Rolex, the brand name, elicits a sense of luxury, precision, and craftsmanship that stands far above the others. Rolex watches have a solid fan base that includes prominent names from all walks of life, sports, entertainment, science, and even world politics. There is a reason for this interest and reverence: the exceptionally high quality of Rolex watches and the exclusiveness with which the brand conducts its business. This has earned Rolex an almost cult-like following among watch and wall clock collectors as well as horology enthusiasts.
Every year, the demand for Rolex wall clocks hits its ultimate high in summer as the Wimbledon Tennis Tournament starts on the iconic green courts of London. Rolex, as the official timekeeper of the tournament, deploys its giant wall clocks in the courts. These quartz-powered timepieces grab everyone’s attention, viewing the games live as well as on television. Not to mention all the sports legends and political figures seated as spectators at the world-class tennis matches sporting their own Rolex watches as a statement accessory. Apart from the holidays, this is the time when impulse buying for Rolex wall clocks is at its peak. So, for those who are looking for a quick bargain online to buy the expensive Rolex wall clock, there are a few things to keep in mind.
1. Authenticity of Rolex Wall Clocks Sold on Online Stores
First and foremost, one thing should be declared to remove any confusion from the minds of the buyers. Rolex does not sell wall clocks to the public. Except for its globally sold wristwatches, the brand, in fact, does not manufacture or distribute any other merchandise, and Rolex wall clocks are a part of this category.
Rolex official merchandise is highly controlled and curated, and its production is carried out by authorized dealers and retail partners only. Their partners are approved by the brand and distribute or sell Rolex wall clocks for use in store interiors, at exhibition booths, or in VIP lounges during events like Baselworld or Wimbledon only. Rolex has long used such clocks as a subtle but powerful branding tool, and it keeps the collectors on edge, looking for opportunities to get their hands on one of these coveted timepieces. This means that most online retailers offering Rolex wall clocks are only selling fakes or replicas, so do not be duped into getting a cheap plastic Rolex wall clock that screams fake from afar.
2. Most Online Listings Are Replicas, Some Better Than Others…
While there is no denying that most of the online Rolex wall clock sellers are dealing in fakes, some offer replicas that have much better quality, rivaling other high-end wall clocks. It is highly unlikely that these wall clocks are powered via quartz like the authentic Rolex wall clocks, but their outer chassis and inner machinery are made of high-quality, durable material, giving them an authentic look with much longer life spans.
The vast majority of Rolex replicas are often manufactured in factories based in China or Southeast Asia to cut manufacturing costs. These poorly made knockoffs usually have visible flaws like incorrect fonts and logos, misaligned markers, or overly shiny bezels. On the other hand, the high-grade replicas are made using such high precision that they can fool many casual collectors.
3. Buying The Next Best Thing
If you are buying a Rolex wall clock for your personal home design appeal, buying a high-grade replica might not be such a bad deal. A Rolex wall clock tastefully placed in a man cave, office, or walk-in closet sends a clear message of taste and success. So the high-end replicas can cost anywhere between $200 and $600. Their cost usually depends on the clock’s make, size, and the shipping location, but they are a decent decor wall clock option for personal spaces. These wall clocks often mimic the finer details of a real Rolex watch, including the brushed finish on the bezels, luminous hour markers, and textured dials, and some are even custom-made by independent artisans.
4. Easy To Recognize Signs of Authenticity
Where you want to display the Rolex wall clock should be considered very seriously before buying it. While the cheap replicas can be bought for the sake of novelty, they can be the most disastrous choice in any kind of professional setup. Therefore, if you have decided on getting a Rolex wall clock for any type of corporate or professional space, start hunting for authentic Rolex wall clocks. These can only be bought from authorized dealers that may have a small stock on hand of older clocks replaced by newer models or an official Rolex partner. The price can go much higher in this case. Limited-edition or vintage display clocks may even cost upwards of $3,000 among collectors. However, it is also important to remember that a higher price is not any indication of authenticity.
The authentic display pieces have a solid construction made of metal casing or high-quality composites, not plastic. They feature smooth-sweep quartz mechanisms, not ticking seconds hands. These clocks should only feature fonts, logos, and colors that match Rolex’s standards exactly, particularly the iconic crown logo. Some authentic Rolex clocks also have markings or serial codes on the rear panel.
5. Be Vigilant About Avoiding The Obvious Fake Ones
While on the topic, let’s look over some very obvious signs of fake Rolex wall clocks. First and foremost are the various typos or misaligned text on the clock. These are very common in fakes imported from China. The battery cover of cheap fake clocks often looks very flimsy and generic. Another telltale sign is clock packaging or the face labeled as “Rolex-style” or “Rolex-inspired.” And also be careful of vendors who cannot explain the clock’s provenance or origin, as the limited quantity of clocks manufactured makes keeping track of the previous ownership record very easy.
Remember that even Rolex’s real store clocks aren’t necessarily Swiss-made. Many are produced under license by third-party manufacturers (like the now-defunct Swiss Time Systems) who supplied dealers with officially approved designs.
Should You Even Buy A Rolex Wall Clock?
Now that we have covered all the basics about the loops you must go through to get an authentic Rolex wall clock, take a deep breath, and think carefully about why you need this particular wall clock. And do you even need to buy it?
If you think your wall clock collection is incomplete without a Rolex wall clock and you have the right contacts and finances to buy it, then Rolex wall clocks are timepieces that are worth spending thousands of dollars on. These are not just a status symbol but investments that will gain monetary value with time. Not to mention, upon acquiring your own Rolex wall clock, you will become the proud owner of a tangible little piece of horological history.