ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

TheVTCGuy · 1 May 2010, 01:30 PM

Stopped by my AD today and had a nice chat with the local watchmaker. He had just returned from Rolex service training and told me some things, the majority went about 4000 feet over my head, but here is what I remember...

1. There are a lot of silicone parts coming in the future, which reduce wear and increase accuracy. He told me of some future spring with a silicone base, (I'm not sure if it will be a replacement for the parachrome or a different spring) that will actually spring in BOTH directions, and with a lot less friction. He said Rolex just patented this in February of this year and they are pretty excited about it's future. Sorry I don't have a clearer description.

2. In the band, Rolex will introduce silicone ball bearing-kind of things that will reduce the friction and wear of the current connectors and screws. Rolex is equally excited about this enhancement.

He exclaimed how proud he was to work with a company like Rolex, saying the first question they asked him when the re-certification training starts is: "What problems are you having in the field" He said they take every comment by thier certified watchmakers very seriously and the improvements they come up with are direct results of these comments. For example, the Zenith El-Primero movement had 20 different size screws, which drove watchmakers nuts. When Rolex designed thier own Daytona movement (the 4130), they addressed this frustration and the reduced that number to five (5). He also told me that even thought it's a chronograph, the 4130 has 20 fewer parts than the old GMT, 3185. I found that to be very interesting and an incredible engineering achievement.

Over all, it was a very enjoyable conversation, if I didn't have so much on my mind I would have remembered more, but I'm sure I'll be back talking with him soon!

Dr. Robert · 1 May 2010, 01:32 PM

Very cool info! Good to hear Rolex is pioneering.

t e x · 1 May 2010, 01:43 PM

How cool is that, getting the goods from someone who enjoys what they do. Great share Paul, look forward to reading more...thanks for sharing

Poom · 1 May 2010, 01:49 PM

That's the right things Rolex is doing. Thks.

sleddog · 1 May 2010, 01:54 PM

Great info Paul!!!! Looking forward to the result.....

Colnago · 1 May 2010, 02:33 PM

Paul you're a lucky guy being in a position to talk to someone like that....I would love to be able to chat to someone with real insider info

ParisDakarBmw · 1 May 2010, 02:36 PM

Paul, Get a job at the Rolex AD. You could get discounts, and handle cool watches all day!

ayecarumba · 1 May 2010, 03:01 PM

....So you're telling me they're creating something I MUST HAVE!

Seriously, thanks for the info..love hearing about innovations..it's amazing that the basic swiss escapement movement hasn't had a more radical makeover considering the advances in materials and technology.

I'm happy to hear about it...my wallet, not so much!

ECP
East Coast Paul

The GMT Master · 2 May 2010, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ParisDakarBmw

Paul, Get a job at the Rolex AD. You could get discounts, and handle cool watches all day!

Take it from someone who works at an AD, best job in the world!

Watchdog · 2 May 2010, 09:06 AM

Cool info, Paul.

16610v · 1 May 2010, 04:15 PM

wow...use Si....can this last as long as traditional metal?

truetime · 1 May 2010, 04:23 PM

thanks for sharing..... GOOD information

bests,
Krit

Cru Jones · 1 May 2010, 05:00 PM

Silicone?? What's next? Rolex getting in the breast implant business? LOL.

Thanks for the info, Paul. Very interesting!

acce1999 · 1 May 2010, 05:38 PM

Interesting info. Thanks for the report! This is one of the reasons for me to like Rolex, the constant improvement of the watches.

swatty · 1 May 2010, 07:03 PM

Thanks for sharing that info Paul.

I wonder how long before we see these improvements at the AD's

padi56 · 1 May 2010, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Stopped by my AD today and had a nice chat with the local watchmaker. He had just returned from Rolex service training and told me some things, the majority went about 4000 feet over my head, but here is what I remember...

1. There are a lot of silicone parts coming in the future, which reduce wear and increase accuracy. He told me of some future spring with a silicone base, (I'm not sure if it will be a replacement for the parachrome or a different spring) that will actually spring in BOTH directions, and with a lot less friction. He said Rolex just patented this in February of this year and they are pretty excited about it's future. Sorry I don't have a clearer description.

2. In the band, Rolex will introduce silicone ball bearing-kind of things that will reduce the friction and wear of the current connectors and screws. Rolex is equally excited about this enhancement.

He exclaimed how proud he was to work with a company like Rolex, saying the first question they asked him when the re-certification training starts is: "What problems are you having in the field" He said they take every comment by thier certified watchmakers very seriously and the improvements they come up with are direct results of these comments. For example, the Zenith El-Primero movement had 20 different size screws, which drove watchmakers nuts. When Rolex designed thier own Daytona movement (the 4130), they addressed this frustration and the reduced that number to five (5). He also told me that even thought it's a chronograph, the 4130 has 20 fewer parts than the old GMT, 3185. I found that to be very interesting and an incredible engineering achievement.

Over all, it was a very enjoyable conversation, if I didn't have so much on my mind I would have remembered more, but I'm sure I'll be back talking with him soon!

Well yes Rolex did experiment with silicone and develope the metal Parachrom with brands like Patek. Thats was before Patek going there own route under a different name.But myself cannot see how the Cal 4130
has less parts than the Cal 3185.The cal 3185 and 3186 are very very similar to the cal 3135 only main difference is the hand pinion shaft and a few gears for the second time zone.

rfknauss · 2 May 2010, 05:01 AM

Paul, thanks for the info!

CoopJr · 2 May 2010, 08:23 AM

Paul,
Sounds like you have a good man as a watchmaker!

JUSTROLEXES · 2 May 2010, 09:17 AM

Paul Stop going to the AD... you can go a talk to Brian but slow down on the visits... or you will end up with the GMT sooner then you had wanted to

User Name · 2 May 2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Stopped by my AD today and had a nice chat with the local watchmaker. He had just returned from Rolex service training and told me some things, the majority went about 4000 feet over my head, but here is what I remember...

1. There are a lot of silicone parts coming in the future, which reduce wear and increase accuracy. He told me of some future spring with a silicone base, (I'm not sure if it will be a replacement for the parachrome or a different spring) that will actually spring in BOTH directions, and with a lot less friction. He said Rolex just patented this in February of this year and they are pretty excited about it's future. Sorry I don't have a clearer description.

2. In the band, Rolex will introduce silicone ball bearing-kind of things that will reduce the friction and wear of the current connectors and screws. Rolex is equally excited about this enhancement.

He exclaimed how proud he was to work with a company like Rolex, saying the first question they asked him when the re-certification training starts is: "What problems are you having in the field" He said they take every comment by thier certified watchmakers very seriously and the improvements they come up with are direct results of these comments. For example, the Zenith El-Primero movement had 20 different size screws, which drove watchmakers nuts. When Rolex designed thier own Daytona movement (the 4130), they addressed this frustration and the reduced that number to five (5). He also told me that even thought it's a chronograph, the 4130 has 20 fewer parts than the old GMT, 3185. I found that to be very interesting and an incredible engineering achievement.

Over all, it was a very enjoyable conversation, if I didn't have so much on my mind I would have remembered more, but I'm sure I'll be back talking with him soon!

Hey next time just pull out your cell phone and record the converstatin, yeah he might be a little freaked out but at least you will get the whole conversation.

Neil lol

Puffy · 4 May 2010, 10:55 PM

Awesome Paul. Thanks for sharing..

2th Dr · 5 May 2010, 01:57 AM

Thanks Paul! Good stuff!

1 May 2010, 01:30 PM	#1
TheVTCGuy Banned Join Date: Jul 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: San Diego Watch: 126619LB Posts: 21,540	"Inside" Info about Rolex upcoming advances Stopped by my AD today and had a nice chat with the local watchmaker. He had just returned from Rolex service training and told me some things, the majority went about 4000 feet over my head, but here is what I remember... 1. There are a lot of silicone parts coming in the future, which reduce wear and increase accuracy. He told me of some future spring with a silicone base, (I'm not sure if it will be a replacement for the parachrome or a different spring) that will actually spring in BOTH directions, and with a lot less friction. He said Rolex just patented this in February of this year and they are pretty excited about it's future. Sorry I don't have a clearer description. 2. In the band, Rolex will introduce silicone ball bearing-kind of things that will reduce the friction and wear of the current connectors and screws. Rolex is equally excited about this enhancement. He exclaimed how proud he was to work with a company like Rolex, saying the first question they asked him when the re-certification training starts is: "What problems are you having in the field" He said they take every comment by thier certified watchmakers very seriously and the improvements they come up with are direct results of these comments. For example, the Zenith El-Primero movement had 20 different size screws, which drove watchmakers nuts. When Rolex designed thier own Daytona movement (the 4130), they addressed this frustration and the reduced that number to five (5). He also told me that even thought it's a chronograph, the 4130 has 20 fewer parts than the old GMT, 3185. I found that to be very interesting and an incredible engineering achievement. Over all, it was a very enjoyable conversation, if I didn't have so much on my mind I would have remembered more, but I'm sure I'll be back talking with him soon!

1 May 2010, 01:32 PM	#2
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,251	Very cool info! Good to hear Rolex is pioneering. __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

1 May 2010, 01:43 PM	#3
t e x "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Joel Location: Renton, WA Watch: 16610LV Posts: 2,990	How cool is that, getting the goods from someone who enjoys what they do. Great share Paul, look forward to reading more...thanks for sharing __________________ ___/ /_/ /_____ 16610LV; Ball Diver EMT II \:::::::::::::::/ ~~~~~~~~~~

1 May 2010, 01:49 PM	#4
Poom "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 349	That's the right things Rolex is doing. Thks. __________________ Watch is all around! I love the crown of achievement!

1 May 2010, 01:54 PM	#5
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,931	Great info Paul!!!! Looking forward to the result..... __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

1 May 2010, 02:33 PM	#6
Colnago "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Bill Hart Location: Richmond, NY, UK Watch: Rlx=3, Tdr=3, Om=3 Posts: 3,053	Paul you're a lucky guy being in a position to talk to someone like that....I would love to be able to chat to someone with real insider info __________________ Bill "There's only three kinds of people in this world....those that can count....and those that can't" TRF's "JJ's" Bar & NightClub Patron

1 May 2010, 02:36 PM	#7
ParisDakarBmw Banned Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Paul Location: New Haven, CT Watch: 116610 Sub-C Posts: 6,552	Paul, Get a job at the Rolex AD. You could get discounts, and handle cool watches all day!

1 May 2010, 03:01 PM	#8
ayecarumba "TRF" Member Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Paul Location: ATL Watch: the one I'm wearin Posts: 526	Uh-oh... ....So you're telling me they're creating something I MUST HAVE! Seriously, thanks for the info..love hearing about innovations..it's amazing that the basic swiss escapement movement hasn't had a more radical makeover considering the advances in materials and technology. I'm happy to hear about it...my wallet, not so much! ECP East Coast Paul __________________ "Whether we wake or we sleep, Whether we carol or weep, The Sun with his planets in chime, Marketh the going of Time." --Edward Fitzgerald

2 May 2010, 09:06 AM	#10
Watchdog "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Junkyard Dog Location: The Doghouse Watch: I can't tell time Posts: 6,822	Cool info, Paul.

1 May 2010, 04:15 PM	#11
16610v "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: YL Watch: Submariner Posts: 701	wow...use Si....can this last as long as traditional metal? __________________ Instagram: litwing23

1 May 2010, 04:23 PM	#12
truetime "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Real Name: Krit Location: GMT +0 Watch: 1652055131675 Posts: 302	thanks for sharing..... GOOD information bests, Krit

1 May 2010, 05:00 PM	#13
Cru Jones 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Paris, France Posts: 35,299	Silicone?? What's next? Rolex getting in the breast implant business? LOL. Thanks for the info, Paul. Very interesting!

1 May 2010, 05:38 PM	#14
acce1999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: GMT+1 Posts: 2,711	Interesting info. Thanks for the report! This is one of the reasons for me to like Rolex, the constant improvement of the watches.

1 May 2010, 07:03 PM	#15
swatty 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Peter Location: Sydney Watch: The Game Posts: 17,415	Thanks for sharing that info Paul. I wonder how long before we see these improvements at the AD's

2 May 2010, 05:01 AM	#17
rfknauss 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Richard Location: Macungie, PA Watch: 5513 Sub, LV Sub Posts: 14,497	Paul, thanks for the info! __________________ *"Few things in life give man as great a pleasure as wearing a Rolex!"* TRF's "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Patron

2 May 2010, 08:23 AM	#18
CoopJr "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Real Name: Coop Location: U.S.A. Watch: Subs Posts: 6,455	Paul, Sounds like you have a good man as a watchmaker!

2 May 2010, 09:17 AM	#19
JUSTROLEXES ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 2024 SubLV41 Sponsor & Boutique Seller Join Date: Jul 2009 Real Name: Tony Geha Location: San Diego, CA Watch: Yacht-Master Posts: 51,110	Paul Stop going to the AD... you can go a talk to Brian but slow down on the visits... or you will end up with the GMT sooner then you had wanted to __________________ Instagram @JustRolexes 2FA security active

4 May 2010, 10:55 PM	#21
Puffy "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Here and there Posts: 12,485	Awesome Paul. Thanks for sharing.. __________________ Fine Quality is Long Remembered After the Pain of Spending Money is Forgotten

5 May 2010, 01:57 AM	#22
2th Dr Banned Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Mark-O! Location: Arlington, TX Watch: Rolex Posts: 12,714	Thanks Paul! Good stuff!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)