Rolex Movement Finishing

[TimelessQuality]

Having seen some beautiful macro photos/videos of modern Rolex movements, I am incredibly impressed with the finishing. It's amazing to think that they put this level of finish on a movement that is not visible - that in itself really says something about these timepieces and Rolex as a whole.

Here are a few beautiful photos with credit to Horology House.

[JSL420]

Great pics
I find 31XX movements more beautifully decorated than 32XX

[Catatafish]

Great pictures. I have to fight the urge every day to crack mine open.

[tng11]

Rolex finishing is functional, but not "impressive" really. You want impressive, take a look at an A. Lange & Sohne for starters!

[shaunylw]

Those are really great pics.


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[Nikrnic]

I always thought they were nice enough for a clear caseback.

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[jstan9]

Stunning pictures. Thanks for sharing them!

[glamorama]

It's not so much impressive finishing but for me it is more impressive tolerances and quality in their manufacturing.

[csaltphoto]

Rolexes are functional art and form follows function. It is a great movement first and foremost for what it does at it's pricepoint. You put it on and don't take it off for the next 10-30 years and it works great the whole time. Maybe reset it once a month or less. Go diving, play sports, climb a mountain, beat the shit out of it and it still works.

Any finishing on that movement is icing on the cake, considering it is sealed in an opaque caseback.

[jctrolex]

If you want to be impressed at that price level have a look at the finishing on a Grand Seiko or JLC.

[exador]

This is finishing

[jctrolex]

Originally Posted by exador

This is finishing

That’s top shelf for sure I would say it surpasses even a VC or PP but that’s also ten times the price of a Rolex.

[scheneider]

rolex finishing looks industrial. not made to be admired
but it lasts

[kieselguhr]

I don’t know about everyone else but I never see a Rolex movement enough and therefore can appreciate it for what it is when pictured or visible. Thanks for sharing OP.

[exador]

Originally Posted by jctrolex

That’s top shelf for sure I would say it surpasses even a VC or PP but that’s also ten times the price of a Rolex.

Actually only 3x the price of a grey market Daytona

[tom2517]

Originally Posted by exador

This is finishing

Not bad.

But Rolex isn’t bad either for a mass produced movement.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

I don’t know about everyone else but I never see a Rolex movement enough and therefore can appreciate it for what it is when pictured or visible. Thanks for sharing OP.

I stare at them for 40hrs a week (and get paid for it), and they still look pretty good to me.

[Token74]

Originally Posted by exador

Actually only 3x the price of a grey market Daytona

Go on then, I will show my ignorance! Which model is this?


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[bondtoys]

Datograph it is or 1815 Chronograph

[padi56]

Originally Posted by tng11

Rolex finishing is functional, but not "impressive" really. You want impressive, take a look at an A. Lange & Sohne for starters!

Have to agree movement finish is really bog standard and nothing more,but finish dont make any movement better, is how it functions thats the real most important factor..

[jctrolex]

Originally Posted by bondtoys

Datograph it is or 1815 Chronograph

It’s a L952.1 movement so that makes it a Datograph Flyback perpetual? So that makes it 10 times the price of a Datejust.

[bondtoys]

From that side, the non-perpetual Datograph and the 1815 look the same

[gunhose]

I think rolex does a good job on finishing their movements for how many they crank out. Durability the best. I have a Patek 3 hand 330 movement in my 6055 but Patek's production is way way lower so I can't compare. You but and spend the money on a PP for the hand finished time consuming movement. Btw I agree the 3100 series is more finished then the new 3200 series by rolex.

[omx5o]

Great images of a great movement. Thanks.

[NYC6]

Wonder how many of those pretty movements from some of the other very high priced pieces would pass COSC testing and take the abuse that a Rolex can? Not too many I’ll venture to say. I purchase watches to be resilient.

[Spoonage]

Originally Posted by SearChart

I stare at them for 40hrs a week (and get paid for it), and they still look pretty good to me.

I wish I had that problem!!!

[padi56]

Originally Posted by NYC6

Wonder how many of those pretty movements from some of the other very high priced pieces would pass COSC testing and take the abuse that a Rolex can? Not too many I’ll venture to say. I purchase watches to be resilient.

The COSC test today is quite antiquated and today most all movements when regulated correctly could pass the test.Even movements from what some would call very low end,take the Chinese made Seagull ST19 movement.With careful regulation can easily match or better the COSC spec cost just $60. And movement is quite resilient but will need more frequent regulation than Rolex to keep it there.

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Originally Posted by exador

This is finishing

This is a design consideration rather than one of finishing

[77T]

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

This is a design consideration rather than one of finishing

I would agree it is fine design with well-finished components. Manual movements give the designer a rich palette to apply their skills in swooping curves and geegaws.

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by NYC6

Wonder how many of those pretty movements from some of the other very high priced pieces would pass COSC testing and take the abuse that a Rolex can? Not too many I’ll venture to say. I purchase watches to be resilient.

I don't think owners of these "pretty" movement watches care to abuse their watches. Personally I don't care to abuse my Rolex pieces either. I think there is something for everyone and part of owning a highly finished watch is being able to appreciate the time and work that went into making it. Handmade watches are a work of art and genius, hence they are not for everyone.