Tests Rolex watches are subjected to

In this article we will talk about the main tests to which Rolex watches are subjected. This watch brand has earned its prestige within the fine watchmaking industry.

Much of its popularity is related to the quality of the watches. What many do not know is that in order to create a high-end watch, it must undergo rigorous tests that test aspects such as reliability, shock resistance and even water resistance.

Where are the tests that Rolex watches undergo conducted?

Rolex has several different types of exceptionally well-equipped laboratories. The objective of these laboratories is not only to develop new watches and components. The aim is also to develop more effective and efficient manufacturing processes.

Multiple electron microscopes and gas spectrometers are housed in a Rolex test laboratory. These devices allow metals and other materials to be examined very closely to explore the effects of machining and manufacturing processes. Therefore, these test laboratories are indispensable to address or prevent potential problems in watches.

Of course, Rolex’s research laboratories also test their own watches. The stress testing room is a fascinating space. Watch movements, bands and cases are tested with custom-made machinery and robots.

What tests are Rolex watches subjected to?

To ensure that each Rolex watch meets the expectations of users, all Rolex watches must pass extreme tests before being released to the market. The following are the most important tests for Rolex watches:

Closing reliability

Rolex has strict protocols that guarantee the reliability of its watches’ closure and functionality. In the aforementioned laboratories, the manufacturer subjects the watches to impact or shock tests, temperature variations, humidity, wear and tear and even magnetic fields.

The objective is to prove that each Rolex watch can withstand the most extreme conditions of use over a long period of time. This all without the watches experiencing any damage or impairment to their physical integrity or performance.

The tests in fact start from the design phase of the watch, when a list of all the pressures it must withstand is drawn up. Each watch prototype is individually tested.

When the initial prototype is validated, the functional prototype is then used to detail the operation of the mechanism. This is followed by the pre-production phase where development prototypes are manufactured.

Shock test

To ensure that Rolex watches are not damaged by being dropped or hit, each watch must pass more than 20 different drop tests before being released to the market. Bélier is the name of the most extreme homologation test, in which a test team hits each watch with a force equivalent to 5000 G.

This test is repeated hundreds of times, and in all cases, the watches must remain unharmed and fully functional. In this way, Rolex ensures that its watches perform to the highest standards of precision and remain visually appealing.

Waterproof

This is another of the tests that Rolex watches are subjected to before being offered for sale. Today, all watches in the Oyster Perpetual collection are fitted with an Oyster case that protects the watch movement against water.

The test consists of submerging each Rolex watch in water, applying a pressure 10% greater than the depth they can officially withstand. In the case of Rolex diving watches, 25% more pressure is applied.

As a result, each Oyster Perpetual watch can truly withstand at least 100 meters of water pressure.

Extreme depths

To find out if a Rolex watch can function without problems when diving at great depths, the brand has a high-performance hyperbaric tank. Such a tank is used to test and, in fact, guarantee the water resistance of diving watches.

The hyperbaric tank is made of stainless steel, manufactured in one piece, weighing 1.3 tons. What is done in this tank is to simulate the pressure at a depth of 4875 meters.

What is remarkable is that this pressure is 25% above the depth indicated on the watch. It is also worth mentioning that all Rolex dive watches feature a titanium case, a highly resistant and hypoallergenic material.

After exiting the tank, the watch is heated and a cold metal rod is attached to it. If any condensation that may appear inside the watch does not disappear after 60 seconds, the watch fails the test.

When this happens, the watch is placed in a vacuum chamber to detect any potential leakage.

If you would like to visit our space, you can find us in the heart of Seville, in our Rolex Space at number 21.

We are waiting for you.