Rolex Watches

Rolex

• Founded: 1905 (London), moved to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919
• Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
• Known For: Precision, prestige, and timeless designs
• Price Range: $5,000 – $500,000+ (vintage models can exceed $1M)

Most Popular Rolex Models

Rolex Materials & Technology

• Oystersteel: Proprietary 904L stainless steel (more corrosion-resistant than standard 316L)
• Cerachrom: Scratch-proof ceramic bezels (used in Submariner/GMT)
• Rolesor: Gold + steel combo (e.g., two-tone Datejust)
• Parachrom Hairspring: Anti-magnetic, shock-resistant movement

Rolex Movements

• Perpetual Rotor: Self-winding mechanical movements (since 1931)
• Superlative Chronometer: -2/+2 sec/day accuracy (exceeds COSC standards)
• Most Popular Calibers:
• 3230 (time-only, Explorer)
• 4130 (Daytona chronograph)
• 3285 (GMT-Master II)

Investment Value

• Vintage Rolex: Paul Newman Daytona ($17.8M auction record)
• Discontinued Models: “Hulk” Submariner, “Pepsi” GMT (pre-ceramic)
• Waitlists: New models often have 2-5 year waits at authorized dealers

Where to Buy?

1. Authorized Dealers (ADs): Retail price but long waitlists
2. Gray Market: Immediate availability (~20-50% markup)
3. Auction Houses: Christie’s, Sotheby’s (for rare/vintage)
4. Pre-Owned: Chrono24, Bob’s Watches, DavidSW

Fun Facts

• James Bond wore a Rolex Submariner in early 007 films.
• Rolex sponsors Wimbledon, F1, and deep-sea exploration.
• The brand produces ~1 million watches/year (vs. Patek’s ~50k).

FAQ

Q: Why are Rolexes so expensive?
A: Swiss craftsmanship, premium materials, and brand prestige.

Q: Is a Rolex a good investment?
A: Certain models (Daytona, GMT) appreciate, but most are luxury purchases, not assets.

Q: How to spot a fake Rolex?
A: Check:

• Smooth second hand (real Rolex ticks 8x/sec)
• Engraved rehaut (inner bezel)
• Micro-etched crown at 6 o’clock

Rolex