What makes a Rolex, a Rolex? That is a question you should ask your self before you drop a fairly significant amount of cash on a watch. Heck there are millions of clones out there for sale, so why by the Rolex? Well that is actually an easier question to ask than you would think, and the uniformed consumer would answer, “Because it’s a Rolex.” My friends they are spot on correct with their answer. It is the materials, the craftsmanship, and the brand protection that makes Rolex, a Rolex. But even though they are right with their simple answer lets delve a little further in order to really know and be able to give a more comprehensive answer when inevitably we are asked this question when someone spots that work of are on your wrist.
The Materials
Rolex is known for quality and that quality starts with the raw materials Rolex uses to make their watches. While most watches use 316L steel Rolex uses 904L steel, well right you say while thinking, what the heck is the difference? The difference is in the Nickel content of the steel, Rolex uses steel with a higher nickel content of that used by most other watchmakers. Again most of us would say cool and then again think to ourselves what the heck is the difference? Here the difference is in the corrosion resistance. Lets not forget that Rolex makes the ultimate tool watch, and for some the most corrosive material their watch will encounter is the sweat on their wrist, but for others it may spend time in the ocean of other harsh environments and come out none the worse for the wear. And that’s just the steel, Rolex also brings in raw gold to smelt it to their own specifications for durability, color, and color fastness. So are you starting to see what makes Rolex, Rolex?
The Craftsmanship
Now that the material have arrived its time to do something with it, but Joe from down the block isn’t going to whip up a watch just because he has the finest materials available. Rolex doesn’t have the average Joe it has some of the finest craftsmen available. The magic begins in Rolex’s own science lab, and the first thing generally comes to mind when thinking about scientists at a watch company of is engineers kicking around new ideas for movements and watches, and sure that happens there but that is just a small element of what they do. In the science lab the manufacturing process on the whole is examined, tweaked, and made more efficient. From the machines themselves to the oil used to make them run in the most efficient manner possible. Rolex’s science lab is responsible for such innovations as the parachrom bleu hairspring and ceramic bezel. And also know that all the watches they make are hand fitted and checked by one of their watchmakers for perfection.
The Brand
Rolex’s protecting of the brand is as good quality and as important to Rolex as the watches they make. Rolex has gone through extreme measures to thwart counterfeiting and misrepresentation. They have also gone so far to protect the brand that they have affected international trade regulations. All this means that your Rolex will always be a special watch. All of this is what makes a Rolex a Rolex.
