The answer to the question “Do Rolex Watches Tick?” can be fairly complicated, but the most likely real world answer is “No, Rolex watches do not tick.”
Quartz Watches Tick
Traditional, loud, noticeable ticking as the second hand moves is a feature of quartz watches. All current Rolex watches are mechanical watches, not quartz, so the loud tick is not present.
Rolex Oysterquartz
Of course, there are exceptions. Rolex made a low quantity of quartz watches, known as the Oysterquartz, from the 1970s through 2003. Oysterquartz watches tick with each movement of the second hand, just like other quartz watches. Counterfeit Rolex watches are typically quartz watches, so they do have the familiar, noticeable tick as the second hand moves. If you can hear a Rolex ticking, it is either an Oysterquartz or maybe a counterfeit.
Ticking at a Fast Rate
However, all Rolex watches technically do tick. While it may look like the second hand is in a continuous sweeping motion, in reality it is just ticking at a fast rate, very quietly. Modern Rolex watches have 8 movements per second (or ticks per second), while older models have about 6 movements per second.
It is important to note that because of the craftsmanship of Rolex products that the sound of these movements is very low. Also, Rolex cases are thick and designed to minimize any noticeable noise. So while Rolex watches are technically ticking, they are not ticking per the common use and understanding of the term.
Conclusion
So… Do Rolex Tick? Technically, yes. Realistically, no.
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