Visiting Rolex

[rpryan55]

Here's a question: If I travel to Geneva, can I get a tour of the Rolex facility? Who do I contact? Are there any other "must see" Rolex locales?
Thanks for any answers out there.

[watchlady]

From what I have heard it is not an option. They don't do tours.

[Mrdi]

You could knock on the front door.
The security guard will ask if you need assistance.
Then it is up to you,
Be creative , I'm sure he has heard some exceptional entreaties.

[BiG JeEzY]

So far the only tour that I have heard the Rolex headquarters in Geneva has given was to an extensive crew of Watchtime magazine and other columnists from other magazines. This was back in 2006 when Rolex had just opened up a new factory in Switzerland. I read about this in a special Watchtime magazine dedicated to everything Rolex. So I do not think they would give a tour to just about anyone. I'm sure this tour I mentioned had a lot of planning behind it.

[rpryan55]

Wow. Well, for the money I've spent on this company, I would've expected a better welcome. Apparently, you have to own a Patek to be treated well at a watchmaker's facility. Thanks, though, for the words of friendly warning!

[BiG JeEzY]

Originally Posted by rpryan55

Wow. Well, for the money I've spent on this company, I would've expected a better welcome. Apparently, you have to own a Patek to be treated well at a watchmaker's facility. Thanks, though, for the words of friendly warning!

Dick,

I see what you mean and I do agree with you. However, security continues to be something of utmost significance and importance at Rolex. Many things they do, how they construct their watches, and what they have planned for new releases are all kept to themselves and they strictly abide by that rule.

If you walk up to Rolex headquarters today, you will see that the building is jet black with all windows obscured. This is done to "conceal themselves from the outside world" because as you know, they keep everything private.

You can probably walk in to the building and say hi and have a nice talk about watches with the personnel but dont expect to go any further than the entrance and front desk if you know what I mean.

Jerome

[ROLEX MAN]

I have been in touch with rolex asking for tours, because I travel to switzerland every 2 years, the answer was a definate "NO", because of dustfree environment and not to disturb the watchmakers at their craft!

[GMTJOHNNY]

Probably easier getting a tour of the Whitehouse to see the "Monica Room" before Rolex would let you in. Tighter than Fort Knox I heard. I think the youtube.com vidoe of Rolex workers is as close as you can get.

[Vanessa CW21]

I've toured the Rolex facilty in Geneve and Biel, and I must say it was quite an experience.
This was back in 2000, and 2001, so I honestly do not remember much, since back then I was 20 years old.
The reason why I had this opportunity was through the watchmaking school I was in. Back then Rolex told us they did a total of around 12 tours a year. It is absolutely not open to general public!
Does this make me special?

[Leighton]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

so I honestly do not remember much, since back then I was 20 years old.

Ain't that the truth!!!!

[Andad]

Hi Dick,

Arranging a tour should be easy. Tell them you're a green sapphire crystal supplier.

[SPACE-DWELLER]

Originally Posted by Vanessa

I've toured the Rolex facilty in Geneve and Biel, and I must say it was quite an experience. (...)

For those who would like to have a "virtual" visit to the Rolex manufactories in Geneva and Biel, click the below links:

Rolex Factory Visit (Geneva).

Rolex Factory Visit (Biel).