Rolex gets ready to issue identity chips for its watches?

[eugenetsang]

Saw this when RolexPassionReport broke the news on IG

[eugenetsang]

How true the actual picture of the internals of the watch is yet to be decided. But it does have a slot that looks like a microchip


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[Krash]

Hopefully it’s not going to be easy for a layman to remove it or anyone for that matter.


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[eugenetsang]

Originally Posted by Krash

Hopefully it’s not going to be easy for a layman to remove it or anyone for that matter.


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Let's play hypothetical game... And Rolex does install their new "tracking" chip on their watches. We all know how fast technology advances and evolves (ie: USB slots/Type A,B, and C)... What will Rolex do? Rolex watches are kept around for 70+ years. And are passed down to generation to generation. Not to mention the future "vintage" markets. I can't imagine Rolex keeping a dated "chip" in their products. Or can the chip keep up as technology progresses? I don't know... There will always be some technology that is better or more revolutionary.

How about, how fast will the "chip" inside the be outdated? 5 years? Just like USB ports, we all thought that the type B ports were revolutionary... Then came out with the C. And now the type A ports are basically obsolete.

[omar-rye]

This patent from Rolex does not appear to be for a chip integrated inside the actual watch, but rather for a card or external system that links to a digital certificate for tracking and authenticating the watch. Please correct me if I got it wrong.

[swils8610]

I want my Rolex to be 100% mechanical. No chips for me. Pass.


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[bradyb]

I'm sick of all the intrusion - and it's only gonna get worse (CBDC) - but this isn't about tracking but about verifying the product and possibily logging service history(?).

At least that's how I read this but maybe I'm wrong. Regardless, implementing blockchain tech would be pretty darn cool - if it works and locks out replica mfrs.

And I don't think this would have any impact on grey market guys, especially if much of their stock comes directly from ADs. I'm joking of course...

[77T]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

This patent from Rolex does not appear to be for a chip integrated inside the actual watch, but rather for a card or external system that links to a digital certificate for tracking and authenticating the watch. Please correct me if I got it wrong.

I'm not saying you're wrong but where did you find the patent filing?

Let's remember it can describe both a chip in the card, and one in the watch, that are associated in the same way a movement s/n is mated to a midcase s/n at Rolex today.

Correlation of the associated RFID Electronic Product Code (EPC) unique number on the card and the EPC in the watch would have to agree via the Rolex database that feeds the phone app.

This isn't tracking data, it is certifiable association data.

Until we can read the patent, it's really speculation.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by bradyb

- but this isn't about tracking but about verifying the product and possibily logging service history(?).

At least that's how I read this but maybe I'm wrong. Regardless, implementing blockchain tech would be pretty darn cool - if it works and locks out replica mfrs.

I agree with the first part.

I'm not thinking Rolex will use a blockchain since that is a decentralized, public ledger to record ownership.

Don't think they want everyone knowing that just to track changes in ownership.


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[eugenetsang]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

This patent from Rolex does not appear to be for a chip integrated inside the actual watch, but rather for a card or external system that links to a digital certificate for tracking and authenticating the watch. Please correct me if I got it wrong.

If you look at article that the OP had posted, #11 of the diagram is the same as the 2 pictures that I had posted up. But with a better description of the potential internal parts. RolexPassionReport is a credible source when it comes to Rolex watches, whether they are vintage or new. So if he had posted that up, I would tend to believe him.

As for all the Rolex "patent" stuff... I wouldn't have a clue. But all I know from the diagram is, the watch looks to have an internal chip... Then you need the smartphone app to verify the chip on the card, and cycle is complete.

[Yachtbuoy]

Doesn't the new Tudors with the METAS certification come with a card that has a chip in it which allows access to the performance data?

I don't think any of this is super crazy and honestly could provide a lot more certainty in the future for both legitimacy of a particular watch and impacting the trading of stolen watches.

[Space1970]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

1984, George Orwell

1908, Rolex

[Space1970]

Originally Posted by alphadweller

1984, George Orwell

1908, Hans Wilsdorf

[GMT Aviator]

Personally I think this is a great idea.

What I want to know however, is how Rolex would know change if ownership if you seek the watch. It would still be registered to the known keeper to Rolex.

So how would change if ownership, thus, re-registering the chip, be achieved? Would this automatically mean a new owner would have to pass the watch straight to RSC for re-registration?

Re-registration process is fine if it doesn’t automatically invoke a full service for the privilege.

[omar-rye]

Originally Posted by 77T

I'm not saying you're wrong but where did you find the patent filing?

Let's remember it can describe both a chip in the card, and one in the watch, that are associated in the same way a movement s/n is mated to a midcase s/n at Rolex today.

Correlation of the associated RFID Electronic Product Code (EPC) unique number on the card and the EPC in the watch would have to agree via the Rolex database that feeds the phone app.

This isn't tracking data, it is certifiable association data.

Until we can read the patent, it's really speculation.


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My bad, I should have said "the description of the patent in the article." #11 in the figure could just be where the serial number or identifier would be. It could very well be a chip, but there's no indication of that yet.

I personally hope something is done to completely disrupt watch thievery, even if it involves a chip inside the watch.

[77T]

Originally Posted by GMT Aviator

So how would change if ownership, thus, re-registering the chip, be achieved?

It could be done in the manner Patek Philippe does today.

I've done it and it's painless. They do not require a watch service.

Or Rolex could do via a visit to an AD.


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[77T]

Originally Posted by omar-rye

My bad, I should have said "the description of the patent in the article." #11 in the figure could just be where the serial number or identifier would be. It could very well be a chip, but there's no indication of that yet.

I personally hope something is done to completely disrupt watch thievery, even if it involves a chip inside the watch.

I share your hope that Rolex can do something to disrupt the thieves, and protect buyers of pre-owned from unwittingly help the criminal network.


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[jmgorman]

Originally Posted by gerry100

will never buy a product that can be tracked.

Rolex included

You know the admin here can see your IP address, right?

[yessir69]

Barf.

[Hollie_Rollie]

Can someone provide cliff notes

Is this a chip in the watch or a chip in the warranty card?


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[enjoythemusic]

Can it beep if we need to find the timepiece?

Reason i ask, well, ummmm, my lovely amazing incredible wife has lost a timepiece of mine. Another time, one week after receiving the 36mm Celebration she lost it. It was gone, did it fall off her wrist (springbar failure), did she get unknowingly 'robbed', or ??? Yes .. eeeeeeeventuuuuuuualllllly i found it, don't ask, and htf did it ever get there of all places?

So... a few days ago... guess what.

Yup, and once again i eeeeventuuuuuallllllly found it. So i welcome Rolex adding an Apple Airtag-like device, or at least one that beeps so it can be found.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

I prefer my anachronisms anachronistic.

[waterman1]

I do not know if this has anything to do with this “chip” or card, but when I received my watch back from RSC a few months ago, there was no paperwork or anything with it like in the past. Just a card with a chip to “read”. Read where….I have no idea. The watch works great though)

[Bambooshoot]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Unless you posted this using smoke signals, it may just be too late!

I actually LOLd at this. He doesn't have a phone...

[2loaded]

Enjoying the mob mentality.

[911991]

Originally Posted by rootbeer7

Unless you posted this using smoke signals, it may just be too late!

And own a Model T automobile...

[shammad10]

I remember this was broken to us a few years ago by the guy who 'predicted' the new leftie GMT months before it was released. Can't remember the username or thread. Someone else might be able to

[Harry-57]

Originally Posted by GMT Aviator

Personally I think this is a great idea.

What I want to know however, is how Rolex would know change if ownership if you seek the watch.

This supposition jumps ahead of data protection law. It is illegal in the UK for a manufacturer to keep, track or share details of the owner. An AD can have your details on file with your permission but they cannot share it with anybody, Rolex included, unless a court issues a warrant. Motor vehicles are one exception for the obvious reasons, watches are not.

[Talon84]

I wonder how this will affect flippers? I wonder if this is a way for rolex to track where watches are being sold and how fast the new registered owner comes onboard and from which ADs?

[Funkle]

I downloaded my smart watch into my smart toilet and flushed it.