This is the Paraflex, our shock absorber introduced in 2005. It is an absolutely crucial element in the protection of our horological movements. One which we designed and manufactured solely ourselves. Its specific purpose is to neutralize any and all effects brought about by the knocks and bumps of everyday life.

One may wonder how such a minuscule shield, no bigger than a grain of rice, could achieve such a feat? It is through the interaction of two separate properties which, in a never-ending dance, offset the consequences of all shocks at all times. The Paraflex moves one way, then the other, all within a fraction of a second. On the one hand, it bends at each impact to disperse the energy, then returns to its original shape. On the other, it displaces itself so as to preserve the functionality of the balance wheel and escapement anchor. Thus engaging the guarantee of the chronometric performance of the calibre in all circumstances. It is through this unique ballet of deformation and displacement that the Paraflex preserves the watch’s movement with its own.

This is the Perpetual rotor. Rolex’s automatic winding mechanism. It enables the watch to be constantly wound by the wrist’s movement. Invented in our workshops, then patented, it was introduced in 1931. We have ceaselessly improved this groundbreaking innovation which, since then, has tipped the world of watchmaking off its old axis.

In a constant state of unstable equilibrium, the half-moon oscillating weight is beholden to Earth’s gravity and cannot escape it. Therefore, it rotates with the wearer’s every gesture, and sways in one direction or the other. The energy generated by these oscillations is transferred to the mainspring, which is continually wound, through a clever system comprised of inverters and a gear train. Thus stored, the energy is released simultaneously to activate the horological movement, ultimately moving the hands of the watch. Regularly. Precisely. For though we all seek balance, it is imbalance that drives us to move, perpetually.

31, 28, 31, 30, 31, 30, 31, 31, 30, 31, 30, 31: the annual sequence of months is more complicated than it appears. In horological terms, its inconsistency must be addressed when designing an annual calendar such as our Saros, first introduced in 2012 with the Sky-Dweller.

Like all annual calendars, it autonomously differentiates months with 30 and 31 days and only requires to be set once every year, when February turns to March. Developing such a complication usually requires beautifully intricate mechanisms, with countless levers, cams and springs. But it is a different type of beauty that has always held our favour: that of simplicity. No matter how difficult it may be to reach. Here, it took us many years of development to finally make our annual calendar, using only four gear wheels and two gear ratios. Nothing more. Its conception is so efficient, the movement’s performance and durability are in no way affected. To the contrary, it allows for the energy dispensed by the feature to be perfectly managed. Perhaps that is why it is considered a horological prowess. The Saros is a most ingenious watchmaking complication.

This is our green seal. Since 2015, it is the new mark of our watchmaking excellence. There is nothing to distinguish it from any official seal, yet its inscriptions and colour make it unique.

Its green hue attests to the superlative standards of both quality and performance to which we hold every single element of any and all of our watches: precision, water-resistance, autonomy, reliability and durability. For this simple seal bore witness to the epic journey each has undergone in our workshops, from initial sketch to final tests before shipping. Of all the components which compose our watches, this seal is not the hardest to manufacture but it is wholly our own and its value is immense. Because it carries the promise of our unwavering commitment.