Yes, Rolex watches do tick. However, their high-precision mechanical movements tick at a rapid frequency of 8 times per second, creating the illusion of a perfectly smooth, sweeping motion for the seconds hand. This near-silent glide, rather than a jarring once-per-second tick, is a renowned characteristic of Rolex craftsmanship.
Key Takeaways:
A Rolex’s “sweep” is actually 8 tiny ticks every second
This is caused by a high-beat mechanical movement (28,800 BPH)
A standard quartz watch ticks once per second
A once-per-second tick is a major red flag for a fake Rolex, with one rare exception
The vintage Rolex Oysterquartz is a genuine model that does tick once per second
This common confusion between “sweeping” and “ticking” is central to identifying an authentic Rolex. In this guide, we’ll break down the mechanics behind the famous Rolex sweep, explain the sound you should (or shouldn’t) hear from a Rolex movement, and show you how to use this knowledge to better understand these incredible timepieces.
