Is Rolex more durable than other watch brands?

[V10K]

Are Rolex watches more durable than other brands?

I like the designs of JLC, Patek, AP but I am not sure if they are as durable/long lasting as Rolex. I like something that is industrial strength. I don't want a fashion piece that is going to break on my wrist if I am not careful. For some reason I don't have that fear with my Rolex, Rado Ceramic or Cartier Tank but I do have it for other brands. I am just wondering if its something inside my head or is there a real difference?

I have seen that JLC charges alot for repairs as I imagine the other exclusive watch manufacturers do. I would be irritated if I was repairing my watch every 5 years, once in 10 is ok for me.

Thanks for any sincere advice!

[GradyPhilpott]

I think that among mechanical watches Rolex is right up there with the most durable, but Patek and JLC probably aren't among them.

[Juantxo]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

I think that among mechanical watches Rolex is right up there with the most durable, but Patek and JLC probably aren't among them.

Agree 100%.

[Juantxo]

Yes, sincerely, yes.

[eddie m]

Yep and seiko too.

[skkali168]

Originally Posted by eddie m

Yep and seiko too.

Agree with seiko :)


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[Noxa]

Nope not inherently, different models from different brands will generally be as robust, generally Rolex make sportier, more toolish watches so as a collection Rolex are very robust and certainly designed for life but no more that any well made high end watch imo. Yeah they use a hardened proprietary steel but look at the likes of Sinn and Damasko, now that's when you'll see true durability at least on the case side of the equation. But as for your examples a JLC reverso is clearly not built to be robust as it has no need to be (yes I know polo) but let's face it it gets a ball or stick and it over but a JLC Deepsea tribute for example certainly looks tough and robust to me.

[ferrissteve11]

From a robustness point of view I'd say Rolex over Patek or JLC. As for exclusivity and haute horology...well that's another discussion all together.
I like that I can put on my watch and wear it all day and not have to really worry about what I do. I feel this way about Rolex. I'd be more aware of what I was doing if wearing an ALS or Patek.

[HogwldFLTR]

I know Rolex has done a lot on their movements to make them shock resistant. Does anyone know of other manufacturers who have put so much effort into developing shock resistant mechanisms?

[meganfox17]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I know Rolex has done a lot on their movements to make them shock resistant. Does anyone know of other manufacturers who have put so much effort into developing shock resistant mechanisms?

I waited for a long time for some0ne on the forum to actually pose this question so this is my cue call!

Yes Mr Lee.I'm not referring to G Shocks but such a watch does exist.Not only it is capable of a 30 Gs force tolerance but just imagine you're witnessing a test dummy strapped with one that undergoes continuous violent shakings and vibrations all day that you break into cold sweats, makes you nauseous and wanna puke !
Here are the clues:Testing Beyond Endurance ; Martin Baker Ejection seats

[tyler1980]

Originally Posted by meganfox17

I waited for a long time for some0ne on the forum to actually pose this question so this is my cue call!

Yes Mr Lee.I'm not referring to G Shocks but such a watch does exist.Not only it is capable of a 30 Gs force tolerance but just imagine you're witnessing a test dummy strapped with one that undergoes continuous violent shakings and vibrations all day that makes you nauseous and wanna puke !
Here are the clues:Testing Beyond Endurance ; Martin Baker Ejection seats

I'm waiting for the RM follow up with the watch designed to resist a G-Force of 10,000

[Devildog]

Originally Posted by meganfox17

I waited for a long time for some0ne on the forum to actually pose this question so this is my cue call!

Yes Mr Lee.I'm not referring to G Shocks but such a watch does exist.Not only it is capable of a 30 Gs force tolerance but just imagine you're witnessing a test dummy strapped with one that undergoes continuous violent shakings and vibrations all day that you break into cold sweats, makes you nauseous and wanna puke !
Here are the clues:Testing Beyond Endurance ; Martin Baker Ejection seats

Originally Posted by tyler1980

I'm waiting for the RM follow up with the watch designed to resist a G-Force of 10,000

I believe Megan is referring to Bremont. But yes, RM produce a watch with a more resiliant movement.

neither Baemint or RM howver can possibly surpass the resiliance of my wife's 26mm Oyster Perpetual. Given the level of abuse that poor watch takes without missing a beat it must surely be the most durable timepiece on the planet

[locutus49]

Megan, you have surpassed yourself.

Originally Posted by meganfox17

I waited for a long time for some0ne on the forum to actually pose this question so this is my cue call!

Yes Mr Lee.I'm not referring to G Shocks but such a watch does exist.Not only it is capable of a 30 Gs force tolerance but just imagine you're witnessing a test dummy strapped with one that undergoes continuous violent shakings and vibrations all day that you break into cold sweats, makes you nauseous and wanna puke !
Here are the clues:Testing Beyond Endurance ; Martin Baker Ejection seats

[Syed117]

My dad has two Omegas from 1967 and 1971.

The 67 runs about 15 seconds a day and the 71 about 10.

Neither have ever been serviced.

Unless there is some serious impact or other damage, I think most watches from good brands (especially Rolex) will stand the test of time.

[lhawli]

Originally Posted by Syed117

My dad has two Omegas from 1967 and 1971.

The 67 runs about 15 seconds a day and the 71 about 10.

Neither have ever been serviced.

Unless there is some serious impact or other damage, I think most watches from good brands (especially Rolex) will stand the test of time.

My father also has an omega from '81 and you should see that thing - you would think that it's been through WW1 & 2 and is running strong. It's gaining about 16s/d based on my timegrapher but that is impressive.

I say both omega and rolex are robust - but hey, so is a g-shock!


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[Leodagan]

Rolex is not known as a manufactury of "haute horlogerie' . The number of component parts is much higher in so-called complicated watches (date,phases of moon, retrograde hand, etc.). And that's why Rolex is less fragile IMHO

[breitlings]

Originally Posted by Leodagan

Rolex is not known as a manufactury of "haute horlogerie' . The number of component parts is much higher in so-called complicated watches (date,phases of moon, retrograde hand, etc.). And that's why Rolex is less fragile IMHO

The movement s are thicker. Do not use lever regulation and every watch is individually tested on specially built machines. Those are other reasons.

[locutus49]

My Rolexes have all been very durable and robust.

[avilhena]

I've owned Rolex for more than 10 years and having owned watches from inumerous brands I can say that, for sure, Rolex is one of the most durable in the sense of robustness

[FTX I]

I'd say Omega & Rolex are equally durable.

[tyler1980]

RM is definitely more durable than Rolex, but generally yes Rolex is pretty good as they are a tool watch.

10 year service is stretching it IMO and is NOT an official recommendation from Rolex. Also Rolex's service costs are higher than AP for example as a percent of the overall RRP of the watch getting repaired. Service time takes longer than AP as well. So there are lots of factors to consider.

I do consider my Rolex to be more durable than my AP's or my Patek but that does not make it better or worse, its just different.

[Wesley Crusher]

Originally Posted by tyler1980

RM is definitely more durable than Rolex

And this is based on....?

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by Wesley Crusher

And this is based on....?

Easy answer my friend. RM was founded in 1999 and the first watch produced went on sale in 2001. Not many companies can say the first watch ever produced is still working.

[The Libertine]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I'd say Omega & Rolex are equally durable.

Agree.

[uansari1]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I'd say Omega & Rolex are equally durable.

Definitely been my experience. My Seamasters are just as robust as my Rolex pieces.

[Dirt]

Originally Posted by uansari1

Definitely been my experience. My Seamasters are just as robust as my Rolex pieces.

Agreed.
Of course that's when the watches are worn with a degree of respect and consideration, as all mechanical watches should be.
There should be not much difference between them in theory.

It's when accidents happen that the durability of a watch comes into question and those events are too infrequent and random with no two being the same to be able to draw comparisons.

I will always go with a well established reputation.
Rolex movements have a reputation for being robust(tanks) among the people who service and repair them professionally year in year out and for very good reasons.
Lets not forget that at one stage in history, Omega was widely regarded as having the superior watches and movements compared to Rolex for equally good reasons.

Over time, Rolex was successful in redefining and shifting the parameters surrounding the definition of reliability to become the industry standard.
This situation has been in place for many decades now with careful redesign and application of sound re-engineering principals to their movements building on inherent strengths and the shift to newer and better design.
Hence the new movements emerging from Rolex which should keep them at or near the top of the game.

It remains to be seen whether the Daniels escapement as presented by Omega proves to be as good as hoped.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by FTX I

I'd say Omega & Rolex are equally durable.

I'd definitely add Breitling to the list of durable watches!!!! My SuperOcean Steelfish X-Plus seems pretty damned tough. It's one of the reasons I like it. Obviously the entire brand isn't made to be this rugged but this one nails it imho. FWIW, not all Omegas are created equal either. Some of the early Co-axials are known to self destruct. It took four iterations and recalls for Omega to get it right. I'm waiting for the shoe to drop on my Planet Ocean.

[FTX I]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I'd definitely add Breitling to the list of durable watches!!!!

Never had one but I agree with you, Lee.

[Mystro]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I'd definitely add Breitling to the list of durable watches!!!!

^^^ Agree. Breitling builds a solid and durable watch. They do the golf club test on their watches. Omega movements are spotty in the durable dept. The Coaxial is sensitive on the correct oiling.

[NLYogi]

Rolex makes one of the sturdiest luxury watches. Designed and tested for years of daily use. Regarding durability one of the best I guess.