The reason that Rolex allows so few people into the Bienne location is because they have created a truly unique manufacturing system, for which they have built machines that create unique components exclusive to Rolex. Blanks of brass, copper, and steel are cut using proprietary machines unseen anywhere else in Switzerland, via spark erosion. Baseplates are produced at a rate of about 100 per minute. There are stripping machines where raw metal is inserted in one end, and out the other end comes full components with pins already in them.
There are stripping machines where raw metal is inserted in one end, and out the other end comes full components witih pins already in them.
This includes the Parachrom balance spring, and the Paraflex Shock Absorber – two things that, in the opinion of many, are essential to the accuracy and durability of Rolexes.
"Setting Dufour and Voutilainen level movement finishing aside, from a pure engineering perspective, Rolex's 3130 based calibers have reigned supreme for close to 30 years now. No mass-produced movement outside of Rolex comes close to matching their quality, durability, and reliability. They have come terribly close to defining the epitome of what a perfectly conceived mechanical watch movement should be."
4130
1. Vertical clutch 2. Modularity of automatic section 3. Full balance bridge with height adjustment nut 4. Single point of adjustment for the chronograph system (versus five in the 4030) 5. Parachrome hairspring – I believe it was there from the beginning, sans blue colour at the outset."
HODINKEE