The anatomy of a Rolex

Materials

Oystersteel

How tough is enough?

This is Oystersteel, a high performance steel of grade 904L, produced for Rolex since 1985. A stainless alloy which, once polished, will retain its brilliance and beauty in all circumstances. Among 3,500 industrial grades, only it was worthy of our standards.

Rich in chromium and molybdenum, it is extremely resistant to impact and corrosion. Yet, at this stage, it is still not tough enough for us. Hence why we inspect it on a microscopic scale, from the shaping throughout the priming processes, so as to control and refine its microstructure prior to machining it. Improving the mechanical properties of the alloy along the way. Finally, we reveal its unique shine thanks to the know-how of our polishers. Only then can one call it “Oystersteel”. That being said, its greatest test is not our minute analysis of its structure, nor its polishing. The true challenge is the one which awaits it out in the world, facing the vagaries of everyday life as much as those of the most extreme conditions nature can muster.

Chromalight

Bring on the night

This is our Chromalight display. Unveiled in 2008, it offers optimal and long-lasting legibility in the darkest of surroundings thanks to a luminescent substance developed by Rolex and patented. White under the light of day, it glows blue in darkness and makes it possible to read the time in all lighting conditions.

Composed of aluminum, strontium, dysprosium and europium, it has the ability to store ambient light’s energy only to better release it, gradually, whenever it may wane. First obtained in powder form, it is then heated to a very high temperature and mixed with a resin, before being applied manually to the hands and indexes. Its characteristic blue hue is a most reliable ally to repel the reach of darkness. A most precious glow in even the darkest of nights.

RLX Titanium

The heavy task of lightness

This is the RLX titanium, an alloy we use for its strength and lightness. It is a special kind of grade 5 titanium which we select with utmost care. Lighter than steel and denser than aluminium, it is also particularly robust and extremely resistant to corrosion.

For years, we diligently studied its technical properties in the hope of including it in our range of materials. To reach that end, we had to master titanium’s every facet. Hence, we developed in-house many new operations, such as surface-finishing which enable us to perfect its polish in particular. Welcoming RLX titanium into our workshops required hard work. But it has given it its unique finish: an outstanding brilliance and hue which meet our demanding aesthetic standards. And if it was such a heavy task, it is simply because, to us, lightness should never be taken lightly.

Yellow Gold

In the matter of excellence

This is our 18 kt yellow gold. At first glance, it is indistinguishable from any other. Yet, it can be found only in our watches: we make it at our own foundry, located on our Plan-Les-Ouates site in Geneva. Why did we bother integrating such a complex and demanding industrial process?

Simply because it is the only way to guarantee the purity and homogeneity of this gold, down to its last atom. Very malleable in its natural state, 24 kt gold must be blended with silver and copper in order to become truly resistant. Only by mastering all the stages of transformation, from casting to final shaping, can the alloy gain the incomparable qualities that make it our signature 18 kt gold. Looking at it closely, it is plain to see that this alloy is not only precious. It is unique.

Everose

La vie en Everose

This is Everose gold, our exclusive 18 kt pink gold alloy with a unique colour. Introduced in 2005, it is of exceptional radiance and resistance. Developed by our experts, it contains at least 75% gold, 20% copper, as well as palladium and indium.

Its exact formula remains a secret, but it has one attribute which shines for all to see: its incomparable and unfading hue. It is because we are dedicated to fully controlling the quality of such alloys that we cast them in our own foundry in Geneva. Which is also where we forge our discipline in refusing the easy contentment from what already exists, and always trying to surpass it instead. By harnessing certain physical and chemical properties, we managed to shape this alloy according to our standards, creating this deep aurora-coloured golden shade. One born to shimmer at your wrist.