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gmh1013 · 22 February 2010, 02:54 AM

in the past decade or so?
I read lots of post about lint in the dial of new watches and poor QC etc.
I wonder if Rolex has lost the edge like Toyota has and figure people will buy them on reputation alone these day?

ParisDakarBmw · 22 February 2010, 02:55 AM

No

rfknauss · 22 February 2010, 02:57 AM

I don't think so.

Tools · 22 February 2010, 03:02 AM

Not at all..

I think that there are just more customers buying a high end watch for the first time; then going over every sq. millimeter with a high power magnifier....

sea-dweller · 22 February 2010, 03:06 AM

Not at all. I've owned Rolex since 1994 and the quality is just as good today, from what I can determine.

padi56 · 22 February 2010, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tools

Not at all..

I think that there are just more customers buying a high end watch for the first time; then going over every sq. millimeter with a high power magnifier....

Have to agree with Larry a totally new kind of Rolex wearers today. And with
any high volume production product there will be tiny flaws especially viewed
with powerful lupes etc.

onkyo · 22 February 2010, 03:10 AM

No I don't think so. I believe the overall % of flaws or imperfections probably has gone down over time. But due to Rolex's high production numbers you hear about the rare flaw more often.

chrislkb · 22 February 2010, 03:11 AM

Definitely not!!!

HL65 · 22 February 2010, 03:22 AM

No--same.

JP500 · 22 February 2010, 03:34 AM

arguably better. They're always improving imo.

mmmmp · 22 February 2010, 03:48 AM

No. My 16610M is the most accurate Rolex I've owned.

Having a careful look at the AD before buying is probably a good idea, but after that it's pointless. I had no lint, dust or scratches when I purchased. Everything was perfect.

I totally understand we can all be a little obsessive about our watches, but they *do* get scratched up, bracelets take a beating, etc. I don't abuse my Sub, nor do I coddle it either. I simply enjoy it everytime I wear it.

If you start looking for tiny imperfections with a loupe...you'll probably find something... so why bother? Just enjoy the history, workmanship and elegance of owning a fine timepiece.

Best,
Mark

Mockingbird · 22 February 2010, 03:48 AM

It's not that their quality has gone down, it's that their pricing has gone so far through the roof, that 10-20% of what you pay is for the Rolex brand and not for the watch.

Not that there's anything wrong with that.

mike · 22 February 2010, 03:51 AM

To be honest, some designs aside, to me the quality has gone up.

dr_bypass · 22 February 2010, 03:52 AM

If this was the case, same logic should be applied to Ferrari, Rolls, Bentley ect...

DOUBLE 0 SE7EN · 22 February 2010, 03:54 AM

Improving day by day..

PeteNYC13 · 22 February 2010, 03:56 AM

I also think that a Rolex owner twenty or thirty years ago with a quality issue...told what three people? Two friends and the watch maker? Now they get to come on here and tell thousands of us at one time. This makes it seem like quality goes down, we all hear of issues but we all "know" thousands of Rolex owners now.

If anything, I think technology has improved the quality and less "imperfections".

-Pete

diversified · 22 February 2010, 04:10 AM

If the quality has gone down, I haven't seen it on my watches.

CoopJr · 22 February 2010, 04:21 AM

I still think the quality is as good as ever. But you can put me in that silly group of people who expect a $7,000 S/S watch to not have lint on the dial or a properly welded bracelet.

To each his own but I when I purchase my next Rolex, it will have passed the loop test...or I just wont buy it.

Forgot to add that when I tried on that TT Sub yesterday, I did pull out a loop...and it "passed"...

DadsWatch72 · 22 February 2010, 04:21 AM

It probably has gone up with the aide of computer controled robotics and CNC equipment. I would have to say technology has made things more consistant. It has in every other manufacturing process. They invest in the top of the line equipment and use increasingly better materials ie. 904L compared with 316L in the past.

BASSETHOUNDS · 22 February 2010, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike

To be honest, some designs aside, to me the quality has gone up.

That is exactly my opinion too. Some "fashion trends " that I personally do not care for , but obviously cater for other clients . But this has not altered quality . I would even say that quality has gone up if anything , especially the bracelets and clasps .

The GMT Master · 22 February 2010, 05:28 AM

The quality has improved, however, the technology to spread the news of a particular problem makes it seem like the quality is dropping

CoopJr · 22 February 2010, 05:31 AM

Been wearing my LV for 2 years now. It has never wavered from +1 second a day...that is phenomenal accuracy for a mechanical watch...IMO.

Watch Professor · 22 February 2010, 05:57 AM

Improved. Look at the quality of the new bracelets and clasps.

mpkRolex · 22 February 2010, 06:07 AM

I agree with everyone here that the quality has gone up. It now has better mechanism and material (904L, solid end links, easy link, parachrome hairspring, better and accurate movements with every new ones )

daveathall · 22 February 2010, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

No

Agreed.

Safetrends · 22 February 2010, 06:15 AM

Well I am still a nut for the Vintage Rolex watches (1970), they are a work of art.

AE WIS · 22 February 2010, 06:32 AM

I found a speck of something on the dial of my GMT II Ceramic a few months after I bought it new. I took it to the AD - both they and the RSC were filled with shock and horror and the problem was fixed in no time!! They made me feel like a king. This reaction was 200% better than the response I had from another watch company from whom I bought a more expensive watch, also with a speck of dust under the crystal. This response from Rolex actually increased my trust in them. Nobody is perfect, but how you respond to issues says a lot.

Wishing you all clean and perfectly working watches

Welshwatchman · 22 February 2010, 06:47 AM

I'm of the opinion that the quality has improved somewhat.

There are the occasional glitches of course, but we are a far more expectant bunch these days.

The price rises have been quite relentless as well, especially in recent years. This goes for all fine watches.

Mosco · 22 February 2010, 07:15 AM

I think, on the contrary, it has become better. I do think that customers got pickier - but rightfully so - much more competition out there.

cronin · 22 February 2010, 07:16 AM

no, I think the quality is wonderful especially compared to its competitors.

22 February 2010, 02:54 AM	#1
gmh1013 Banned Join Date: Jun 2008 Real Name: greg Location: Tempe AZ Watch: GMT Posts: 5,703	Do you think the quality of Rolex has gone down in the past decade or so? I read lots of post about lint in the dial of new watches and poor QC etc. I wonder if Rolex has lost the edge like Toyota has and figure people will buy them on reputation alone these day?

22 February 2010, 02:57 AM	#3
rfknauss 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Richard Location: Macungie, PA Watch: 5513 Sub, LV Sub Posts: 14,497	I don't think so. __________________ *"Few things in life give man as great a pleasure as wearing a Rolex!"* TRF's "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron

22 February 2010, 03:02 AM	#4
Tools TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: May 2007 Real Name: Larry Location: Mojave Desert Watch: GMT's Posts: 43,514	Not at all.. I think that there are just more customers buying a high end watch for the first time; then going over every sq. millimeter with a high power magnifier.... __________________ (Chill ... It's just a watch Forum.....) NAWCC Member

22 February 2010, 03:06 AM	#5
sea-dweller "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Dennis Location: Bay Area - 925 Posts: 40,018	Not at all. I've owned Rolex since 1994 and the quality is just as good today, from what I can determine. __________________ TRF Member #6699 (since September 2007)

22 February 2010, 03:22 AM	#9
HL65 TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Ken Location: SW Florida Watch: One on my wrist. Posts: 64,008	No--same. __________________ *SPEM SUCCESSUS ALIT*

22 February 2010, 02:55 AM	#2
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	No

22 February 2010, 03:10 AM	#7
onkyo Banned Join Date: Apr 2008 Real Name: Pav Location: Manhattan Posts: 11,495	No I don't think so. I believe the overall % of flaws or imperfections probably has gone down over time. But due to Rolex's high production numbers you hear about the rare flaw more often.

22 February 2010, 03:11 AM	#8
chrislkb "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Christopher Location: Singapore Watch: out kiddo! Posts: 1,033	Definitely not!!!

22 February 2010, 03:34 AM	#10
JP500 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 221	arguably better. They're always improving imo.

22 February 2010, 03:48 AM	#11
mmmmp "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Mark P Location: Toronto Watch: SS Wimbledon DJ41 Posts: 2,046	No. My 16610M is the most accurate Rolex I've owned. Having a careful look at the AD before buying is probably a good idea, but after that it's pointless. I had no lint, dust or scratches when I purchased. Everything was perfect. I totally understand we can all be a little obsessive about our watches, but they do get scratched up, bracelets take a beating, etc. I don't abuse my Sub, nor do I coddle it either. I simply enjoy it everytime I wear it. If you start looking for tiny imperfections with a loupe...you'll probably find something... so why bother? Just enjoy the history, workmanship and elegance of owning a fine timepiece. Best, Mark

22 February 2010, 03:48 AM	#12
Mockingbird "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: -- Posts: 2,097	It's not that their quality has gone down, it's that their pricing has gone so far through the roof, that 10-20% of what you pay is for the Rolex brand and not for the watch. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

22 February 2010, 03:51 AM	#13
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	To be honest, some designs aside, to me the quality has gone up.

22 February 2010, 03:52 AM	#14
dr_bypass "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Al Location: GMT+6 Watch: GMT - BLNR Posts: 315	If this was the case, same logic should be applied to Ferrari, Rolls, Bentley ect...

22 February 2010, 03:54 AM	#15
DOUBLE 0 SE7EN "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: KAAN Location: ISTANBUL Watch: Explorer-PAM233 Posts: 1,648	Improving day by day..

22 February 2010, 03:56 AM	#16
PeteNYC13 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Pete Location: USA Watch: Rolex Posts: 1,607	I also think that a Rolex owner twenty or thirty years ago with a quality issue...told what three people? Two friends and the watch maker? Now they get to come on here and tell thousands of us at one time. This makes it seem like quality goes down, we all hear of issues but we all "know" thousands of Rolex owners now. If anything, I think technology has improved the quality and less "imperfections". -Pete __________________ SS Submariner K16610 SS Submariner F16610LV SS/P Yachtmaster M16622 SS Black Dial Daytona M116520 SS Explorer II D16570

22 February 2010, 04:10 AM	#17
diversified "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Jim Location: State College PA Posts: 1,694	If the quality has gone down, I haven't seen it on my watches.

22 February 2010, 04:21 AM	#18
CoopJr "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Coop Location: U.S.A. Watch: Subs Posts: 6,455	I still think the quality is as good as ever. But you can put me in that silly group of people who expect a $7,000 S/S watch to not have lint on the dial or a properly welded bracelet. To each his own but I when I purchase my next Rolex, it will have passed the loop test...or I just wont buy it. Forgot to add that when I tried on that TT Sub yesterday, I did pull out a loop...and it "passed"...

22 February 2010, 04:21 AM	#19
DadsWatch72 Banned Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: USA Watch: DRSD 1665 #3551XXX Posts: 2,401	It probably has gone up with the aide of computer controled robotics and CNC equipment. I would have to say technology has made things more consistant. It has in every other manufacturing process. They invest in the top of the line equipment and use increasingly better materials ie. 904L compared with 316L in the past. Attached Images

22 February 2010, 05:28 AM	#21
The GMT Master "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Chris Location: England Posts: 8,150	The quality has improved, however, the technology to spread the news of a particular problem makes it seem like the quality is dropping

22 February 2010, 05:31 AM	#22
CoopJr "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Coop Location: U.S.A. Watch: Subs Posts: 6,455	Been wearing my LV for 2 years now. It has never wavered from +1 second a day...that is phenomenal accuracy for a mechanical watch...IMO.

22 February 2010, 05:57 AM	#23
Watch Professor "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: Myron Location: New York Watch: GMT IIC; Sub Date Posts: 3,166	Improved. Look at the quality of the new bracelets and clasps.

22 February 2010, 06:07 AM	#24
mpkRolex 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: USA Watch: Pepsi Posts: 2,170	I agree with everyone here that the quality has gone up. It now has better mechanism and material (904L, solid end links, easy link, parachrome hairspring, better and accurate movements with every new ones ) __________________ Rest in peace JJ! http://www.rolexforums.com/showthrea...light=JJ+irani "Rolex is highly addictive. Please shop responsibly"

22 February 2010, 06:15 AM	#26
Safetrends Banned Join Date: Oct 2009 Real Name: David Walz Location: San Diego CA USA Watch: my hand. :) Posts: 9,156	Well I am still a nut for the Vintage Rolex watches (1970), they are a work of art.

22 February 2010, 06:32 AM	#27
AE WIS Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Africa Watch: Yes! Posts: 37	I found a speck of something on the dial of my GMT II Ceramic a few months after I bought it new. I took it to the AD - both they and the RSC were filled with shock and horror and the problem was fixed in no time!! They made me feel like a king. This reaction was 200% better than the response I had from another watch company from whom I bought a more expensive watch, also with a speck of dust under the crystal. This response from Rolex actually increased my trust in them. Nobody is perfect, but how you respond to issues says a lot. Wishing you all clean and perfectly working watches

22 February 2010, 06:47 AM	#28
Welshwatchman "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Real Name: Paul Location: Wales, UK Posts: 14,578	I'm of the opinion that the quality has improved somewhat. There are the occasional glitches of course, but we are a far more expectant bunch these days. The price rises have been quite relentless as well, especially in recent years. This goes for all fine watches. __________________ ..33

22 February 2010, 07:15 AM	#29
Mosco "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Greg Location: Cincinnati Watch: I like to... Posts: 18,567	I think, on the contrary, it has become better. I do think that customers got pickier - but rightfully so - much more competition out there. __________________ Instagram - @CaliberSwiss *“A man who procrastinates in his choosing will inevitably have his choice made for him by circumstance.” - Hunter S. Thompson*

22 February 2010, 07:16 AM	#30
cronin "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Drew Location: . Posts: 299	no, I think the quality is wonderful especially compared to its competitors.

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