Where Are Rolex Watches Made?
30th Sep 2021
Rolex watches have long been the standard of luxury, a status symbol as much as a sign of exquisite taste. Rolex watches didn’t get a reputation for excellence by accident: Every step of a Rolex watch’s production, from development to polish, occurs in a Rolex-owned facility, allowing them to control even the most minute details.
A Brief History of Rolex
Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis founded Wilsdorf and Davis in 1905 in London, which they renamed Rolex Watch Company, Limited in 1915. After World War I, the company moved to Geneva, Switzerland, where it has remained. By 1920, the brand was redubbed Montre Rolex SA and eventually just shortened to Rolex SA.
Determined to find a way to protect watches from dust and water, Wilsdorf tirelessly pursued a waterproof watch and, in 1922, the Rolex Submariner was introduced. As the world’s first waterproof watch, the case rested within an outer case that was watertight.
By 1926, Wilsdorf introduced the Oyster case, making a completely waterproof watch suitable for diving enthusiasts. Over time, Rolex purchased the companies they sourced parts from, and each watch is now made entirely in-house by Rolex’s highly trained experts.
Some aspects of a Rolex are still only completed by hand, such as the assembly and regulation of the calibers.
Where are Rolex watches made? Rolex production locations
Rolex watches are manufactured in Switzerland, entirely made in four factories. In the world of luxury watches, Rolex is known for overseeing every aspect when they create a watch. Highly trained watchmakers work on each Rolex, from the raw material stage to polishing the finished product.
Rolex runs these four facilities to ensure that every luxury watch meets their rigorous standards. Every location has a unique part to play in making the ultimate watch. Collectively, they create nearly a million watches yearly for watch aficionados around the globe.
If you ever look to buy a Rolex and the seller claims the watch was made anywhere else than these main facilities, the watch is almost guaranteed to be a fake.
Les Acacias, Switzerland
Les Acacias, Geneva serves as the brand’s international headquarters. Built-in 1965 with a façade in the trademark Rolex green, the complex houses the brand’s management, research and development, design, communications, sales, after-sales service, final assembly of parts, and quality control.
The rigorous quality control each watch undergoes at the Les Acacias facility ensures each piece is perfectly crafted to Rolex’s high standards. Every watch is tested for self-winding, waterproofness, and precision. Each watch receives the Green Rolex Seal with a five-year guarantee at the end of the quality control process.
Bienne, Switzerland
Until 2004, Bienne was the site of the Aeglar Company, which made Rolex’s high-quality calibers. In 2004, Rolex acquired them for allegedly more than a billion CHF. The site now employs more than 2000 people who produce the precise movements of a Rolex watch, including the calibers, the patented Paraflex shock absorbers, and Parachrom balance springs.
Plan-les-Ouates, Switzerland
Located in Geneva, Switzerland, Plan-les-Ouates develops and produces quality cases and bracelets for Rolex watches. This facility is the biggest of the four Rolex complexes, and six of its eleven stories are underground for maximum security.
The site includes a state-of-the-art laboratory with robotic inventory, iris security scanners, and Rolex’s pirate gold foundry. They craft their three types of 18K gold in-house: yellow gold, white gold, and Everose gold, Rolex’s proprietary pink gold.
They also manufacture their 904L stainless steel at this location. Other elements housed here include an industry-leading ceramics department and top-rated scientists who study lubrication, wear, and friction of the various metals used in the construction of a Rolex watch.
Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland
The facility at Chêne-Bourg houses dial and gem-setting development and production. Rolex only uses flawless gemstones in their watches, and the dial markers are crafted from solid gold. Before leaving the Chêne-Bourg facility, all watch cases are hand polished to ensure a flawless finish.
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Rolex Manufacturing Process
Rolex is also known for its use of the finest machinery and equipment in a mixture of old world craftsmanship and cutting edge production technology. Both machines and hand work are used by Rolex watchmakers to manufacture each luxury watch. Raw materials like gold, steel, and special metals are made by the process. Highly skilled watchmakers then work on machining raw materials into tiny watch parts.
Each Rolex movement is carefully assembled by hand. The movement is the watch's engine that powers its functions. Rolex closely enforces strict quality control at every stage. Watch fans love Rolex, because tens of thousands of unaccounted hours are poured into making every design spot on. The ceramic bezel and long power reserve are proof of Rolex’s attention to quality.
Each Rolex watch is subjected to countless tests before leaving the factory. They have to be checked for quality, and Rolex world headquarters ensures that each one meets their high standards. From the iconic Oyster watch to contemporary head-turners, each is a reflection of the very best in luxury watchmaking. It’s this careful process that leads many collectors to believe that a Rolex watch is the finest watch in the world.
How to Tell if a Rolex Is Real
Rolex’s exceptionally high standard of craftsmanship, strict oversight of every production element, and rigorous quality control tests make Rolexes hard to imitate, though many people try. If you are wondering how to tell if a Rolex is real, check the watch for these qualities:
- Rolex watches are only made in Switzerland, so the real thing has “Swiss made” printed on the bottom of each dial, in tiny print.
- Rolex watches never tick. They are operated by an automatic movement, which is entirely soundless.
- Serial numbers are laser-etched on the Renault (inner bezel) of all Rolex watches produced after 1960. Before 1960, the serial number was etched between the 6 o’clock lugs. Whatever serial number you see should perfectly match the serial number on the certificate of authenticity.
- A crown should be etched on the glass at the 6 o’clock position on every Rolex. This can be difficult to see, so you might need a magnifying glass.
- Rolex watches have a smooth case back unless the model is vintage.
- The cyclops over the date should be smooth and polished on a real Rolex watch. These are incredibly hard to imitate, so, if you notice any flaw here, be wary.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rolex made by hand or machine?
Rolex uses a mix of machines and also hand work to produce their watches. Machines assist in machining raw materials and cutting from stock or plate accurate parts. But every Rolex movement is carefully assembled by hand by highly skilled watchmakers.
They also hand-polish cases and set the gems by hand. The combination of machine and handwork is the sweet spot of precision and craftsmanship that makes each Rolex watch special.
Why is Rolex made in Switzerland?
Rolex is manufactured in Switzerland because the nation has a rich history of Swiss watchmaking. Switzerland has been the center of the luxury watch industry for hundreds of years.
The country has highly skilled watchmakers and strict quality standards. Making Rolex watches in Switzerland also lets them control quality at every step. Swiss-made watches are known worldwide as the best luxury watches you can buy.
Are Rolex 100% Swiss made?
Yes, Rolex watches are 100% Swiss made. A Rolex is manufactured in one of their four factories in Switzerland. From the movement to the case and bracelet, it’s a true in-house creation. Rolex has its own foundries for gold and steel.
They even make their own ceramic bezel materials. This total control over every aspect of production ensures that each and every Rolex watch is built to the finest Swiss quality.
Are any Rolex watches made in China?
No, Rolex watches are never made in China. All genuine Rolex watches are manufactured only in Switzerland. Rolex world headquarters and all its production facilities are based in Switzerland.
When someone tries the line to sell you a Rolex made in China, it’s fake. Watch enthusiasts know that authentic Rolex operates only in Switzerland. Any luxury watch claiming to be Rolex but made elsewhere is not real.