Where are Rolex Watches Made?

Rolex watches have been a favoured choice of watch for generations due to their prestigious appeal and their excellent quality and reliability.

They have an extensive list of history that goes all the way back to London in 1905. But where are they currently made today?

In today's blog, we will look back on the history of Rolex watches, where they originate and where they are currently being manufactured.

When Were Rolex Watches Created

In London in 1905, Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf. Fast forward to 1980, the brand took a turning point and became one of the most luxurious watch brands in the world.

In 1905 Hans Wilsdorf founded a London company that focused on the distribution of timepieces.

However, Wilsdorf was motivated by wristwatches, although seen as unreliable and not very precise at the time, he wanted to change the way that people thought towards wristwatches because he believed that they had the potential to be reliable and elegant.

So to convince the public, he equipped the wristwatches with small precise movements manufactured by a Swiss watchmaking company in Bienne.

And then by 1910, the Rolex wristwatch was the first wristwatch in the world to receive the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, granted by the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne.

Where Are Rolex Watches Made Today

Today, there are 4 warehouses based in Switzerland, the only place where Rolex watches are manufactured and shipped around the world.

The four locations are;

• Geneva
• Bienne
• Plan-les-Ouates
• Chene-Bourg

Rolex employs around 9000 people across the 4 Switzerland sites to perform the technological process of hand-building each Rolex watch.

Why are Rolex Watches Made in Switzerland?

The reason the business was moved to Geneva is because of the heavy tax on transporting luxury goods after the World War.

Rolex are also able to make their own materials needed for their watches as they have their own foundries in Switzerland.

This also adds to the quality of the watches as Rolex does not outsource any materials to keep their pieces at the highest possible standard.

How Long Does It Take To Make a Rolex?

Each Rolex watch is hand-created with precision and skill. Rolex produces around one million watches per year, with each watch having a human touch.

When Rolex was first making watches, they used their expertise of watch-making coupled with the human eye to identify manufacturer issues. Fast forward to today, each dial for Rolex watches have been rigorously examined to ensure they match the standard.

The production of a brand-new Rolex model can take up to one year! Including the initial design and the final testing.

However, the actual hand assembling of all the tiny pieces that make up the Rolex takes around 3-4 hours.

How Long Is The Waiting List For a Rolex?

The waiting list for a Rolex timepiece can be anywhere between 6 months and 5 years! depending on the model.

This is one of the components that makes Rolex such a luxury product. Their watches are not easily accessible and having a Rolex should be seen as a privilege.

Despite having no guarantee when your dream Rolex watch will arrive, getting on the waiting list itself is fairly simple. The waiting list serves as an interest list that doesn't work on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The list of interests works by a CRM system (customer relationship management). This system will track every interaction you have in a Rolex store and your buying history.

When the watch of your choice comes in the store associates and managers will look at the list to decide who they would like to have the watch.

Where Can I Get a Rolex?

You can get your Rolex brand new from a Rolex store, however, due to the interest list it is not as easy as it may seem if you have your eye on a certain watch.

Over recent years, second-hand Rolex watches have become increasingly popular and are a more accessible option to get your dream Rolex without the wait.

You can find second-hand Rolex watches in jewellery stores, make sure you are choosing reputable sellers who are well-known and trusted.

At Miltons Diamonds we have been trading in luxury second-hand watches and new and second-hand jewellery for over 100 years! Our stores are still family-owned and run by the 4th generation of the Miltons family!

We have employed a number of qualified gemologists in our stores to ensure our customers receive the best and most accurate quote for their jewellery during valuation.

Rolex Watches at Miltons Diamonds

At Miltons Diamonds, we have a wide selection of Rolex watches. Each of the Rolex watches we have is in amazing condition and dates back between 1988 and 2024!

We have a large variety of models, styles and sizes and we will help you to find the perfect watch to add to your collection.

Whether that be a classic Datejust with a Champagne Diamond Dial or a popular Submariner with a Black Dial, we have what you are looking for.

All of our watches are ready to be shipped within 24 hours - or you can get in touch with us and we can arrange for you to try your watch on in one of our Liverpool or St Helens stores so that you can be sure the watch is the perfect fit for you.

If you have any further questions about our collection of Rolex watches or require any assistance then please don't hesitate to contact us and a member of our team will be happy to help you!