The Rolex Forums   The Rolex Watch

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX


Go Back   Rolex Forums - Rolex Watch Forum > General Topics > Open Discussion Forum

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 21 January 2019, 01:09 AM   #1
Etschell
"TRF" Member
 
Etschell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: FL
Watch: platinum sub
Posts: 15,861
Meet a Rolex Forums Member #8 (January 2019) - SearChart

This month after a busy season for me life wise I decided to restart the series Meet a Rolex Forums Member. As such I inquired of or resident TechXpert, SearChart (Bas), and he obliged. Bas was born in 1994 in the Netherlands where he still lives today. His passions include his love old cars, watches, running and beer. In his own words and not mine as a typical millennial he probably wastes too much time on computer games. That said let’s get into it.

How did you get into watchmaking?

I got into watchmaking after seeing a display of Rolex watches in Liechtenstein, I found them interesting and started doing research and came across a world full of mechanical marvels from all kinds of brands. I then knew that watchmaking was the career for me.

What watchmaking certification do you have and what does it entail to become certified?

I studied watchmaking at the Vakschool in Schoonhoven, The Netherlands. This is a 4 year course (including two six month internships) similar to the WOSTEP full training program and after that you are a certified watchmaker.

What does it take to become a watchmaker?

It takes a lot of patience and passion. Aside from learning how movements and certain mechanisms work you also need to make a lot of small tools/parts and learn to use a lathe and milling machine.

After the 4 year course you are certified but by no means a good watchmaker, you know the basics but there's still so much to learn from experience. I'm still learning every day.

What is your favorite Rolex to service?

I love working on any vintage Rolex with the 15×× caliber. A vintage watch often needs a lot more things adjusted and repaired in order to work properly, so it is very rewarding if the end result is good.

What is it like working for Rolex?

It is so much fun to see all the Rolex watches on my bench that I would previously only see on this forum and having full access to all the Rolex tools and parts ensures that every service comes to a good end, which is a privilege that not every watchmaker has. I'm very happy with my job.

What is the hardest part to service on a Rolex? Why so?

I find hardest part to service is the polishing of professional models, it is quite easy to ruin the sharp edges of the case and it always takes full concentration to properly refinish them. It doesn't matter if you accidently damage a movement part as we have an endless supply, but case/bracelet damage is hard to cover up, so better not mess it up!

I understand you participate in races, running. How did you get into it?

I got into running in high school. At first I just ran a few times a week, this started getting a little more serious when I wanted to run a marathon back in early 2017. I've been hooked ever since and I want to increase the distance as much as possible.

What is your favorite beer to drink after a long race?

Depends on the type of race, a simple pilsner is usually sufficient after running 50+km

Tell us about the platinum crown mod on your green OP 34. What gave you the idea and what crown is it?

Platinum is my favorite metal, at this point in my life I cannot afford a platinum watch so I wanted to upgrade my own Rolex a bit. I simply entered 24-531-6 in the Rolex system to see if the type of crown my watch has is also available in platinum. 24 stands for the part type (crowns & tubes) 531 is the crown code for this size monobloc crown, 6 is the platinum metal code. Turns out this crown is for the platinum lady DateJust. I think it is a pretty fun 'WIS' upgrade.



When travelling what is your go to watch?

When traveling I usually wear a Seiko SKX007 because it is tough as nails and doesn't cost much to replace if I lose it.

In general, how did you become interested in automatic wrist watches?

After seeing some Rolex I did a lot of research online and found that it so cool that there are so many little parts working together in a movement, I wanted to know everything there is to know about it!

What was your first Rolex, how did you get it, and what led you to acquire it?

My first (and only) Rolex is the Olive Green Oyster Perpetual 34mm, I bought it as a present to myself when I was sure I secured my job and knew I was going to graduate.

What got you into the Rolex brand? What keeps you interested in Rolex?

Just seeing them in that display case was enough to get me interested, the history of the brand and the quality it delivers is what keeps me interested. And I'm happy to be a small part of the aftersales to keep customers happy for years.

What separates Rolex from other Swiss luxury watch brands?

To me there are a lot of interesting watches, from high end to low end. Rolex isn't the best finished or most complicated, but it is a very well made watch and they have always done their own thing. It is 'The Rolex way' that sets it apart and has many brands trying to achieve that same level of success.

What do you think about Tudors in house movements?

I have very little experience with the new Tudor movement so I cannot comment on the watchmaking aspect. An in-house movement makes them a little more interesting so I think it is very good for the overall brand image. Behind them are plenty of seasoned Rolex engineers so I'm confident these movements will stand the test of time.

Why did you join the Rolex forums? Why did you stick around?

I joined the forums to learn more about Rolex, I stick around to share my knowledge and expertise and to socialize with all the amazing members.

What do you look for in a Rolex? What draws you to a particular reference?

I have no specific needs. I don't need a date or a certain type of bracelet. A watch just sings to me or it doesn't, I'm a simple man

If you had to choose, in your current collection what is your favorite watch and why?

It would be my green OP, I just love the size and the dial color. It is the nicest watch I own.

What other brands outside of Rolex interest you and what about the brand interests you?

I'm interested in complicated pieces from Patek and Lange, just because they are beautiful mechanical works of art. Also the history of Patek is very extensive and they have well earned their spot in the watchmaking industry.

What is your grail Rolex and when do you plan on acquiring it?

My grail is the Platona with baguette markers. I have no idea when I will be lucky enough to purchase one though.

What Rolex do you plan on buying next?

I plan on buying a BLRO next, maybe this year. We'll see.

Outside of being a Rolex enthusiast / WIS what are some of your interests and how do they inter-relate to Rolex?

I'm into cars like many of us on TRF. This is probably a guy’s thing

If you are not on the Rolex Forum you are probably....?

Running, working on a Rolex or drinking beer.



Basel 2019 is coming up. Anything you would like to see? Any predictions????

I'd like to see a Platinum Rainbow Daytona; that would be my new grail.

They say there is a story behind every Rolex. So what is a story behind one of yours owned past or presently?

I probably have the only olive green OP with platinum crown in the world, what else is there to say!
Attached Images
File Type: jpg 2.jpg (161.4 KB, 1092 views)
__________________
If you wind it, they will run.

25 or 6 to 4.

Last edited by Old Expat Beast; 29 July 2023 at 08:40 AM..
Etschell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:15 AM   #2
Art 1
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Florida, Canada
Watch: Rol/Seik/Tud/Omega
Posts: 30,244
Nice!
Art 1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:31 AM   #3
Danny83
2024 Pledge Member
 
Danny83's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2013
Real Name: Danny
Location: Bay Area CA
Watch: Yellow Gold
Posts: 20,138
Nice read Bas and Eliot
Danny83 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:33 AM   #4
Jocke
2024 Pledge Member
 
Jocke's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Real Name: Jocke
Location: Sweden
Watch: A dozen of Rolex's
Posts: 22,507
Great to see those posts up and running again.

Great choice of a interesting person.

Thanks and kudos to both of you.
__________________
This message is written in perfect swenglish.

What is best a custom Rolex or a Rolex that is stuck in custom?

Buy a professional camera and you´re a professional
photographer, buy a flute and you own a flute.
Jocke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:34 AM   #5
antbkny
"TRF" Member
 
antbkny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Real Name: Anthony
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Watch: Dblue
Posts: 6,723
You the man Bas!
antbkny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:35 AM   #6
GradyPhilpott
2024 Pledge Member
 
GradyPhilpott's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: New Mexico
Watch: Tudor Big Rose
Posts: 34,329
Excellent interview!
__________________
JJ

Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner
GradyPhilpott is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:36 AM   #7
Langnam
"TRF" Member
 
Langnam's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: USA
Posts: 948
Really nice interview with a really nice forum member.

Keep up the good work, Bas!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
__________________
PLVS VLTRA
Langnam is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:45 AM   #8
Ballzzz
2024 Pledge Member
 
Ballzzz's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Location: NY
Posts: 2,469
Very Cool
__________________
Any intelligent fool can make things bigger, more complex, and more violent. It takes a touch of genius and a lot of courage to move in the opposite direction. - Albert Einstein
Ballzzz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:47 AM   #9
Daryl
2024 Pledge Member
 
Daryl's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 3,339
Awesome Bas!
__________________
2FA-Enabled


Official Member "Perpetual 30" Las Vegas International GTG 2016
Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2017
Official Member "WIS-CON" Las Vegas International GTG 2019
Daryl is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:54 AM   #10
Burlington
"TRF" Member
 
Burlington's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Europe
Posts: 5,634
Meet a Rolex Forums Member #8 (January 2019) - SearChart

Great stuff. Thanks for the continued series and Bas for all the expertise you share.

Question for Bas if I may - have your management ever mentioned anything about using the forum to you? What to say or not to say, conflicts of interest etc.

Posting incognito is definitely one thing, but as i think as the only prolific poster openly employed by Rolex here (please correct me if I’m wrong) that is also a weight that comes with it.
__________________
“My tastes are simple; I am easily satisfied with the best.”

― Winston S. Churchill
Burlington is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:55 AM   #11
superdog
2024 Pledge Member
 
superdog's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Real Name: Seth
Location: nj
Watch: Omega
Posts: 24,632
This is super. Great subject.

And very well done. Again.
__________________
If happiness is a state of mind, why look anywhere else for it?

IG: gsmotorclub
IG: thesawcollection

(Both mostly just car stuff)
superdog is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 01:57 AM   #12
DLRIDES
2024 Pledge Member
 
DLRIDES's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2017
Real Name: Don
Location: NC/WY
Watch: Me
Posts: 4,588
Nice interview, thanks for carrying the torch for your generation !

__________________
”When citizens learn to vote themselves the treasury, they limit prosperity.”
DLRIDES is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:10 AM   #13
Chiboy
"TRF" Member
 
Chiboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2016
Location: Chicago
Watch: Daytona
Posts: 5,364
Excellent on the part of Elliot and Bas. I think it would be great fun and very rewarding to do what Bas does.
__________________
Datejust w/black Tapestry dial (1985) / Daytona (2016)
Chiboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:10 AM   #14
Amex4711
"TRF" Member
 
Amex4711's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2016
Real Name: Thomas
Location: Germany
Watch: yes of course
Posts: 1,889
Moi, Bas
__________________
current Rolex collection:
to much......
Amex4711 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:13 AM   #15
GerardoG
Banned
 
GerardoG's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Real Name: Gerardo
Location: Here
Watch: ALL of them
Posts: 32,098
Fantastic read!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!!
GerardoG is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:15 AM   #16
Dan Pierce
2024 Pledge Member
 
Dan Pierce's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Real Name: D'OH!
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Rolex-1 Tudor-3
Posts: 35,666
Nice interview of a great TRF member.
dP
__________________
TRF Member# 1668
Bass Player in TRF "AFTER DARK" Bar & NightClub Band
Commander-in-Chief of The Nylon Nation
The Crown & Shield Club
Honorary Member of P-Club
Dan Pierce is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:18 AM   #17
Toony
"TRF" Member
 
Toony's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Real Name: Tony
Location: Gatchaman
Posts: 1,872
Happy these are back! Great job
Toony is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:34 AM   #18
theloxmyth
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 6,382
Fantastic meeting you like this, I'm Craig the locksmith!

theloxmyth is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:46 AM   #19
rmlovett1
2024 Pledge Member
 
rmlovett1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2015
Real Name: Richard
Location: GA
Watch: YTBD
Posts: 22,328
Well done Eliot and Bas !
rmlovett1 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:50 AM   #20
nick c
Banned
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Canada
Posts: 26,846
Well done to both of you.
nick c is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:54 AM   #21
PLNYC
"TRF" Member
 
PLNYC's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Mars
Posts: 1,683
Great read again!
__________________
PLNYC is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 02:57 AM   #22
Chewbacca
Banned
 
Join Date: May 2012
Real Name: CJ
Location: Kashyyyk
Watch: Kessel Run Chrono
Posts: 21,113
Well done again Elliott.

Really like that we’re following Bas’ career and that he’s sharing the journey with us.

Thank you
Chewbacca is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 03:01 AM   #23
Johny
"TRF" Member
 
Johny's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Real Name: john
Location: Scotland
Watch: sub 16610Lv
Posts: 13,523
Great interview. Thank you for participating Bas.
__________________
"AFTER DARK" BAR AND NIGHT CLUB GM.
Johny is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 03:11 AM   #24
vipereaper30
2024 Pledge Member
 
vipereaper30's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Real Name: BMF
Location: California USA
Watch: FPJ UTC
Posts: 2,216
Really cool thanks for the review!
vipereaper30 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 03:19 AM   #25
Cru Jones
2024 Pledge Member
 
Cru Jones's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Paris, France
Posts: 34,377


Great read! Thanks!
Cru Jones is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 03:33 AM   #26
watchwatcher
"TRF" Member
 
watchwatcher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Real Name: Larry
Location: Kentucky
Watch: Yes
Posts: 34,444
Such a cool idea and thread.

Thank you so much, both Eliot and Bas!
watchwatcher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 03:34 AM   #27
Jim Smyth
Banned
 
Join Date: Nov 2013
Real Name: Jim Smyth
Location: Florida
Watch: DD
Posts: 1,842
Cool getting to know the man behind the scenes. I am positive down the road you will own your Platinum reference.
Jim Smyth is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 04:17 AM   #28
SearChart
TechXpert
 
SearChart's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Earth
Posts: 23,445
Thanks Eliot! & Thanks TRF

Quote:
Originally Posted by Burlington View Post
Great stuff. Thanks for the continued series and Bas for all the expertise you share.

Question for Bas if I may - have your management ever mentioned anything about using the forum to you? What to say or not to say, conflicts of interest etc.

Posting incognito is definitely one thing, but as i think as the only prolific poster openly employed by Rolex here (please correct me if I’m wrong) that is also a weight that comes with it.
My direct supervisor knows, there rest do not. I only help people on the forums with questions and occasionally post a thread about a complete overhaul, no inside information is coming out (not that I know much)...
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by GB-man View Post
Rolex uses rare elves to polish the platinum. They have a union deal and make like $90 per hour and get time and half on weekends.
SearChart is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 04:26 AM   #29
Etschell
"TRF" Member
 
Etschell's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: FL
Watch: platinum sub
Posts: 15,861
Quote:
Originally Posted by SearChart View Post
Thanks Eliot! & Thanks TRF



My direct supervisor knows, there rest do not. I only help people on the forums with questions and occasionally post a thread about a complete overhaul, no inside information is coming out (not that I know much)...
Ty!
__________________
If you wind it, they will run.

25 or 6 to 4.
Etschell is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 21 January 2019, 04:36 AM   #30
RichM
2024 Pledge Member
 
RichM's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Real Name: Richie
Location: "Nowhere Man"
Watch: out now,take care!
Posts: 28,061
Well done again Eliot. Thank you Bas for taking the time to be interviewed. A most interesting read, for sure.
__________________
"I love to work at nothing all day"
TRF #139960
RichM is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
bas , beer , rolex , running , searchart


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Takuya Watches

Bobs Watches

My Watch LLC

OCWatches

DavidSW Watches

Coronet


*Banners Of The Month*
This space is provided to horological resources.





Copyright ©2004-2024, The Rolex Forums. All Rights Reserved.

ROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEXROLEX

Rolex is a registered trademark of ROLEX USA. The Rolex Forums is not affiliated with ROLEX USA in any way.