Rolex Watches: The History of Movement Production

                                            Image Source: Beckertime

In 2004, Rolex entirely procured the movement manufacturing entity that produces the calibres for its high-end timepieces. Earlier, the enterprise that made movements for Rolex was indeed a separate facility that the Aeglar family owned. 

Let’s today explore the compelling history of Rolex movement production, right from Aeglar, Rolex Bienne to ultimately, a Rolex’s subsidiary. Thus, before you head out to ‘sell my Rolex’, ‘sell Rolex watch London’ or sell your Rolex to any trustworthy Hatton Garden Rolex buyers, have a look below:

Hans Wilsdorf & Aeglar- The Early Rolex Years

In 1905, Hans Wilsdorf founded his watch company in London. While this was indeed a period of big pocket watches with large movements, he was looking for a supplier who could design miniaturised movements for wristwatches. Eventually, Wilsdorf approached the Aeglar movement producers who specialised in making small mechanical movements.

The first Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision that was awarded to a Rolex timepiece in 1910 had the name ‘Les Fils de Jean Aeglar’ written on it in French that stands for ‘The Sons of Jean Aeglar’. However, in 1913 the calibre maker was renamed and registered as the Aeglar S.A. in 1913. The relationship between Rolex and Aeglar was strongly interwoven from the beginning.

Moreover, when Aeglar purchased a large share of Rolex stock in the 1920s, he became a board member of Rolex, and it was after Rolex moved to Geneva from London in 1919. In the mid-1930s, Aeglar S.A. was renamed as Manufacture des Montres Rolex SA; while they signed to be the chief movement supplier of Rolex.

Also read: How to Verify the Authenticity of a Rolex watch?

Rolex Geneve and Rolex Bienne

The Aeglar movement making entity always appeared as a subsidiary of Rolex Geneva and virtually always referred to as ‘Rolex Bienne’. But, the fact is that they were two different institutions. Rolex Bienne was bought by Rolex Geneve in 2004 from the Borer family for a reported 1 billion CHF. However, the brand was simultaneously rejuvenating with other suppliers such as winding crown producer Boninchi, the bracelet maker Gay Freres and dial maker Beyeler. 

The possession of the movement entity was a significant step for Rolex SA’s strategy in becoming an entirely vertically-united watchmaker. While Rolex started to work on extending its site in Bienne in 2009, the brand unveiled its new movement production building in 2012. Today, all Rolex watch movements are wholly fabricated and manufactured in-house.

 Are you looking to sell your Rolex watch in London?

For those who are looking to ‘sell Rolex watch’ or ‘sell Rolex watch London’, get in touch with the most trustworthy Rolex watch buyers in London like at The Luxury Hut.

We, at The Luxury Hut, provide our customers with a simple, secure and straightforward way to sell Rolex watches, be it is online or via appointment. Begin the process by filling up our online form (providing all the details of your Rolex watch as much as you can) and receive a professional valuation right away.

Alternatively, you can also call us on 0207 242 9160 to arrange an appointment and visit us at our office in Hatton Garden, London with your luxury watch.