According to American singer, John Mayer, a man only gets two shots at jewellery: a wedding ring and a watch — the watch is easier to get on and off, of course! If you’re not wearing the right watch, you’re missing out. Big time.
If you’re a fellow watch enthusiast, or simply have a keen eye for detail, you’ve probably noticed those tiny dots on a Rolex Crown. What do they mean? Are they just randomly there or is it some sort of Da Vinci Code waiting to be cracked? Fasten your seatbelt lads (or watch straps), we’re about to explain what the dots on a Rolex crown mean.
The Birth of the Rolex Crown
Swiss manufacturer, Rolex, is probably one of the most well-known luxury watch brands out there — and for good reason too. The iconic Rolex crown is one of the most part of the Rolex watch, and also the one part that experiences the most wear and tear.
Not the kind worn by royals, though the Rolex crown might as well be a symbol of watch royalty. Contrary to popular belief, the Rolex crown is a lot more than just a pretty face. It helps protect the inner workings of the watch, allowing you to set the time and even the date in certain models.
The True Rolex Crown Dots Meaning
Okay, now on to the Rolex crown dots.
Each dot, or lack thereof, tells you something about the watch’s movement, water resistance, and even the material used.
Singular Dash
The singular dash is the simplest marking of them all. This little mark indicates either steel or yellow gold Twinlock technology. First introduced in 1953, the Twinlock essentially features 2 different sets of seals, one inside the crown and the other inside the case tube.
This double-seal technology means water, dust and dirt stay on the outside, where they’re meant to be! You’ll find this phenomenal technology featured in everyday Rolex watches such as the GMT-Master, Oyster Perpetual and even Datejust.
One Dot
Moving up the Rolex crown dots hierarchy, we find the one-dot crown. This little mark indicates that your Rolex crown is made of Twinlock platinum. It’s the rarest metal out there and is extremely durable and incredibly luxurious.
Two Dots
If you spot a Rolex with two dots beneath the Rolex crown, you’re looking at a Rolex made from white gold that also has a Twinlock system. Rolex typically uses 18-carat gold, including 75 % gold.
Three Dots
Three small dots in a row indicate a Triplock crown made from steel or yellow gold. Rolex 3 dots on the crown mean better water resistance, of up to 300 meters, and is overall, better suited to harsher conditions.
Triplock technology, introduced back in the 70s, was geared towards professional dive watches. They feature triple seals, allowing them to withstand a lot more water pressure.
Small-Large-Small Dots
If you observe a small-large-small pattern of Rolex crown dots on your watch, it marks a white gold Triplock. You’ll find Triplock on models such as the Submariner, Sea-Dweller, and some versions of the GMT-Master II.
Large-Small-Large Dots
The large-small-large dot pattern on the Rolex crown marks a Triplock made from platinum. This design means the watch offers maximum durability and water resistance, making it a great choice for rigorous use.
The Forgotten Few: No Dots
Now that we’ve gone through the Rolex crown dots, what about the Rolex crowns that don’t have any dots at all?
Watches without dots often belong to the vintage or Cellini collections. These pieces are more about elegance and heritage than ruggedness, so they don’t need the extra water resistance.
Twinlock Vs. Triplock — What Sets the Two Apart?
Rolex invented the first waterproof wristwatch in 1926, with the introduction of the hermetically sealed Oyster case featuring a screw-down crown. This early design featured a single metal gasket in order to create a waterproof seal. It served its purpose well for its time — until it didn’t.
As Rolex began expanding its catalogue, the need for better waterproofing methods became the need of the hour. This birthed the Twinlock and Triplock technologies.
The Twinlock Crown: A Double Seal System
Introduced back in the 50s, the introduction of the Twinlock crown marked the incredible advancement Rolex had made in pursuits of water resistance. Unlike the earlier models, which featured a single metal gasket, the Twinlock crown includes two synthetic material gaskets and two sealed zones. One gasket is positioned under the crown to seal the case, while the second is inside the tube protecting the crown stem.
This dual sealing system made the Twinlock crown great for watches with 100-meter depth ratings. The Twinlock crown debuted with the Submariner but has since been integrated into most Rolex models, including the Datejust, Explorer, and Oyster Perpetual.
The Triplock Crown: Triple-Sealed for Extreme Conditions
Birthed in 1970, the Triplock crown takes waterproofing to a whole new level. It’s designed for professional diving watches, featuring a crown larger than the Twinlock and an additional seal. The name Triplock may be a little misleading though. While most would assume it refers to the number of gaskets, it actually refers to the number of sealed zones within the crown.
The Triplock actually features a total of four gaskets, making it significantly more robust against water damage. Though it was initially developed for the Sea-Dweller, the Triplock crown is now a staple in Rolex’s dive watch collection, including the Submariner, Deepsea, and the newer Deepsea Challenge.
Choosing the Right Rolex for You
Now that dots on Rolex crown come second nature to you, you’re probably left with one nagging question. How do you choose the right Rolex crown for you?
We’ll be a little diplomatic here and say it all boils down to your personal style, needs and the sort of statement you want to make, of course.
If you find yourself appreciating the finer things in life, valuing heritage and timeless elegance, a Rolex with no dots or a simple one-dot crown might be right up your alley. To say these watches are understated wouldn’t be a lie. They’re great for folks out there who prefer their watch to do the talking for them.
If, however, you’re a true adventurer at heart, we’d suggest picking up a Rolex watch that features the Triplock crown. You can be diving in the deep blue sea, or simply navigating your urban lifestyle, and this watch would be the perfect partner in crime.
A Crown for Every Man
Dots on the Rolex crown mean a lot more than just some random markings on your watch. When you’re such a renowned luxury watchmaker, there’s no such thing as accidents. So, the next time you glance at a Rolex crown, remember: it’s not just a crown. Details matter, only to those who know where to look. Thanks to this guide, you’re one of the few who do.
Lads, when you’ve got the world in your hands, we’d expect to see a Rolex on that wrist! With Love Luxury around, you can finally get your hands on that Rolex you’ve been eyeing for forever. We’ve got a wide collection of preloved, gently used goodies that are just waiting to be swooped up by someone who’ll love them just as much as we do.
