Why so many NY-made Rolex cases in the 1940's-1960's?

[powerfunk]

I just realized that Pioneer, ID, and D&A (case companies that Rolex used years ago) were all based in New York. New York just had a strong case-making industry at that time I guess?

[jlovda]

Originally Posted by powerfunk

I just realized that Pioneer, ID, and D&A (case companies that Rolex used years ago) were all based in New York. New York just had a strong case-making industry at that time I guess?

I believe it all has to do with customs duties for imported watches and watch parts back in that era. This is why Rolex also made 17 jewel Submariners in the 60's for US sales. Back in that era there were still US watch makers such as Bulova, Gruen, etc. When I brought my 5513 to Sutter's in Chicago for an adjustment in 1972 (purchased in Zürich), he could tell it was fully jeweled (26) because it had a meters first dial. Maybe these duties still exist (?) but the watches are so expensive Rolex doesn't care.