Questions about "in house" movements

[csaltphoto]

What exactly does it mean, at least as pertains to Rolex? I know the difference between say ETA and a modified ETA. And I know that some parts of a Rolex are outsourced (At least the handset and mainspring, probably some small parts like screws and such). I'm sure they don't actually manufacture their own synthetic rubies...

I was looking at the Esslinger website the other day. And they have "generic" Rolex movement parts. Nothing big like the mainplate or the rotor but a few gears, screws, jewel bearings, that sort of stuff. Mainsprings of course.

Several reasons I am asking. I hear these stories about Rolex refusing to service a watch because it has non-Rolex parts and I hear stories about Rolex insisting on replacing non-Rolex parts if encountered during a service. I mean if the case or mainplate was inauthentic I can imagine them refusing service. But can they really authenticate every single part? Is every screw and gear somehow identifiable? Are these generic items the same as Rolex uses but just available because it's more cost effective (or even qualitatively better) to outsource their manufacture to a specialist?

[horohollis]

In house means the manufacturer, designs and manufactures the movement within their own manufacturing process. All done “in house”. No response to parts and authentication, but believe most parts that matter are stamped or signed by the manufacturer.

[beshannon]

This is a good article

https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/...%20and%20small.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by beshannon

This is a good article

https://www.acollectedman.com/blogs/...%20and%20small.

OK, so that was about what I figured. That some small parts are still sourced from specialists.

[kieselguhr]

From personal experience, Rolex Service Center refused to service a Submariner that I had purchased locally as it contained numerous aftermarket parts including dial, and movement components. The in house watchmaker at my AD agreed to help me out and after restoring the watch with service parts, I sold it at a loss.

Parts are likely easily identified by technicians who work on these movements every day. Parts that are questionable are likely flagged by the tech and verified by the watchmaker.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

From personal experience, Rolex Service Center refused to service a Submariner that I had purchased locally as it contained numerous aftermarket parts including dial, and movement components. The in house watchmaker at my AD agreed to help me out and after restoring the watch with service parts, I sold it at a loss.

Parts are likely easily identified by technicians who work on these movements every day. Parts that are questionable are likely flagged by the tech and verified by the watchmaker.

And we don't know which parts manufacturers are vertically integrated into the Rolex movement process and which are producing for others.

Esslinger is a respected watch service place though. Would they sell modern movement parts that wouldn't pass muster if the watch is later submitted to Rolex for service?

[Tools]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

And we don't know which parts manufacturers are vertically integrated into the Rolex movement process and which are producing for others.

Esslinger is a respected watch service place though. Would they sell modern movement parts that wouldn't pass muster if the watch is later submitted to Rolex for service?

It's not a question of "passing muster", many aftermarket parts are as good as Rolex parts. It is a question of it not being an actual Rolex produced part.

Rolex actually owns, or is joint owner, of many manufacturers that provide them parts and tools. For example, Bergeon is a "Rolex" company, as well as the old dial houses.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Tools

It's not a question of "passing muster", many aftermarket parts are as good as Rolex parts. It is a question of it not being an actual Rolex produced part.

Rolex actually owns, or is joint owner, of many manufacturers that provide them parts and tools. For example, Bergeon is a "Rolex" company, as well as the old dial houses.

So then my question then, is: If many aftermarket parts are as a good as Rolex parts how does Rolex know if a part is from their supply chain? Are they all individually marked in some way? Or is it just a developed eye for which ones are and aren't; familiarity with the product. I'm not talking obvious things like dials and bezels. Things like teeny gears, screws, etc.

[Tools]

Originally Posted by csaltphoto

So then my question then, is: If many aftermarket parts are as a good as Rolex parts how does Rolex know if a part is from their supply chain? Are they all individually marked in some way? Or is it just a developed eye for which ones are and aren't; familiarity with the product. I'm not talking obvious things like dials and bezels. Things like teeny gears, screws, etc.

Many of the parts are Trademarked, as well as unique machine processes which leave distinctive markings.

Research Melrose Jewelers, a big-time used Rolex Dealer. They used aftermarket parts and claimed they were Rolex, resulting in their complete closure, fines, and legal losses.

[csaltphoto]

Originally Posted by Tools

Many of the parts are Trademarked, as well as unique machine processes which leave distinctive markings.

Research Melrose Jewelers, a big-time used Rolex Dealer. They used aftermarket parts and claimed they were Rolex, resulting in their complete closure, fines, and legal losses.

Interesting and thanks. The more you look down the Rolex rabbit hole the more interesting it gets. I can barely fathom the the fanaticism it takes to run a big company like Rolex with this kind of attention to detail. Where a watchmaker can look at some teeny gear or part and go, "Nope, not one of ours." But then again, it's part of the reason they are Rolex.