Bought a Rolex? Here's why you need the aftercare service

Plus, the top 5 new arrivals from Rolex to cop

rolex watch care and services
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When it comes to investment-worthy pieces, there's no doubt that most of us tend to go for bags or watches first. And in the case of watches, the first brand that comes to mind for many would be a Rolex. A force to be reckoned with, Rolex timepieces are considered among the most collectable watch brands in the market. They are designed and built to last through generations that are built for perpetual excellence on which the brand has forged its reputation.

It's a fascinating and fun alternative to other types of investment. In fact, some of these Rolex watches hold their value very well. For instance, the Submariner, GMT Master II, Daytona, Explorer, Day-Date, and Yacht-Master. They appreciate partly due to the strict price controls, limited production and strong brand equity. On top of that, the brand are continuously releasing new models that are worth investing in. The newest timepieces to invest in this year include the following.

Besides its key timepieces, Rolex is a universe of its own. It's admired, respected, valued and is known by many across the globe. But the brand has also taken a role beyond that of a mere timekeeper. Tasked to ensure that all the brand's watches receive the best servicing to preserve its timepieces, the founder of Rolex, Hans Wildorf has established a network of watchmaking workshops around the world. This is so that these investment pieces can be handed down from one generation to another. And not to mention, ensuring quality and reliability that stands the test of time.

1. Assessment of the watch

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The full servicing of a Rolex watch consists of several steps that require certain tools that are created by the brand itself. The first, being the assessment of the watch is done prior to dismantling the piece itself. Here, the watchmaker separates the bracelet from the case, to gain access to the back of the watch to closely examine it and assesses the work to be done.

2. Removing the winding stem

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The watchmaker then removes the winding stem, so as to extract the movement from the watch case. And the movement, still fitted with its dial and hands, is also taken out of the watch case.

3. Separating the dial

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Before further dismantling the movement, the watchmaker also removes the dial — carefully examining it to determine whether it still meets Rolex requirements.

4. Ultrasonic bath

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To remove all traces of impurities, the watchmaker then places the movement's components into a basket for cleaning in an ultrasonic bath, before being dried.

5. Reassembling and re-polishing the pieces

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Once the components of the movement have been cleaned and dried, the watchmaker then proceeds to reassemble the pieces back together, before applying lubrication. After remounting the dial on the movement, the watchmaker then manually fits in the hands, one at a time. The movement's timekeeping accuracy is also adjusted using a microstella regulating key to ensure the perpetual excellence of the watch. The case and bracelet are also re-polished or satin-finished by hand to restore its sheen and lustre while removing any marks or scratches.

6. Measuring the accuracy of the watch

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The watch is tested in different positions to verify its chronometric performance. The movement's timekeeping accuracy is also adjusted using a microstella regulating key to ensure the perpetual excellence of the watch, and is followed by a precision test that lasts a minimum of 24 hours.

7. The case is pressure-tested in water

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To ensure its durability, the watches' waterproofness is tested in hyperbaric tanks that are developed by the brand.

8. Final inspection

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As part of its final adjustments, the watch's rate and functions are checked to ensure its perfectly operational, and its aesthetics verified to ensure an impeccable finish.

9. Customer receives a two-year international guarantee from the after-sales service workshop

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Before returning the watch to its owner, the watchmaker fully winds the movement via the winding crown and is placed in a pouch designed to protect it when it is not being worn, or during travel. Also, the watches will receive a two-year international guarantee covering the parts and labour.

For more information about Rolex's watch care and services, visit Rolex.com.

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