Rolex is one of the best Swiss luxury watchmakers in the world that emphasizes beauty and high functionality.
Although renowned for their high prices, Rolex watches are not only a symbol of one's status, they are also an important part of the history of cinema. For example, in the James Bond films, Rolex watches assist the main character in completing reconnaissance missions. In 1962, actor Sean Connery who played Bond used a Rolex Submariner 6358 to track down Dr. No.
Therefore, it is not surprising that some people believe that Rolex watches are specially made for people of a certain class. However, have you ever wondered why Rolex watches cost hundreds of millions?
Here are some of the reasons behind Rolex's fantastic price tag, as quoted from The Watch Company:
1. High quality stainless steel
To make Rolex stand out from the rest, the company makes luxury timepieces with unrivaled classic designs. One of them is the use of quality stainless steel of the 904L type. This type of steel is much stronger and shinier than regular 316L steel, which other watchmakers are used to.
904L stainless steel is not only expensive, but also difficult to manufacture. Rolex began using this steel extensively in 2003.
Since all Rolex watches are typically handcrafted, most of the existing tools and machinery have been replaced to produce 904L stainless steel. It takes special skills and extra work to produce this type of steel. Therefore, most watchmakers continue to rely on 316L steel. As a result, Rolex may be the only watch company to use 904L steel.
2. World-class research facilities
Rolex has a world-class Internal Research and Development department. They have laboratories and professional facilities where researchers and scientists work on Rolex watches and new manufacturing techniques.
Rolex must ensure that they have the best team in these laboratories and facilities. Therefore, they prefer to use highly trained scientists in chemical laboratories for research on the oils and lubricants used in their movement.
Other Rolex-specific facilities include a pressure test chamber for testing watch movements, cases and bracelets. The company also has rooms with several electron microscopes and gas spectrometers, where research on metals and other materials is carried out.
3. Water-resistant to high depths
Rolex watches come with extraordinary features. Some of their watches are even water-resistant to a depth of 300 meters, like the Rolex Submariner. To ensure a high level of water resistance, each Rolex watch is usually tested under a pressurized tank. As for testing Rolex DeepSea watches, Rolex often uses a high-pressure water tank that has been specially redeveloped through COMEX.
4. Gem expert team
To bring luxury watches to consumers, Rolex employs a team of gemologists whose job it is to assist in the purchasing, testing and setting of precious materials, including gold and diamonds, into their various luxury watch models. In addition, the company employs traditional jewelers to assist with hand picking of diamonds and precious stones.
5. Own gold production
Rolex is said to be the only watch manufacturer that produces its own gold. This explains why some Rolex gold models are on the list of the most expensive watches. Rolex typically refines 24K gold into 18K yellow, white or Everose gold for their products.
