
Yawn. Another Rolex hater who thinks people actually care about what he thinks. Buy a Rolex; may I suggest a GMT Master2 BLNR. Then get over it :-)
Rolex GMT Master II ??
No regrets believe me :-)
I wish I could quote a source, I cannot remember, but I believe I read that the most used watch in the James Bond series of movies was Seiko. Can’t really say for sure where I read that. Oh well. The article was extremely interesting to say the least. peace
Wonderful watch. I would love to own one. Can not afford it, but one day I will own one.
Correct informations and history are important.. Thank you for the articles and our reader friends on their contributions to educate people like me who are novice who just starting in the world of watch collection. Im blessed to have all collections of professional rolex watches over the years.. May you continue to publish articles like this.. Thank you..
The add now appearing with each photo are very annoying.
“In 1931, Rolex invented and patented the first self-winding mechanism with a “Perpetual rotor”.
This statement is completely incorrect and a myth which your magazine both perpetuates and indeed already accepted in a reply letter to me that 1933/34 was the true date
Rolex did not apply for their “self-winding” patent until 14th January 1932, it was granted in March 1933.
The first Rolex self-winding (rotor) wristwatches so called “Didactics” were shipped either Q4 CY 1933 or Q1 CY 1944.
The patent No.,(actually filed by Aegler) is CH160492
If Rolex as you claim manufactured a self-winding watch in 1931:
1) Where is the patent related to a ‘self- winding-rotor’ watch?
2) Not one advert for Perpetual exists prior to 1934, while I have many with “Oyster” during 1931,32 and 33 – but NO mention of “perpetual, or automatic, or self-winding”. Why?
Does your magazine not find that strange, that Rolex would keep its manufacturing secret for four years?
Truly a World Wide magazine of your standing should research its facts prior to constantly repeating this incorrect information.
If you disbelieve me – ask Mr James Dowling, co-author of Rolex-The Best of Times.
Adam R. Harris
Hi Adam. I appreciate your knowledgeable comment. I have removed the claim you site from the post.
That’s what I thought too…
Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
Great article, in fact, this sort of articles compels me to visit your website at least once a day.
Yet quality of your pictures is not very good, please improve the quality of your photographs.