Feature: If You Know These Rolex Facts, You’ve Done Your Research!
Among all the fanfare around Rolex are some interesting facts that you may not have known about the crown, or perhaps you half knew, but those facts weren’t exactly straight. Well, we think it’s time to unveil some truths about this incredibly popular watchmaker. So, how much do you know about the almighty Rolex? Let’s put that knowledge to the test, shall we?
Rolex’s Reference Numbers Have A Secret Code
Pretty much every watch has a reference number and Rolexes are no different. However, did you know that the last digit of each one indicates the metal the watch is made of? For example, if the reference ends in 0 it is made only of steel, whereas 3 means it’s a two-tone piece in yellow gold and steel, and 6 is used for platinum. This Submariner reference 126619—pictured—is made of all white gold which we know thanks to that last 9 digit, as well as the price!
Not All Rolexes Sweep
A lot of people associate Rolex watches with a sweeping second hand—something that’s certainly not exclusive to the brand as it’s found in most mechanical watches. However, there are a handful of Rolexes that do in fact tick due to their battery-powered movement. Most of these are the Oysterquartz models, made from the 1970s to the 1990s, but the extremely rare self-winding Tru-Beat model from the 1950s also ticks, rather than sweeps.
Rolex Shuns Merchandise
You may well have seen the famous Rolex crown on everything from golf balls to pens to wallets, but these are strictly controlled, quality gifts for Rolex customers, dealers and, sometimes, attendees of watch events. You’ll never see them sold individually, unless they pop up on eBay for outrageous prices. If Rolex ever wanted to make a few extra billion a year, it wouldn’t be hard to do. But that’s never going to happen.
The Rolex Day-Date Comes In 26 Languages
Image courtesy of Bonhams
If you want a Rolex Day-Date but don’t speak English, you could be in luck. Introduced in 1956, the Day-Date was instantly popular and by 1963 its day wheels, which revealed the day spelt out in full, were being made in 11 languages, enhancing its global appeal. These days it's available in 26 languages, with perhaps the most unusual ones being Indonesian, Basque and Amharic, the main language of Ethiopia.
There Are More Fake Ones Than Real Ones
When you think about it, this probably isn’t that surprising as Rolex is the most sought-after watch brand around. But it’s unattainable to most people thanks to rocketing demand and prices. So, what are the stats around Rolex rip-offs? According to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry, tens of millions of fake Swiss watches are up for sale every year, with fake watches accounting for 9% of custom seizures, coming second only to textiles as the most counterfeited products—yikes.
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