Rolex Frequently Asked Questions?

People have hundreds of questions about Rolex watches and buying preowned Rolex watches. As we’re considered an authority on Rolex we have created this Frequently Asked Question Section. I recommend reading this page, as it has useful information for Rolex customers.


Why choose a pre-owned Rolex over a brand new Rolex?

It is a misconception that only those who can't afford a brand new Rolex will buy a pre-owned one. This is indeed misleading. The case of wine getting better with age – can be applied to the Rolex. The Rolex will last a lifetime with the proper care and maintenance. After you first slip a Rolex on, like most luxury products, the value of a new Rolex is depreciated up to 30%. Contrary to this, with pre-owned Rolex watches, over time its value is appreciated and is worth more than its original price. Over the years with subtle changes, you cannot notice the difference between a Rolex watch that is circa 1980 to a Rolex that is circa 2000. And so its value is retained over time. Also pre-owned Rolex are vintage watches which keep their value.


What is the difference between a “Genuine” Rolex part and an “Aftermarket” part?


Genuine Rolex parts are produced exclusively by Rolex. Aftermarket parts are legal products manufactured specifically to fit Rolex models, however these are non-Rolex parts and do not have the word Rolex or the crown logo trademark inscription anywhere on the product.


Can you explain the differences between a Non-Quickset, a Quickset, a Single-quickset, and a Double-Quickset?


The Non-Quickset feature needs you to rotate the hands so that you can advance the date on your calendar. Yet, the Quickset feature permits you to advance the date without the need to change the hour hands. With the Single-Quickset, the day needs to be changed by rotating the hour hands but not the date. And finally the Double-Quickset feature, you can advance the date and day without actually rotating the hour hands.


When should I service my watch?


A common misconception among many is that high-end timepieces do not have to be serviced regularly. Actually your Rolex should be serviced at least once every five years. Just like other luxury items that need routine maintenance, so does the Rolex. You might be making a drastic error in the future, by thinking that your Rolex does not need to be serviced regularly. Don't wait for a problem to happen, get routine maintenance your Rolex.


When you service your Rolex, this is a list of standard inspection:

Visual ID Inspection:

Inspection of Visual Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Timekeeping

Servicing

Cleaning and Polishing

Testing Pressure-Proof

Test for Timekeeping

A final testing of Pressure-proof

Final Quality Control

A One – Year Warranty which varies on dealer policy


Important note: Your Rolex can be serviced from $15 to $500.


What is the difference between a Chronometer and a Chronograph?


These two terms appear similar though there is a considerable difference between them. After the watch is passed through strict testing for accuracy and quality, a rating or an award is awarded by the official Swiss Timing Bureau, Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres (COSC) is conferred on it, in other words, CHRONOMETER is the term that signifies this award. Timepieces that can be measured in different ways are known as a CHRONOGRAPH. One feature is a stopwatch.

Melrose Jewelers is U.K.’s largest online retailer of genuine Preowned Rolex and Used Rolex watches with over 400 Mens Rolex & Lady Rolex President and Datejust watches in stock. Melrose Jewelers also supplies its used Rolex watches to over 200 retail jewelry stores worldwide through its Wholesale Rolex division. Jewelers interested in buying and reselling our wristwatches can contact us at salesteam@melrosejewelers.co.uk or call us at +44(20)70992103

A Flagship Model of Rolex: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

The “Cosmograph” (model 6239) was unveiled in 1960. In the case of a chronograph the tachymeter is engraved on the the dial, although the Cosmograph is a chronograph by definition, unlike the chronograph, the tachymeter scale was engraved on the bezel by Rolex. Intiailly the Cosmograph was powered by a Valjoux 72B movement, rather than a Rolex movement. However the 7221/1 replaced it.


In developing the Oyster and Perpetual, Rolex were top runners at that time. And so in the field of pioneering chronographs, Rolex was considered to be a novice. Contrary to this, the extremely successful Cosmograph positioned Rolex of being the ultimate “sportsman's” watch. Being in demand amongst some of the biggest names in auto racing, in one of the largest racing communities of Daytona Beach, Florida, these watches were soon known as “Daytona”. Black with silver registers or cream white with black registers were the colors of the dials in the original Daytona's. After Paul Newman was seen sporting it in the movie “Winning”, these dials came to be known as “Paul Newman”.


In the late 1930's, with the production of the two button chronograph, a major breakthrough was made. With this feature people were now able to stop their watches and restart it on the same time where it was left off, without actually having to reset the time. Soon after this, the “Zerograph” was manufactured in limited numbers. Uncommon and rare, this 3462 model, was the first watch to display the Oyster crown and was literally the turning point for Rolex.


During World War II, Rolex introduced its first true Oyster chronograph (model 4500). Along with it came the 6232 and 3668 models in which all had faced very limited success. The 6232 and 3668 were powered by the 13” Valjoux movement and featured just a thirty minute register. In 1949, Rolex introduced model 5034 that featured the three button chronograph. In the next two decades and after three more models, the 6239 was introduced. In 1965, model 6240 replaced 6239 and the 6241 by 6264 respectively. Model 6240 was the first model to have screw-down waterproof pushers along with the name “oyster” on the dial. Earlier Oyster Chronographs had simple round pushers with internal gaskets as the only sealing mechanism. 6240 was rated being waterproof to 165 feet (50 meters). In the early 70’s, model 6264 was replaced by 6265 and the 6262 by 6263 respectively.


The first true Oyster chronograph, model 4500 was launched during the Second World War. Thereafter the 6232 and 3688 models were introduced, however they did not meet with much success. These two models, the 6232 and 3688 had a thirty minute register and both were powered by the the 13” Valjoux movement. The three button chronograph, model 5034 was introduced in 1949. Subsequently after three more models, during the next two decades the 6239 was introduced. Model 6240 replaced 6239 and the 6241 by 6264, in 1965. The first model to have screw-down waterproof pushers along with the name “oyster” on the dial was model 6240. The earlier Oyster Chronographs used internal gaskets as the only sealing mechanism with simple round pushers. However, the 6240 was rated as being waterproof to about 165 feet (50 meters). Model
6265 replaced 6246 and 6263 was responsible for replacing 6262, this was in the 1970's.


In the year 1988, a new version of the Daytona, model 16520 was launched by Rolex. Rolex went ahead and use the the new Zenith El Primero movement (Cal. 4030) rather than using the Valjoux movement. Large subsidiary dials in black, white or champagne with the name “Daytona” in red on the dial were featured on these dials. Available only in Model 16518 featured an exotic dial and bezel, was released in 1992. This watch


Rolex released the new version of the Daytona (model 16520) in 1988. Instead of using the Valjoux movement, Rolex went with the new Zenith El Primero movement (Cal. 4030). The dials on this watch featured large subsidiary dials and came in black, white, or champagne with the name "Daytona" in red on the dial. In 1992, Rolex released model 16518. This watch featured an exotic dial and bezel and was only available in 18kt yellow gold. Model 16519 (white gold) was released 5 years later. Finally, model 116520 was introduced in 2000. Rolex added an extra 1 prefix to fit a 6-digit model number and this model was the first “in-house” movement for Daytona’s (Cal. 4130).


The Rolex Daytona's continue to remain in demand and are still popular today, making it the most sought of all the Rolex watches.





Melrose Jewelers is U.K.’s largest online retailer of genuine Preowned Rolex and Used Rolex watches with over 400 Mens & Lady Rolex President and Datejust watches in stock. Melrose Jewelers also supplies its used Rolex watches to over 200 retail jewelry stores worldwide through its Wholesale Rolex division. Jewelers interested in buying and reselling our wristwatches can contact us at salesteam@melrosejewelers.co.uk or call us at +44(20)70992103