What gave the very first Rolex its unique character – and what perpetuates its superiority today – is the way in which the case, the crystal and the crown fit together to form an assembly comparable to a practically indestructible miniature safe.
Each Rolex Oyster begins its existence in the form of a block of stainless steel, 18 ct gold or platinum.
The quality of those materials is constantly checked and analyzed.For Rolex each metal is a precious metal.
Powerful processes are used to sculpture the distinctive shape of the Oyster case from this mass of metal.
Such power is necessary to the extent that the case modeled must itself be exceptionally solid to protect the miniature masterpiece that it will contain: the Rolex movement.No less than 150 operations are required to stamp and machine each Oyster case.When these operations are completed, the case is identified by means of two numbers: the number of the Oyster model and its serial number, which is unique.
THE CASE-BACK
In order to ensure perfect water resistance, the back of the Oyster case must be fitted and screwed on extremely carefully.The torque applied during this tightening operation must be perfectly controlled.Only specific equipment designed for Rolex cases can ensure the precision of this fastening.In fact, the only people authorized to have access to the movement are official Rolex distributors and their watchmakers who have received special training.
THE CRYSTAL
On all the current Rolex models, the crystal is cut out of a synthetic sapphire.
Created in a laboratory, this translucent mono crystalline material is extremely hard and virtually scratch proof.Each crystal is cut out of synthetic sapphire, then undergoes meticulous shaping and polishing.The Cyclope lens-also of sapphire – is then added, and the lens facilitates reading of the date by magnifying the numerals by two and a half times.
