Rolex's exclusive Super Observatory certification, what's so special?

After the Swiss Observatory and Omega's Master Observatory were released earlier, I received a watch friend urging Rolex's excellent astronomical observatory. So today, let’s talk about Rolex’s superb observatory. Once again, the Swiss Observatory is already a very demanding watch accuracy certification. Even so, there are still many brands that have to come back and put the movement into the case in their own factory after their movement has been certified by the Observatory, and then carry out some strict testing to complete higher testing standards. Among them, Omega is that the movement that has first passed the certification of the Swiss Observatory will continue to be certified by the Observatory.

Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified printed on the Rolex dial


Back to the topic, the Superlative Chronometer is a Rolex-exclusive certification. The words (Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified) were printed on the dial of the watch as early as 1951, but before 2015, after Rolex was certified by the Swiss Observatory, it added testing and adjustment in its own laboratory. Rolex did not Too much emphasis and disclosure of details, so many people just acquiesce that Rolex watches are only certified by the Swiss Observatory. But in 2015, Rolex redefines and announces a new standard for internal testing, the Superlative Chronometer. One of the most important is to increase the daily error margin to ± 2 seconds.

The "Bank of China Logo" shock absorber independently developed by Rolex


What is the latest test content of the Super Observatory today?


The Superlative Chronometer tests the entire watch already installed in the case, just like the Omega. The prerequisite for certification is that the movement must first be certified by the Swiss Observatory (C.O.S.C.).


The test content of the Super Observatory includes 4 points:


1. Watch accuracy test.


2. Waterproof test of the watch.


3. Comprehensive test of automatic winding and power reserve performance.


4. Simulation wearing test.

Rolex simulation wear test


What are the required data for the Super Observatory test?


It is a pity that I have checked a lot of records for this, but I still can't find the specific and detailed data of the Chaozhuo Observatory, but there are a few points that can be confirmed.


1. In terms of accuracy: the daily error range is increased to ±2 seconds.


2. Test orientation of accuracy: 7 orientations. This also ensures that it is sufficient for daily use.


3. In terms of waterproof level: the test standard of the Oyster watch is 10% higher than the officially declared maximum waterproof depth; the test standard of the diving watch is 25% higher than the officially declared maximum waterproof depth. In other words, the standard waterproof 100 meters, in fact, can be waterproof 110 meters. This is also the reason why many watch fans think that Rolex watches, even if they are not diving watches, are also very good waterproof.

Rolex waterproof test


In addition, as long as the watch certified by the Superlative Chronometer will be printed with the exclusive words of Superlative Chronometer on the watch dial, it will also be accompanied by a green lacquer seal of Rolex, which is commonly known as the small green card. Also starting in 2015, as long as the Rolex watch with a small green card can enjoy a long five-year warranty. Although many brands have extended warranties today. However, in 2015, there were very few brands with super long warranty, which can be regarded as a new benchmark for super long warranty.

Rolex small green card


However, it is a pity that this time, the detailed data of Rolex's specific super observatory test could not be found, such as the specific anti-magnetic hertz, the specific parameters of each test during this period, and so on.

The description of the superb observatory on the official Rolex website

But despite this, Rolex's superb observatory is its most prominent label among many watch fans, precision, durability, and peace of mind. According to the daily error of ±2 seconds of accuracy, it is also one of the best among mechanical watches. One last question, do you think your Rolex is accurate enough?