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Old 29 October 2008, 10:43 AM   #31
mretzloff
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Then why does Rolex not bear the Geneva Seal?
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Old 29 October 2008, 10:56 AM   #32
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You forgot one, Tools...

In durability tests personally conducted by Big Daddy Rawhyde, only Rolex watches will last more than a year in daily use on his wrist. My oldest one has been giving me faithful service for 18 years and counting....

Other makers may have more expensive watches with more decorative features, but if it doesn't tell me the time when I look at it, I'll soon quit wearing it!
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Old 29 October 2008, 10:58 AM   #33
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Perdu View Post
Larry,

I'm just having problems visualizing a free sprung balance if you could say some more? :
Gary,

I don't want to write a book, but let me see if I can say a few words.. (My apologies to all watchmakers)

1. On a Free-sprung balance, the balance wheel and hairspring ride on jewels at each end of the staff (axle), and the hairspring itself is attached to the inside of the wheel at the axle; the other end of the hairspring is attached (anchored) to the bridge (a stud screw holds it in place there). That's it...it's not attached any place else. On a Rolex, the speed of the hairspring is adjusted by the micro-stella screws and weights on the outside of the balance wheel... Screw the weights in closer, or out further to change the inertia/speed.

On a regulator balance, the wheel has the same axle, jewels, and pivots, and the hairspring is attached to the staff at the inside, but the other end of the hairspring is run through some pins (clamped) at the outside end to an eccentric screw. Regulation is made by taking the clamped end, turning the screw, and twisting the hairspring tighter, or looser to achieve a speed change.

2. The full balance bridge does make a difference.. First, Rolex uses a larger balance wheel than the Omega 1120/1128. The balance cock as used in the 1120/1128 (half bridge) extends halfway out into space to hold the balance pivot jewel and shock spring. After a shock or a bump, this hanging length of metal can vibrate the same way the ends of a tuning fork vibrate when hit. This half-bridge can only swing a moderate sized wheel because it swings (rotates) rapidly, so this piece of metal hanging out is also subject to the lateral forces caused by the mass of the wheel starting and stopping.. The half bridge can vibrate up and down, and laterally with the mass of the wheel.

The full balance bridge spans the entire distance and is anchored at both ends. The balance pivot jewel and shock system is placed in the middle. It cannot vibrate. It also allows Rolex to use a much larger balance wheel because, again, anchored at both ends, it cannot move laterally either.

(I'm not bashing the Omega 1120/1128, it's my favorite Omega movement. I'm just saying that from an engineering perspective, these points give the Rolex movement an edge)
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Old 29 October 2008, 03:16 PM   #34
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Rolex is a robust and reliable tool watch

As a salesman at Wempe said, if had to only wear one watch, it would be a Rolex. When I've asked watchmakers which watch they prefer to work on, Rolex is usually the answer.

I don't question the highly reliable movement of a Rolex and not having to worry if the watch gets knocked.

All that said, I recently handled a couple of IWC's. Namely the Portugueser 5001 and the new vintage Port. The attention to detail on the dial and case is just top notch. Something not found on a Rolex.

IMO, Rolex comes the closest to being a lifestyle watch; a watch that can be worn in any occasion; from the beach to a formal affair.
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Old 29 October 2008, 03:27 PM   #35
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One of the best read....
Certainly one of the most educational reads for a long time.
Thanks Larry.
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Old 30 October 2008, 12:46 AM   #36
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Thanks Larry, that's really helpful. I really enjoy this forum for the knowledge I gain and you are a fantastic contributor to my (all of our) knowledge.

p.s. you are making me want another Rolex.
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Old 30 October 2008, 01:33 AM   #37
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Fantastic post - very informative and inspiring
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Old 27 August 2012, 08:57 AM   #38
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excellent thread, the thread was referenced in another current thread ...
i thought it was worth a bump...

Quote:
Originally Posted by cody p View Post
my only criticism is the lack of ball bearings at the rotor pivot (cal. 4130 excepted). ...
imho:
after using the daytona with the 4130 movement (ball bearing included) i really did not enjoy the sound of the BB rotor when i would move my arm, it sounded like something was loose inside the watch... i never had this sensation in my submariner and the submariner never failed me (years of very hard wear) with its old school rotor mount.

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Old 27 August 2012, 05:06 PM   #39
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Thanks Larry
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Old 27 August 2012, 09:50 PM   #40
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Thanks Larry, a great read.I'm glad it was bumped recently as I missed this one.
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Old 28 August 2012, 01:10 AM   #41
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Thanks for the article and the bump... I love mine even more now
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Old 28 August 2012, 03:09 AM   #42
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Very informative thread. Glad it was brought up again. Thanks, Larry. Like someone said, this makes me want to purchase another Rolex.
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Old 15 September 2012, 11:03 AM   #43
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Then why does Rolex not bear the Geneva Seal?
Because they are NOT manufactured in GENEVA. The factory is located in Biel.


"The Geneva seal in horology (watches), is a certification reserved for wrist watch movements made in the City or Canton of Geneva." from Wikipedia.
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Old 6 February 2013, 07:24 PM   #44
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Great read, Larry. Thank you.
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Old 30 April 2013, 01:01 PM   #45
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It is great that we can change the date in rolex anytime even in safe zone, but i dare not to try. :)
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Old 1 May 2013, 05:43 AM   #46
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Quote:
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As a salesman at Wempe said, if had to only wear one watch, it would be a Rolex. When I've asked watchmakers which watch they prefer to work on, Rolex is usually the answer.

I don't question the highly reliable movement of a Rolex and not having to worry if the watch gets knocked.

All that said, I recently handled a couple of IWC's. Namely the Portugueser 5001 and the new vintage Port. The attention to detail on the dial and case is just top notch. Something not found on a Rolex.

IMO, Rolex comes the closest to being a lifestyle watch; a watch that can be worn in any occasion; from the beach to a formal affair.

Totally agree with you......+1000
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Old 1 May 2013, 06:27 AM   #47
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Thanks, Larry. Enjoyed the read.
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Old 1 May 2013, 06:46 AM   #48
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Are Rolex movements better than movements inside of Langes or Pateks?
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Old 1 May 2013, 07:05 AM   #49
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Are Rolex movements better than movements inside of Langes or Pateks?
Arguably equally accurate and more robust than the premium brands mentioned.

Movement finishing though, Rolex is not in the game.
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Old 1 May 2013, 09:14 AM   #50
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Isn't ETA just as accurate and robust?
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Old 1 May 2013, 02:51 PM   #51
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Isn't ETA just as accurate and robust?
No and No
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Old 1 May 2013, 03:49 PM   #52
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What data do you have to back that up?
Not trying to argue. I just want to see the data.
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Old 1 May 2013, 07:57 PM   #53
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Why do you ask :)
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Old 3 May 2013, 03:07 AM   #54
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Good stuff. Funny just last night my buddy asked me "so is rolex really better than other brands? I think they are just over priced compared to brietling" ..... I explained the difference in steel and gold but didn't get into to much detail on movement . Going to email him this link
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Old 3 May 2013, 07:56 AM   #55
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Quote:
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IMO, Rolex comes the closest to being a lifestyle watch; a watch that can be worn in any occasion; from the beach to a formal affair.


This to me is where Rolex shines.

It truly fits any occasion. I can take it down to 100' in the ocean on my routine scuba dives, wear it at the office, outside in the oppressive humid heat, hiking in the freezing cold, or peeking beneath the cuff of a nice dress shirt out at dinner and it fits the bill perfectly. It takes bumps, bangs, thuds, hits, falls, and keeps ticking - within COSC spec.

The watches are so durable that you literally can't phase them; they're built like panzer tanks. They're heavy, solidly built and water tight. I always get a chuckle out of virgin Rolex owners (especially of the heavier sport models) who are worried about "can I wear my watch to ....?" or "I'm afraid I'm going to..." Trust me, that watch can go places you can't even go, so stick it on the wrist and forget it. You're going to hurt yourself 1000 times over before that watch gets hurt. How many other watches can this be said for?

The last interval on my service was 10 years (a little too long) and up until the six months prior to my latest overhaul, that watch was at -2 seconds over 24 hours consistently, and I wore it every day and took it everywhere I went for 10 years.

I've never been one to wear a Rolex for prestige or public opinion, because truly I really don't care what people think, good or bad, about a watch on my wrist. I wear it because in my opinion, no production watch company does it better and accomplishes everything across the board that Rolex does. The value of the watch has consistently increased over the years, so I've come out way ahead there.

Again, I'm sure there's no shortage of people that will disagree with me, and I'm by no means saying that other watch companies design excellent watches and produce wonderful movements. They do. I'm just saying for me, the question of "is a Rolex really better" is answered by a resounding yes, it is.
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Old 10 May 2013, 06:29 AM   #56
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In a word....yep.
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Old 10 May 2013, 07:26 AM   #57
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This is great, should be a sticky...
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Old 10 May 2013, 07:27 AM   #58
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This to me is where Rolex shines.

It truly fits any occasion. I can take it down to 100' in the ocean on my routine scuba dives, wear it at the office, outside in the oppressive humid heat, hiking in the freezing cold, or peeking beneath the cuff of a nice dress shirt out at dinner and it fits the bill perfectly. It takes bumps, bangs, thuds, hits, falls, and keeps ticking - within COSC spec.

The watches are so durable that you literally can't phase them; they're built like panzer tanks. They're heavy, solidly built and water tight. I always get a chuckle out of virgin Rolex owners (especially of the heavier sport models) who are worried about "can I wear my watch to ....?" or "I'm afraid I'm going to..." Trust me, that watch can go places you can't even go, so stick it on the wrist and forget it. You're going to hurt yourself 1000 times over before that watch gets hurt. How many other watches can this be said for?

The last interval on my service was 10 years (a little too long) and up until the six months prior to my latest overhaul, that watch was at -2 seconds over 24 hours consistently, and I wore it every day and took it everywhere I went for 10 years.

I've never been one to wear a Rolex for prestige or public opinion, because truly I really don't care what people think, good or bad, about a watch on my wrist. I wear it because in my opinion, no production watch company does it better and accomplishes everything across the board that Rolex does. The value of the watch has consistently increased over the years, so I've come out way ahead there.

Again, I'm sure there's no shortage of people that will disagree with me, and I'm by no means saying that other watch companies design excellent watches and produce wonderful movements. They do. I'm just saying for me, the question of "is a Rolex really better" is answered by a resounding yes, it is.
Justin, very, very well said!
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Old 11 May 2013, 10:08 AM   #59
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Great information. Thanks.
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Old 11 May 2013, 10:12 AM   #60
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Great information. Thanks.
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