Does Rolex make watches in batches

[mips33]

Anyone know how production goes? Do they have separate lines for separate models? Just curious based on the fact that I see some models popping up in clusters on GM and For sales sites and then poof that model disappears for a few months and we see a new cluster. Yes I am bored while waiting for my AD call and apparently have that much time on my hands. Any thoughts?

[Freq18Hz]

Yes - it’s why you tend to see a lot of the same model pop up frequently and then not return for sometime.

-Freq

[GenevaFan]

Originally Posted by Freq18Hz

Yes - it’s why you tend to see a lot of the same model pop up frequently and then not return for sometime.

-Freq

Was told a few years back by an AD when visiting Basel was able to tour one of the Rolex buildings and in the bowels of the building were copious high rows of computerized shelves which housed constructed watches of all styles. The watches were retrieved autonomously for shipping world wide. This goes against the thought of distribution by what is produced on a particular day.

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[jefe1999]

This reminds me of whiskeys. Continuous vs. batch. Any thoughts?

[aayates]

Originally Posted by jefe1999

This reminds me of whiskeys. Continuous vs. batch. Any thoughts?

Any will do at this point...

[77T]

They, in an obscure way, have different lines going simultaneously.

Watchmakers who assemble movements are specialized since newer ones are given the standard fare like 3235’s while highly experienced ones could be working on 4130’s, 4161’s or the Cellini moonphase movements.

Afterward, COSC certification work is done before these movements go into inventory available for fitment.

Then there’s case finishing, and final assembly work after the movements are completed. Bracelets are fitted and final inspections done.

These many steps are undertaken by different people through different paths and in no way would one describe it as “batches” or “runs”.

But I’m sure if Rolex wanted fewer Daytona’s and YM2’s out the door all they’d do is redirect the highly skilled watchmakers’ movement effort to the ones needed for the models they wanted to produce instead.


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[XtraCrispy]

I stopped in at my AD last weekend to have my Sub cleaned and talk watches.

Standing over the 95% empty Rolex display cases, my guy told me my Sub took 14 months to build and that the OP Turquoise model I'd like will take about 2 years to be available.

He said the two main reasons for the shortages is Rolex had to shut down for COVID which in turn caused a back-log of special orders that they have to produce first. He said he's been told it's going to be at least another year until they can get back to having more of the desirable watches.

Of course, this is one AD's viewpoint - take it as you will.

[cts]

Absolutely!

[GB-man]

Absolutely not they make them by hand one at a time and it takes a year to make one lol

[afmars]

Originally Posted by GB-man

Absolutely not they make them by hand one at a time and it takes a year to make one lol

And to keep that narrative alive they probably sit on a shelf for 363 days between the first day of assembly and the last