Rolex Wall Clock: Nice Present for Brand Aficionados

You know that Rolex is known for manufacturing some of the best luxury watches in the world. With more than a century of excellence, it’s no wonder that people think of Rolex when they think of quality watches. What you may not know is there are wall clocks out there that also bear the Rolex name.

If this comes as news to you, don’t feel alone. The fact is that many people who are aware of Rolex watches have never heard of Rolex wall clocks. There’s actually a good reason for that. Here are some basics that you need to know about the wall clocks, especially if you plan on purchasing one as an investment.

When Did Rolex Start Making Wall Clocks?

When someone mentions Rolex wall clocks, it’s inevitable that someone will take a step back and exclaim “does Rolex make a wall clock?”. The short answer to that question is no. Rolex has never made clocks for sale to the general public. While there is some folklore out there about some early experiments, there is no solid evidence that the company ever made and sold a clock.

This means that Rolex has never made clocks because they never started. This doesn’t mean you can’t find clocks that bear the Rolex name and sport some of the features that you see on different Rolex watch collections. There are some around that were made with the blessing of Rolex. In fact, there are still some being made today that have permission from Rolex to do so.

For several decades, Rolex has maintained a small list of authorized parties who manufacture Rolex wall clocks with their permission. Those parties agree to utilize materials that are in compliance with the standards that Rolex uses for the creation of their watches. Failure to maintain the quality is grounds for having this official recognition revoked.

How long have these types of agreements been in place? There is some difference of opinion as to when the first officially approved Rolex wall clock appeared. What most collectors agree on is that the clocks were appearing by the middle of the 20^th century. Some of those are offered for sale today, as well as models that were produced more recently.

Finding Rolex Clocks in Public Places

Some of the earliest examples of mid-century wall clocks bearing the Rolex likeness are found in public and commercial buildings. Throughout the world, they may be found in different airports, train stations, and similar transport hubs. It’s possible to find them gracing walls in municipal buildings as well as in the headquarters of various large corporations.

The size of the wall clocks vary. Some of them would be small enough to fit on the wall of a neighborhood pub while others are large enough to be clearly read from a few hundred yards away. The size generally has to do with the reason for the original manufacture. Over the years, those authorized and licensed manufacturers were open to taking private orders that included using specific Rolex watch models as the inspiration for the clocks.

Rolex Wall Clocks and Private Collectors

There’s no doubt that the wall clocks have been a favorite of many collectors over the years. Some got their start when they received their first clocks in recognition of work-related anniversaries or as parting gifts when retiring. There is some evidence that the clocks were sometimes ordered as gifts for sales teams that reached or exceeded certain goals.

What is known is that older wall clocks don’t come on the market that often. When they do, collectors tend to buy them quickly. Anyone who would like to own this type of wall clock today may have to settle for one of the newer ones made by one of the authorized Rolex partners.

If you happen to know someone who collects these clocks, don’t be discouraged by the relatively low availability. It may take some time and effort, but you can find clocks made by licensed parties from time to time. When you do, snap it up and set is aside as a gift for your loved one. It will be appreciated.

Rolex Quality Standards and the Wall Clocks

One of the requirements that Rolex has in place for licensing a manufacturer to make the clocks has to do with the materials used. While they don’t have to be exactly the same as those used for the watches, the quality has to be similar. The point is to ensure that the wall clocks don’t end up reflecting poorly on the reputation that Rolex maintains around the world.

In some cases, materials that are not used for the watches may be used in the clocks. For example, there are mid-century Rolex wall clocks that are made using fine wood for the main body. These are augmented with metal arms and other features that are in line with what’s used for the watches. The result is a product that is attractive, high in quality, and likely to last for a long time. In fact, there are wall clocks of this type that were made in the 1950s and are still in use. 

Distinguishing Fake Rolex Clocks from Those Made By Authorized Sources

As can be expected, the fact that there are properly licensed companies making wall clocks with the approval of Rolex means you can find imitations in a number of markets. Some of them are so poorly designed that one look is all it takes to know that Rolex had nothing to do with the manufacture. Other counterfeits require closely scrutiny.

Typically, you can expect a fake wall clock to keep less accurate time. The materials used are likely to be lesser in quality. The general construction may be little better than what you would expect from a wall clock sold at a discount store. In general, these “authentic” Rolex wall clocks will sell for less than a wall clock made by a licensed party.

How do you know which brand is best for a wall clock? Rolex does maintain a listing of current and past licensed wall clock makers. It’s easy to contact an official Rolex retailer and find out if the manufacturer of a particular wall clock is on either of those lists. If not, then you know you are dealing with a counterfeit.

Remember that a fake may be fine for someone who just likes the look. It won’t do well for someone who happens to be a collector of all things related to Rolex. Make sure the wall clock you’re considering is the real deal, and both of you will be a lot happier.

What You Can Expect to Pay for a Rolex Wall Clock

How much does a Rolex wall clock cost? Prices will vary based on factors like demand, size, and age. The materials used will also have some bearing on the price. In general, you will find that wall clocks made by properly licensed manufacturers will go in the upper four-figure range to the lower five-figure range.

You can use this information as another way to tell if the clock is made by a licensed party or if it’s a quickly manufactured fake. If you see what is claimed to be a Rolex wall clock offered for a few thousand dollars, it’s likely a fake that’s not worth adding to a collection.

The Care and Maintenance of a Rolex Wall Clock

How do I keep my Rolex wall clock on time? Maintenance is the key to keeping the clock in top condition. Since Rolex does not manufacture the clocks, you’re not likely to find them serviced by the same centers that handle maintenance and repairs to Rolex watches.

That doesn’t mean you want to take your collectible clock to any repair service. The most practical way to keep it in good condition is to contact the licensed party who manufactured the clock. That party is likely to maintain a list of service centers that can help with the upkeep and any repairs that your clock may need.

Even though Rolex doesn’t make the clocks, there are collectors out there who highly prize the and actively look for any models that are made with the permission of Rolex. This is especially true for models that would now be considered vintage wall clocks. If you happen to own one and would like to sell it, there’s a good chance that at least one collector would be happy to talk with you.

Contact us today to learn more about Rolex wall clocks, how to find authorized and licensed manufacturers, and the features that will help you find a clock that’s right for you. Our staff is always ready to help.