Sky-Dweller 336935 replica

The Rolex ELF 7230 calibre was perfect in theory, but it wasn’t practical at the time. The issue was that the “wire” constant force spring used back then was made from Nivarox alloy, which proved unable to meet the demands of the movement. As a result, Rolex eventually discontinued it. But that wasn’t the end of the story.

Nicolas Déhon, the inventor of the Rolex ELF 7230 calibre Constant Force escapement, was later hired by Girard-Perregaux to further develop this mechanism. It was later discovered that a constant force spring made from silicon could work perfectly and be produced in large quantities. In 2013, Girard-Perregaux used this technology and introduced the Girard-Perregaux Constant-Force escapement, which became their signature complication. You can clearly see the connection between the Girard-Perregaux Constant escapement and the Rolex ELF 7230 calibre.

As you know, Rolex has introduced the new generation of 32 series (3235 and other movements) for men’s watches. The Caliber 32 features the new Chronergy escapement. The Chronergy escapement still uses the traditional Swiss lever escapement design. However, Rolex has also developed escapements similar to the Omega Co-Axial Escapement and the Audemars Piguet Exclusive Escapement, which are based on the historical chronometer escapement.

Rolex applied for patents for these in 2009 and 2014, and prototypes might already exist. Reports suggest that Rolex eventually dropped the Percussion Escapement, claiming it was not yet refined enough. Instead, they developed a new escapement based on the free balance escapement created by independent German watchmaker Christian Klings, which was patented in 2015. Some think it might not be released until 2030.

Additionally, Rolex holds patents for split-seconds chronographs, including double and triple (similar to Lange & Söhne), developed for the Daytona. Rolex also has a patent for a set of hands that can switch between two time zones at the touch of a button, clearly made for the GMT and Explorer II. Given this information, it shouldn’t be surprising if Rolex introduces any “special functions and complications” in the future. Although Rolex doesn’t currently make complicated watches, it doesn’t mean they lack the technology to create them.