When one hears the word Rolex, one does not think about just a watch. A Rolex is a staple of class, luxury and sophistication. It is not just a tool that one wears to keep time but a work of timeless art. With a world renowned brand that has been around for over 100 years, Rolex does not only provide beautiful watches but they also provide reliable, durable watches that will stand the test of time.
Here at FrostNYC.com we pride ourselves in carrying a wide variety of Rolex watches and wanted to provide a few interesting facts about these iconic watches.
All Rolex Watches Are Handmade
Rumor has it that it takes an entire year just to complete one Rolex watch. This could be due to the fact that all of their watches are handmade and go through extensive test to ensure the highest quality.
Rolex is a Swiss Company…
Or so you thought! Although the company has their headquarters in Switzerland, they originated in London. The company began with 2 brother in laws named Hans Wildrof and Alfred Davis who originally started out assembling watches for jewelers. Due to the high taxes during World War I they relocated to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.
Rolex Created the First Waterproof Watch
Rolex created the first waterproof watch in 1926. The watches are of such quality that they have traveled to the deepest parts of the ocean. In 2012, James Cameron descended into the Mariana Trench which has a depth of 10,944 meters (36,070 feet). He sported a Rolex Deepsea Challenge during his voyage which was guaranteed to withstand up to 12,000 meters (39,370 feet); to say the least the watch kept perfect time throughout the entire 7 hours.
Rolex Uses Some of the Most Expensive Metals
Rolex uses a variety of metals in their watches from Stainless Steel, 18K Gold to Platinum. They use the most expensive steel in the world which is 904L which is rust, corrosion and pitting resistant. Rolex also has their own in house foundry, this means they make all of their own gold. Since they can control their entire manufacturing process they ensure a quality watch that will last a lifetime.
It Takes One Year to Make a Rolex
As previously stated it takes one year to make a Rolex. Now do not think it takes an entire year to make just one watch, in reality it takes an entire year for all the components of the watch to be made and then 4 man hours to painstakingly assemble the watch. This goes to show that each watch is built to the highest standard.
Rolex Makes Over 800K Watches a Year
COSC (Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres), the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute. Which is the institute responsible for certifying the accuracy and precision of wristwatches in Switzerland and certifies Rolex, reported that they manufacture over 800,000 watches a year.
Rolex Comes in 26 Different Languages
The “Day Wheel” found on the Rolex Day Date model is available in 26 different languages. This was first introduced in 1956 and is the only watch company that offers this option. Just goes to show the exclusivity of Rolex.
Rolex Produces Over 2000 Watches a Day
As company which which has a presence in over 100 different countries worldwide and produces over 2000 watches per day, one can easily see why they have the reputation they do.
The Most Expensive Rolex Ever Sold
The most expensive Rolex ever sold was at an auction on October 2017. The watch was owned by Paul Newman which sold for $17,752,500.00. It was a 1968 Reference 6239 Daytona made of Stainless Steel and Leather. It is known as one of the most iconic Rolex models of all time.
Rolex Has Over 6,000 People
Rolex has employed over 6,000 people which are spread across its 4 different factories in Switzerland. The 4 factories are located in Les Acacias (located across the Arve River from Geneva) Plan-Les-Ouates, Chêne-Bourg, and of course, Bienne, where Rolex movements are made.
