Rolex: Watches like none other.

Rolex: Watches like none other.

When we hear of Rolex, we think sheer class, elegance and value. These magnificent timepieces are a must have for every watch connoisseur across the globe. Today we look at a few lesser known facts about this privately and independently run Non Profit Organisation (yes it actually is!).

Prepare to be baffled!

#1- Rolex uses meteorite dials in it’s watches- Out of this world, right? They source their meteorite material from a piece of the Gibeon meteorite, a meteorite which fell in Namibia, Africa millions of years ago. Well, ever since Rolex procured its meteorite slice, it has been protected by Namibian law. Today, the Daytona, Day-Date, and GMT Master II are the only models Rolex continues to produce with the meteorite dial.

#2- Deepsea Challenge? Bring it on- In 2012, acclaimed filmmaker and explorer, James Cameron took on the challenge to descend to the bottom of Challenger Deep, the deepest point in Mariana Trench and guess what? He was accompanied by the specially designed Rolex Deep Challenge which was produced in just 8 weeks! It withstood immense pressure at 10,908 metres!

#3- Rolex has its own In-House Foundry- Yes, they use it to make their own gold. 24k gold comes into Rolex and it is later turned into 18k yellow, white, or their iconic Everose gold (their non-fading version of 18k rose gold) ensuring superior quality. They are the only watchmakers who make their own gold or even have their own foundry.

#4- They also use different steel to make their watches- Now let me go a little in detail about this. We know that stainless steel is not all the same, right? So, the majority of steel watches are made from type of stainless steel called 316L. But Rolex? They made the switch to 904L steel which is more rust and corrosion resistant, and is somewhat harder than other steels and, and importantly is able to take polishes very well.

Well, we all learnt a little something about stainless steels too, good thing.

#5 - The gems on their timepieces are placed by hand- Professional geologists ( they distinguish between natural, synthetic and lookalike gemstones) are hired and the stones are meticulously placed by them on the watches ensuring a perfect finish.

Lastly, about Rolex being a nonprofit. How many of you knew!?

#6- A Non profit organisation (NPO) which made 1319 million dollars in profit last year - Rolex is 100% owned by a nonprofit organisation called Wilsdorf Foundation, and 90% of their Rolex profits go to support social causes. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

As Rolex’s slogan goes ”The Rolex Way”, we could say this applies to the way the company is run.