Rolex Movements: 3 Different Types

Rolex is one of the most well-known and respected luxury watch brands in the world. When people think of Rolex, they often picture elegance, precision, and craftsmanship. But what truly makes a Rolex tick—literally—is its movement. A watch movement is the engine that powers a watch. It’s what makes the hands move and the watch keep time.

Rolex uses different types of movements in its watches, and each type plays a key role in how the watch works. In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at the three main types of Rolex movements: Automatic Movements, Quartz Movements, and Manual Movements. 

We’ll explain how each one works, what makes them unique, and which Rolex models use them. Let’s dive in and explore the heartbeat of Rolex watches.

What is a Watch Movement?

Before we get into the specific types of Rolex movements, let’s first understand what a movement actually is.

A watch movement, also known as a caliber, is the mechanism inside a watch that powers all its functions—like telling time, showing the date, or using a stopwatch. It’s like the engine of a car. Without a movement, a watch is just a piece of metal and glass.

There are three major types of watch movements:

A. Manual (or hand-wound)

B. Automatic (self-winding)

C. Quartz (battery-powered)

Rolex is famous for using automatic movements, but they’ve also made manual and quartz watches in the past. Let’s look at each type in more detail.

1. Automatic Movements – The Heart of Most Rolex Watches

What is an Automatic Movement?

An automatic movement is also known as a self-winding movement. This type of movement winds itself as you wear the watch. Inside the movement is a small rotor (a half-moon shaped weight) that spins as your wrist moves. This spinning motion winds the mainspring, which stores energy and powers the watch.

How It Works

• Inside the watch is a tightly wound spring (called the mainspring).

• As you move, the rotor turns and winds the mainspring.

• The spring slowly unwinds, releasing energy that moves the gears and hands of the watch.
  As long as you wear it regularly, your Rolex will keep running without needing a battery or manual winding.
  

Benefits of Automatic Movements

• No need for batteries – Just wear it, and it keeps running.

• Smooth hand movement – Rolex second hands sweep smoothly rather than ticking.

• Long-lasting – With regular maintenance, these movements can last a lifetime.
  

Rolex and Automatic Movements

Almost all modern Rolex watches use automatic movements. Some of the most popular models with automatic movements include:

• Rolex Submariner – Designed for divers, famous for its durability.

• Rolex Datejust – A classic everyday watch with a date window.

• Rolex GMT-Master II – Ideal for travelers with a second time zone feature.

• Rolex Day-Date (President) – Elegant, with both day and date display.

• Rolex Explorer & Explorer II – Built for adventure, tough and reliable.
  

Notable Rolex Automatic Movements

Rolex makes all its movements in-house, meaning they design and build them entirely on their own. Some of their most well-known automatic movements include:

• Caliber 3135 – Used in the Submariner and Datejust. Known for reliability and durability.

• Caliber 3235 – An upgraded version with better power reserve (up to 70 hours).

• Caliber 3285 – Found in the GMT-Master II with dual time zone functionality.
  

These movements are COSC-certified, meaning they pass strict tests for accuracy.

2. Quartz Movements – The Rolex Oysterquartz Era

What is a Quartz Movement?

A quartz movement uses a small battery to power the watch. The battery sends electricity to a tiny quartz crystal inside the watch, causing it to vibrate. These vibrations power the motor that moves the hands.

Quartz watches are known for their accuracy and low maintenance.

Why Rolex Made Quartz Watches

In the 1970s and 1980s, the watch world faced what is called the “Quartz Crisis.” Many new watch brands began producing affordable, battery-powered quartz watches, which were more accurate and less expensive than mechanical watches. This hurt many traditional watchmakers.

Rolex responded by creating its own high-end quartz watches called Oysterquartz.

Rolex Oysterquartz Watches

Rolex didn’t just throw a basic battery in a watch. Instead, they built a high-precision quartz movement from scratch.

• The Oysterquartz line was launched in 1977.

• It was based on the Datejust and Day-Date designs.

• The movement had an angular case and integrated bracelet—a unique look.

• It was COSC-certified and featured advanced technology for its time.
  

Models included:

• Oysterquartz Datejust (Ref. 17000)

• Oysterquartz Day-Date (Ref. 19018)
  

These watches were produced in limited numbers and are now sought after by collectors.

Why Rolex Stopped Quartz Production

By the early 2000s, Rolex decided to stop making quartz watches. Their brand identity is closely tied to mechanical craftsmanship, and most of their loyal customers prefer automatic movements.

Still, the Oysterquartz models remain a special part of Rolex history.

3. Manual Movements – The Traditional Hand-Wound Rolex

What is a Manual Movement?

A manual movement, also known as a hand-wound movement, is the oldest and most traditional type of watch movement. Unlike automatic watches, manual watches must be wound by hand every day or so to keep running.

You turn the crown (the small knob on the side of the watch) to wind the mainspring, which then powers the watch.

Rolex and Manual Watches

In the early days, Rolex made all their watches with manual movements. Some vintage models, especially from the 1930s to 1950s, used hand-wound calibers.

A few examples include:

• Rolex Precision Models – Slim and elegant hand-wound dress watches.

• Vintage Rolex Bubbleback – One of the earliest models before automatic took over.
  

Manual movements are rare in modern Rolex watches, but vintage collectors love them for their history and mechanical beauty.

Pros and Cons of Manual Movements

Pros:

• Slim design – No rotor means thinner cases.

• Classic feel – You’re more involved in keeping the watch running.
  

Cons:

• Needs daily winding.

• Not as convenient as automatic or quartz.
  

Comparing the 3 Rolex Movement Types

Conclusion

Choosing the right Rolex movement depends on your lifestyle, preferences, and appreciation for fine watchmaking. Whether you're drawn to the convenience of automatic movements, the rarity of Rolex quartz models, or the timeless charm of manual winding watches, each type offers something special.

ElegantSwiss can help you find the perfect Rolex that fits your needs and style. With a wide selection of authentic timepieces and expert guidance, they make it easy to shop with confidence.

Contact ElegantSwiss today for expert assistance and personalized service.