4 Tips for Improving Rolex Accuracy

Rolex Submariner Yellow Gold

 

4 Tips for Improving Rolex Accuracy

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Collectors have many reasons for owning a Rolex. It could be the brand’s heritage, its aesthetic appeal, or even the status symbol — but one of the best reasons to get one is its top notch movement. Just like a vehicle, a Rolex is a Rolex not just for its looks, but for the engine that runs it.

The iconic Rolex Perpetual movement plays a key role in the brand’s reputation for excellence. Utilizing Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC) certification, they ensure that their watches deviate from no more than -4 to +6 seconds per day.

So how can you tell if your Rolex is accurate? And what should you do if your Rolex is losing or gaining time? Below are some tips to keep your Rolex’s accuracy.

 

Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Diamond Mens Watches
Rolex Datejust Steel Yellow Gold Diamond Mens Watches

How to Tell if Your Watch is Keeping Time

STEP 1. Start by ensuring that you are starting with a full charge. Unwind the crown, then wind your watch around 20 times. We discussed the proper way of winding your watch here.

STEP 2. Set your Rolex to the exact second, referring to a satellite clock (such as the one on your mobile phone) for the exact time. Screw the crown back firmly.

STEP 3. Wear your Rolex every day for a week or up to a month. Record the number of seconds or minutes lost or gained compared to your clock.

STEP 4. After your testing period, record the average deviation of timekeeping in seconds.

If it’s within the -4 / +6 seconds per day, then it is within normal boundaries. If it is losing more than 6 seconds per day, then it is time to take it to a Rolex authorized dealer for a full service.

 


 

Tips to Keep Your Rolex Watch Accurate

One of the biggest misconceptions about Rolex is that it will keep running accurately without a single thought. However, a mechanical watch does not rely on a battery but on a machine; and that’s part of its allure.

A Rolex is an amazingly accurate timepiece nonetheless, but many factors may affect how it keeps time. Factors such as your location, frequency of wearing, and the position in which you store the watch can all affect its accuracy.

That said, you have a part to play in ensuring the accuracy of your watch. Here are 4 steps that can help.

 

Rolex President Day-Date Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Bezel Mens Watch
Wear your watch daily to keep the mainspring charged. | pictured: Rolex President Day-Date Yellow Gold Diamond Dial Bezel Mens Watch

1. Wear your watch daily, or manually wind it regularly.

Rolex’s perpetual movement is kept running by subtle movement, such as that of your wrist when the watch is worn. Its perpetual rotor relies on the impetus of the wearer’s wrist to keep the mainspring running and functioning properly.

When the watch is not worn for a long time, the lubricants inside the mechanical watch can dry up, thus causing damage to the movement.

If you prefer not to wear your watch daily, a gentle rocking motion every 48 hours or winding it once a week will keep the mainspring wound.

 


 

Rolex Datejust Diamond Dial Bezel Watch and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Yellow Gold Chronograph
You can regulate your watch by laying it flat or on its side, while at rest. | pictured: Rolex Datejust Diamond Dial Bezel Watch and Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Yellow Gold Chronograph

2. Make simple adjustments to your watch when it’s at rest.

While there may be variations to your Rolex’s accuracy, its COSC certified movements keep the variations consistent. This means that it either stays consistently fast or consistently slow.  Moreover, the rate of a watch also varies slightly depending on its position.
Knowing this, we now know that you can use gravity to your advantage and use a simple regulation method, while your watch is at rest.
To speed it up or gain a few seconds = lay the watch flat on its bracelet
To slow it down or lose a few seconds = lay the watch on its side

 


 

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Gold
Store your Rolex in a dry place, away from sunlight and electronics.
pictured: Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

3. Store your Rolex properly.

If your Rolex all of a sudden speeds up or gains minutes per day, then there is a chance that it may have been dropped or it has been magnetized.

The components inside your watch are tiny metals and the balance spring, in particular, can be shortened by exposure to magnets, thereby speeding up the watch. Fortunately, newer Rolex watches are already equipped with a Parachrom Hairspring, which is resistant to magnets.

To avoid this scenario though, the best way is to keep your watch from exposure to magnets (such as those in stereo speakers or laptops) is to store it away from electronics.

 

4. Finally, have your Rolex serviced every 5 to 7 years.

If your Rolex is steadily gaining or losing time despite the steps above, it might be time for a service. When your watch is running slow, it’s often because it already needs cleaning.

Sending your Rolex for servicing means that a certified technician will disassemble the watch, clean the movement, regulate and lubricate it, and then put it back together. Professional maintenance is a crucial part of watch ownership and will ensure the longevity of your watch.

 

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