The Truth Behind Some Popular Rolex Myths | Bob's Watches

In this video we debunk some of the most popular Rolex myths you have probably already heard.

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Rolex is easily the most famous watch brand in the world, but this means that there can often be a lot of myths and general misinformation about this legendary company.

Myth #1: Rolex watches don’t tick.

This myth is definitely false and busting it is a two part process. The “tick” referred to here is typically what is associated with quartz movements. The seconds hand moves once per second and when it does, it makes an audible ticking sound.

Rolex previously made quartz watches, so this myth is busted right there, but even mechanical watches tick - they just do so at a much faster pace. The seconds hand on a modern Rolex appears to glide smoothly, but it is actually ticking at a rate of 28,800 beats per hour (8 ticks per second).

Myth #2: Rolex never made quartz watches.

Rolex used to make quartz watches, but they have all been discontinued. However, between the late 1970s and early 2000s, Rolex sold quartz-powered versions of the Datejust and Day-Date.

Officially known as Rolex Oysterquartz watches, it is estimated that only about 25,000 examples were produced during the approximate 25 years that they remained part of Rolex’s catalog.

Myth #3: Rolex has American roots.

Rolex watches are made in Switzerland and the brand itself has nothing to do with the United States. Rolex was originally founded in London, England before relocating to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919.

Furthermore, Rolex’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf was German (a Bavarian, to be precise) and even from the very earliest days of the company, the brand’s watches have always been Swiss-made.

Myth #4: The only gold Rolex ever used is 18k gold.

Today, the only gold that Rolex uses is 18k, but this was not always the case. If you look at vintage Rolex watches, you will find older models in both 14k and 9k gold. Additionally, you will even encounter some gold-capped watches that feature a thick layer of gold applied to the top of their steel cases.

Myth #5: Rolex does not make complicated watches.

Rolex built its reputation by producing simple and reliable wristwatches, but the myth that it doesn’t make complicated watches is just flat-out false, especially in more recent years.

A complication is any function other than telling the time. Therefore, day and date displays, second timezones, chronographs, and moonphases are all different types of complications - and these can all be found on Rolex watches.

Additionally, both the Sky-Dweller and Yacht-Master II have incredibly complex movements. The Sky-Dweller features an annual calendar with GMT-functionality, while the Rolex Yacht-Master II features a programmable countdown timer with flyback and fly-forward capabilities.

Myth #6: Rolex invented the automatic watch.

Rolex has invented many things, but the automatic watch is not one of them. Self-winding movements have existed since the early 1770s, but Rolex took their initial design and made it infinitely better, establishing the system that forms the basis of all modern automatic winding movements.

Myth #7: Rolex case backs never have any markings.

It is true that most Rolex watches do not have any case-back markings, but this is not true for all models. Both the Milgauss and Deepsea have case-backs that contain engravings along their periphery and you will also find case-back engravings on older Sea-Dweller and Lady-Datejust watches.

Myth #8: Rolex has always made its own movements.

Today, all Rolex watches have in-house movements, but this certainly was not always the case.

When Rolex was first founded, the brand relied exclusively on outsourced movements and the Rolex Daytona didn’t get an in-house caliber until 2000. Since then, all Rolex watches have featured in-house movements, but for the first 95 years of the brand’s history, Rolex received movements from third-party sources.

There is a lot of misinformation out there about Rolex, but the truth is out there and following knowledgeable, reputable sources is the best possible way of separating fact from fiction when it comes to the world’s most famous watch manufacturer.

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