Rolex quality

[In-Cog-Neeto]

So, I am far away from being a watch expert. I love them, and am always learning, but interested to hear from people who have a lot more experience

How does the quality of Rolex compare with other ‘luxuary’ brands?

I’m not taking about comparing complications, aesthetics, size or any of that. I’m taking quality.

Like if you were to open up a Rolex and a competitor, and look at the materials and construction etc. How does the coronet stack up?

[coaxial]

Comparing a Rolex to any high horological brand is going to be apples to oranges in comparison. Rolex movements are not as ornate nor were they meant to be on the level of Patek and even A. Lange.. Overall, a Rolex is high quality, durable and reliable. Prestige of the crown falls short outside of the feats/marketing history the brand has achieved; Depending on the eyes of the beholder and what your definition meets those terms.

[nicon]

According to my experience, when it comes to build quality, movement reliability and finishing Rolex is on par with Omega.

[pickettt]

Grand Seiko is superior to Rolex in quality of product.

[Chester01]

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

So, I am far away from being a watch expert. I love them, and am always learning, but interested to hear from people who have a lot more experience

How does the quality of Rolex compare with other ‘luxuary’ brands?

I’m not taking about comparing complications, aesthetics, size or any of that. I’m taking quality.

Like if you were to open up a Rolex and a competitor, and look at the materials and construction etc. How does the coronet stack up?

It’s about the toughest watch brand out there. I have absolutely punished mine over the past 20 years. The history of the brand was in function first form
Second. Now that has changed a bit over the years, but there emphasis has not been so much on the hand finishing found with PP/AP, but watches that are versatile and handle just about anything you can dish out.

I don’t associate quality with hand finishing, so it’s up to you how you define quality. I like that my sub was +\- 3 sec per day after 17 years of hard core use and no service. I like that it never let me down. I use my watch for my work and not as jewelry so I need the chrono to work, be legible, and be accurate.

[cleanupinaisle3]

I think Rolex occupies a happy middle ground between mid range Swiss brands and haute horology which is why they are so appealing. They have history, their movements are extremely accurate and reliable, and their construction and quality is second to none. The finishing and detailing might not be to the same level of ornateness as AP, Patek, even Grand Seiko, but the quality of construction is there.

I firmly do believe however that Rolex has the best bracelets in the industry. Nothing compares in my opinion to the comfort and the feeling of quality and precision in a Rolex bracelet.

A Grand Seiko GMT or high heat with a Rolex level bracelet may be a perfect watch.


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[oldman2005]

Rolex is a marketing powerhouse very much like Bose which products are believed to be the best by many casual consumers but there are other brands which produce higher quality watches for example Grand Seiko,..

[t65tampa]

Depends on what you mean by "quality".

If you mean degrees of finishing on a movement or delicacy and finesse with thin elegant cases, there are going to be other high end watches that will be superior.

If you mean reliability, durability, consistency, versatility, and long term retention of value, Rolex is hard to beat in my opinion.

[Chadridv]

I've always been extremely pleased and impressed with Rolex. After owning almost every brand out there (except PP), I always come back to Rolex. It's all luxury here, but Rolex shouldn't be confused with ultra luxury. I say that mostly because the issues I have with what is likely considered Ultra luxury brands, probably don't exist for those who can afford them.

That said, While, the hand crafting and finishing of an AP might be better than a Rolex, I personally don't find having to send almost every AP I've owned (4 of 5) in for service within the first 6 months of ownership because of flaws and operation issues.

The argument i've heard for years here is, if you want a hand crafted piece of art you get an AP. "Oh it's not keeping good time, and it broke?" Well if you want a laser precision, machine made workhorse you get a Rolex. It's all kind of silly! To me luxury means buying a watch, wearing a watch and never having to worry about it again (or for 10 years). To others luxury means spending $10k to have a watch serviced.

As others have mentioned. Grand Seiko is really the sleeper brand that always comes back into the conversation. Rolex (or sub rolex) pricing and ultra luxury quality. Every time I look at my GS I think, holy shit, I can't believe I spent 6k on a watch that says Seiko, but at the exact same time I think holy shit, I can't believe this watch only costs 6K! haha

[Muxi]

Insofar as toughness and reliability, I cannot think of any brand that can rival Rolex except perhaps Grand Seiko but their sports watches are just so big. They are missing a huge opportunity to grab some market share. No matter how hard I try, I always almost but never get to pull the trigger on a GS.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

I've always been extremely pleased and impressed with Rolex. After owning almost every brand out there (except PP), I always come back to Rolex. It's all luxury here, but Rolex shouldn't be confused with ultra luxury. I say that mostly because the issues I have with what is likely considered Ultra luxury brands, probably don't exist for those who can afford them.

That said, While, the hand crafting and finishing of an AP might be better than a Rolex, I personally don't find having to send almost every AP I've owned (4 of 5) in for service within the first 6 months of ownership because of flaws and operation issues.

The argument i've heard for years here is, if you want a hand crafted piece of art you get an AP. "Oh it's not keeping good time, and it broke?" Well if you want a laser precision, machine made workhorse you get a Rolex. It's all kind of silly! To me luxury means buying a watch, wearing a watch and never having to worry about it again (or for 10 years). To others luxury means spending $10k to have a watch serviced.

As others have mentioned. Grand Seiko is really the sleeper brand that always comes back into the conversation. Rolex (or sub rolex) pricing and ultra luxury quality. Every time I look at my GS I think, holy shit, I can't believe I spent 6k on a watch that says Seiko, but at the exact same time I think holy shit, I can't believe this watch only costs 6K! haha

This sums it up Chadri

[RJRJRJ]

Robustness, accuracy, reliability, it's probably the best.

If you want a pretty looking movement, there are a lot of much better options.

[RyanJ]

Rolex is 40% watch and 60% marketing. Yes their watches are solid because they should be. They have been making the same simple complications for decades.. That is not meant to be negative. I recommend Rolex always as a watch that will run forever.

The Rolex brand is what people buy. Not talking about watch enthusiasts but the masses want a brand name that is known. Rolex is known.

[easterbunny]

dont want to rile people up here but dollar for dollar i do not think GS is better than Rolex. I own both and I still think tolerances, fit and finish are > on Rolex. that being said, I adore GS watches and love wearing mine. but the idea that they are better made, not sure chief.

[Uggi]

This is a "what is the definition of quality?"
question.
Is a Porsche better quality than a Pagani?
Impossible to answer until you agree on definitions.

[droptopman]

Built to last. In 30 years of wearing Rolex I have always been satisfied with the quality. Simple, solid designs that are built like tanks. IMO Rolex excels at bracelets, toughness, and sunburst dials. If you define quality as something that works as it was designed to work, then yes Rolex makes a quality watch.

[F83]

Originally Posted by t65tampa

Depends on what you mean by "quality".

If you mean reliability, durability, consistency, versatility, and long term retention of value, Rolex is hard to beat in my opinion.

I agree. I generally consider Rolex to be the best in terms of quality (with JLC perhaps being close). My benchmark for the word is not how beautifully the movement or bracelet is detailed and presented. I have an AP Royal Oak and it certainly beats Rolex in that department hands down.

But when I think of just how darn well the watch does its intended job Rolex just wins;

- The watch is incredibly accurate
- Any extra complications (depending on the model) are very easy to use
- It's unbelievably tough - water resistant, shock resistant, magnetic resistant
- Fit and finish is excellent. Unlikely to have quality problems

By contrast, some of the HH brands can be a bit finicky. My RO keeps great time on my wrist - but runs far too fast when on a winder. My JLC World Time is an outstanding watch but its got a very loud ratchet sound when the rotor spins. etc etc.

My steel Rolexes are just bloody bomb-proof. I can wash my car with them and then wear them with a suit. You can't even tell a rotor is in there.

In fairness, Omega also does well in that department. Their watches are also incredibly well built and solid. But the edge goes to Rolex.

[GBD]

I think Rolex stands out as far as fit goes; their tolerances and fitment of bracelet to case and bracelet itself are outstanding. Otherwise I think of them as very simple, well-designed, robust watches. They are not haute by any stretch, movement finishing is industrial, but what they do they do very well.

[KBM]

As Mark mentioned, "built to last" is the definition of Rolex. They dominate the mid luxury market and the sports watch category, imo. Also agree with Chadri's points and loved my GS. Hope to own one again in the future.

[In-Cog-Neeto]

Originally Posted by Uggi

This is a "what is the definition of quality?"
question.
Is a Porsche better quality than a Pagani?
Impossible to answer until you agree on definitions.

Read my original post bud. I ruled out quite a few areas and honed into a couple more. Pretty sure it gave a fairly targeted direction. But it’s great that people expand on those areas to cover what they feel is ‘quality’

Thanks to everyone for participating. I was surprised when someone said ‘it’s on par with Omega’. Really?! I wouldn’t personally ever put them in the same class

[MSchott]

Originally Posted by nicon

According to my experience, when it comes to build quality, movement reliability and finishing Rolex is on par with Omega.

Omega other than the most basic Moonwatch, finishes their movements to a much higher level than Rolex. The reality is, most movement finishing is cosmetic, not functional. What’s important with a Rolex movement is the reliability and accuracy. The design insures that.

[dtwer]

I have read a review somewhere comparing the Daytona and the Speedmaster side by side.

The conclusion is, Daytona beats Speedmaster in quality, hands down.

The review opens up both watches and takes them apart. They find on the Daytona the finish is meticulously done on even the tiniest moving parts hidden inside the movement. On the Speedmaster, by comparison, the finish goes only as far as the visible, superficial parts.

If you want honest quality and workmanship, Rolex is the best choice for your money.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Chadridv

I've always been extremely pleased and impressed with Rolex. After owning almost every brand out there (except PP), I always come back to Rolex. It's all luxury here, but Rolex shouldn't be confused with ultra luxury. I say that mostly because the issues I have with what is likely considered Ultra luxury brands, probably don't exist for those who can afford them.

That said, While, the hand crafting and finishing of an AP might be better than a Rolex, I personally don't find having to send almost every AP I've owned (4 of 5) in for service within the first 6 months of ownership because of flaws and operation issues.

The argument i've heard for years here is, if you want a hand crafted piece of art you get an AP. "Oh it's not keeping good time, and it broke?" Well if you want a laser precision, machine made workhorse you get a Rolex. It's all kind of silly! To me luxury means buying a watch, wearing a watch and never having to worry about it again (or for 10 years). To others luxury means spending $10k to have a watch serviced.

As others have mentioned. Grand Seiko is really the sleeper brand that always comes back into the conversation. Rolex (or sub rolex) pricing and ultra luxury quality. Every time I look at my GS I think, holy shit, I can't believe I spent 6k on a watch that says Seiko, but at the exact same time I think holy shit, I can't believe this watch only costs 6K! haha

Couldn’t have said it any better

[Secondchance]

I'm as far from an expert could be, as I've only owned 2 Rolex watches myself and given 2 as gifts to my wife and son.

I can say for me, in comparison to my TAG, or any of my Seiko watches, the Rolex has a feel all its own. Just picking it up and holding it in your hand, you can feel a difference in overall balance. Wearing it on my wrist makes me feel good and like I have something well built and reliable that I paid for.

As a testimate to Rolex quality, I just purchased an Oysterdate circa 1985 for my sons birthday a couple of weeks ago. The 34 year old Rolex seems to be keeping time with his brand new I Phone...

Nuff Said.

[Thanos]

I feel that Rolex quality is in and around the same as Omega & GS as many have already said along w IWC.

[SearChart]

Originally Posted by dtwer

I have read a review somewhere comparing the Daytona and the Speedmaster side by side.

The conclusion is, Daytona beats Speedmaster in quality, hands down.

The review opens up both watches and takes them apart. They find on the Daytona the finish is meticulously done on even the tiniest moving parts hidden inside the movement. On the Speedmaster, by comparison, the finish goes only as far as the visible, superficial parts.

If you want honest quality and workmanship, Rolex is the best choice for your money.

Well of course, Speedmaster is €4k and the Daytona is €11k... Not really a fair comparison.

[pickettt]

Originally Posted by easterbunny

dont want to rile people up here but dollar for dollar i do not think GS is better than Rolex. I own both and I still think tolerances, fit and finish are > on Rolex. that being said, I adore GS watches and love wearing mine. but the idea that they are better made, not sure chief.

Not getting riled up, just talking. I think the criteria just gets shifted to suit our particular viewpoint. We’d have to define terms every time we use them. For example, by my definition, the fit and finish of GS surpasses Rolex by a country mile. And just as you qualified, I dig Rolex watches too. I just don’t see what’s not there.

[Speed]

Originally Posted by In-Cog-Neeto

So, I am far away from being a watch expert. I love them, and am always learning, but interested to hear from people who have a lot more experience

How does the quality of Rolex compare with other ‘luxuary’ brands?

I’m not taking about comparing complications, aesthetics, size or any of that. I’m taking quality.

Like if you were to open up a Rolex and a competitor, and look at the materials and construction etc. How does the coronet stack up?

Define "quality"

[garbanzo]

Can only speak for myself - I am a happy customer; have eight Rolexes and one Tudor, no issues with them whatsoever.
To me, that is a quality product.

[Fleetlord]

Originally Posted by easterbunny

dont want to rile people up here but dollar for dollar i do not think GS is better than Rolex. I own both and I still think tolerances, fit and finish are > on Rolex. that being said, I adore GS watches and love wearing mine. but the idea that they are better made, not sure chief.

I agree with this 100%

To qualify my stance I own (3) Grand Seikos, including one I just bought.

I would buy another Grand Seiko.


Are they as good overall as Rolex?

No.

Why?

While GS excels at dial work and surface finishing, there are corners cut in terms of using pins and collars in bracelets, subpar clasps and screw down crowns that just aren't all that great...especially compared to twin and triplock crowns.

When I handle a modern Rolex, I don't get a sense that there was cost cutting on any aspect of the watch.