Are Rolex a tool watch manufacture ?

[Burlington]

I’ve been made curious by a post elsewhere on the forum about tool watches.

As one of the few non Rolex owners here, I’m interested in views and opinions on the following.

Is (your) Rolex is a tool watch and why ?

Does anyone use it as a timekeeper where there is no better or alternative option which would work equally well at less cost with the same levels of durability, reliability and longevity?

[dricig]

5 digits were tool watches.
My Seadweller 16600 is one of the last real tool watches.
skin or sky diving it can do it all.

[Jona]

I consider my 114060 a tool watch. My others, in sig, not so much.

[iTreelex]

Watches aren't tools anymore these days. Most are pieces of jewelry. I do applaud those who daily their Rolex regardless if it's a 5 digit or 6. I only have 2 now 16570 and SD4k. I switch every day but I opt for the 16570 when travelling/ outdoorsy activities.

Many "purists" insist the 5 digit is the last "tool" watch but Rolex watches will be Rolex watches aka can be worn with no worries

[brnalkn]

I couldnt understand the tool watch difference between 5 and 6 digits ?

[Lol-x]

6 digits are just as strong as 5 digits.

[interestedwatcher]

Originally Posted by Burlington

I’ve been made curious by a post elsewhere on the forum about tool watches.

As one of the few non Rolex owners here, I’m interested in views and opinions on the following.

Is (your) Rolex is a tool watch and why ?

Does anyone use it as a timekeeper where there is no better or alternative option which would work equally well at less cost with the same levels of durability, reliability and longevity?

I don't think tool watch means it's literally used as a tool. I mean if time keeping was the sole function, I would use a g shock, and in fact I often do.

I think tool watch just delineates it from other luxury brands, that you wouldn't wear whilst swimming, hiking or whatever. I mean let's face it - Rolex are really an entry level luxury watch.

[zjd168]

nope, it is a luxury watch

[Krash]

Originally Posted by zjd168

nope, it is a luxury watch

[77T]

If a tool must be tough, and up to the demands of its owner, then the current lineup is the most resilient and hardiest from better shock protection, anti-magnetic materials, stronger cases and bracelets.

Just the facts...


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[brucethemanlee]

Originally Posted by 77T

If a tool must be tough, and up to the demands of its owner, then the current lineup is the most resilient and hardiest from better shock protection, anti-magnetic materials, stronger cases and bracelets.

Just the facts...


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Totally agree!

6 digit better in specs vs. 5 digits from all avenues.

Sure 6 digit has more pricier components (ie white gold surrounds, ceramic, etc) - but at the end of day their tougher and can still do everything the 5 digit did (tell time, date, day, chrono, timing bezel, GMT, etc)

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by zjd168

nope, it is a luxury watch

The construction has improved over the years with higher, and more automated, precision but of course they’re still every bit as much a tool watch as they were decades ago. What’s really changed significantly is the global brand perception and more importantly the price.

[Redmy]

I personally think the 6 digit models look more "luxury" now compared to the old 5 digit models. 5 digit models always looked and feel more "rugged" to me.

I have a 5513 mk1 maxi but I don't wear it as a tool watch. If I were to work on my house or whatever it may be where I'm grounding and pounding, I'd switch to the trusty Seiko SKX or a G-Shock.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by Redmy

I personally think the 6 digit models look more "luxury" now compared to the old 5 digit models. 5 digit models always looked and feel more "rugged" to me.

I have a 5513 mk1 maxi but I don't wear it as a tool watch. If I were to work on my house or whatever it may be where I'm grounding and pounding, I'd switch to the trusty Seiko SKX or a G-Shock.

That’s because 5 digits are older by definition and look more used than a shiny blingy brand new 6 digit. 5 digits are what - already up to 35 years old or so! And a 5513 you wouldn’t use as a tool watch because you risk devaluing it if you damage it!!

[HogwldFLTR]

For about the umpteenth time, tool watches were created for certain purposes. For Rolex the list is diving, multiple time zones, mountain climbing, spelunking, magnetic flux resistance, yacht and auto racing timing. There was a time if one wanted to pursue those pursuits and needed a tool for timing that Rolex was the be all end all. They were a bit more expensive but built to last for many years. Now there are many other alternatives for these pursuits.

Rolex has done little to change their formula for building watches for these purposes but they are no longer a bit more expensive than the other alternatives. They are exhorbitently priced so much so that they will perform the function but aren't sold mainly for that. They're sold as jewelry. They work as tool watches but they're much more jewel watches. Very few who pursue endeavors requiring tool watches will go for a Rolex as their first choice unless they're trying to impress by showing off how wealthy they are. They are over priced and there are more capable choices for orders of magnitude less cost.

[Redmy]

Originally Posted by Hub6152

That’s because 5 digits are older by definition and look more used than a shiny blingy brand new 6 digit. 5 digits are what - already up to 35 years old or so! And a 5513 you wouldn’t use as a tool watch because you risk devaluing it if you damage it!!

[horseShu]

No, they are jewelry and status symbols now.
At best you can call them ostentatious tool watches worn to impress first, to be durable second.


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[cvera]

I don't consider them to be practical tool watches. They might be able to do some tool watch tasks, but there are more practical and affordable options than Rolex.

[007_Omega]

Pre-quartz Rolex were definitely tool watches. Post quartz they began their transition to luxury pieces and each year they become more luxury.

As for this whole 5 vs 6 digit debate, the 6 digit watches are better made and more durable. Just because they look more like jewelry doesn't take away from the fact that they are very well built watches. The 5 digit watches wear lighter on wrist, which practically speaking makes them generally more comfortable. Despite feeling much cheaper, a 5 digit model is a very robust timepiece.

Rolex are built to be used and used hard at that. In many ways, they are antiquated technology but beautiful antiquated technology. They are no longer the best "tools" for the job. In my opinion, they are the most durable and functional fully mechanical watches. Mechanical watches have been outdated for decades as tools; however, most of us understand that their purely functional use is not the reason why we love and buy these watches.

[2Redbulls]

Not sure how anyone can justify paying 5,6, 7+ thousand dollars for a tool to tell the time. These are luxury goods that people try to justify in different ways. To me it's jewelry that has a function but it's certainly not a tool.

[franklin]

They are watches. Period.

[Rado63]

I feel we have passed the era of tool watches. What I mean by that comment is that the mechanical watches are limited to a few complications or functions. Any Rolex can be used as a timing device, and therefore it is a tool watch.
Today a wearable device that is electronic, offer far more features on the wrist than any mechanical watch. Look at the line of wearables and smartwatches from Garmin as an example, and you quickly realize that no one in the modern age is using a Rolex or any mechanical watch as the tool watch. I might use a mechanical as a back up to my electronic gear, but no one is diving without electronic gear or high altitude parachuting without an electronic altimeter, and any electronic wearable can give an accurate GPS location and the day, date, time of any location in the world. problem however is they depend on a power source. If you run out of power you better know how to use your watch as a compass, or use your mechanical to time a dive, or determine when to pull the parachute.

[SearChart]

I'd say my basic 114200 is a tool watch. Have worn it during ultra marathons, swimming in Scotland, skydiving.

[RyanJ]

"Tool Watch" = Marketing which Rolex is very very good at.

I mowed a lawn wearing an ALS 1815 Up Down... Guess it's a tool watch now!

[Ihatecheese]

They make very nice jewellery.

It is not a tool out of necessity, rather it's prettier and a bit less accurate than something quartz for £10.

Much like a Hermes bag is used to carry vital 'tools'. Rather than a Walmart bag, which at least is waterproof in that example. My diamond earrings are toolish too as they are so strong and sharp, but my gf keeps stealing them

[Ihatecheese]

Double post

[Maximus84]

I can understate arguments that Rolexes aren’t ‘tool’ watches anymore, as cheaper options serve the purpose. However, just because there’s an alternative, it doesn’t stop the Rolex being any less ‘tool’.

I’ve used my 16570 Polar on deployment, and the GMT hand is very useful. Yes it’s an expensive way to tell the time (and a second time zone) but it is elegant and remarkably accurate (+/-1s p/d).

[GGGMT]

214270 my tool watch. Including chainsawing down and bucking a tree today. And it shows it. Years of abuse with +\- 0 loss. The thing is just sick




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[padi56]

After reading the thousands of posts on forum especially over the past 5 year's or so most Rolex watches get such a pampered life they could make them from glass.Afraid the days of the Rolex tool watch are long gone today Rolex watches are now little more thought of as £££££$$$$ to many, Instead of one of the toughest long lasting mechanical watches made on this planet today.

[Hub6152]

Originally Posted by padi56

After reading the thousands of posts on forum especially over the past 5 year's or so most Rolex watches get such a pampered life they could make them from glass.Afraid the days of the Rolex tool watch are long gone today Rolex watches are now little more thought of as £££££$$$$ to many, Instead of one of the toughest long lasting mechanical watches made on this planet today.

Where can I get a protector film for my Deepsea?