how many ticks per second rolex ,do Rolex tick,how many ticks per second rolex, You may have heard the conventional wisdom that “Rolexes don’t tick,” but they do–in fact all modern Rolexes tick at a rate of 8 beats per second (often stated as 28,800 vph, for “vibrations per hour”). That’s a pretty standard .

The sound of a Rolex watch's second hand as it ticks is iconic. It's a rhythmic, almost hypnotic sound that signals precision, craftsmanship, and timeless luxury. But have you ever wondered exactly how many ticks per second a Rolex actually makes? Are Rolexes known for their smooth, sweeping second hands, or do they tick like many other mechanical watches? In this article, we’ll explore the various models of Rolex watches, focusing on the tick rate, and address some common questions about Rolex ticking behavior.
Rolex 2 Ticks Per Second: Understanding the Movement
One of the most intriguing aspects of mechanical watches is the way the second hand moves. Unlike quartz watches, which often "tick" once per second, mechanical watches can have a smoother movement. Rolex, known for its precision and craftsmanship, offers a mix of mechanical movements, but the most common is the automatic movement with a rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour (vph). This rate directly impacts how many ticks the second hand makes.
At 28,800 vibrations per hour, the Rolex second hand ticks 8 times per second. This rate is standard for many of the brand’s iconic models, such as the Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 16570 (circa 2001) and the Rolex GMT Master I Pepsi 1675 (circa 1978). When broken down, this tick rate ensures that each second is divided into eight distinct "ticks," providing a higher level of precision than many other mechanical timepieces.
While some mechanical watches have second hands that seem to "sweep" smoothly, this "sweeping" effect is actually the result of rapid, successive ticks that are imperceptible to the human eye. Rolex, along with other high-end watchmakers, designs its movements to be as smooth as possible, but at its core, it still relies on the ticking mechanism, albeit at a high frequency.
Rolex Second Tick Count
One of the most common questions people ask when purchasing a Rolex is whether the watch "ticks" every second or if it has a smoother, sweeping second hand. The answer depends on how you define "tick."
Technically, the second hand does not move continuously without interruption. Instead, it moves in small increments, or ticks. Rolex watches, with their high-frequency automatic movements, typically have a second hand that moves 8 ticks per second, or one tick every 1/8th of a second. The specific tick count is determined by the movement's oscillation frequency. For example:
- Rolex Explorer II Black Dial 16570 (circa 2001): This watch features the Caliber 3185, which operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph, resulting in 8 ticks per second.
- Rolex GMT Master I Pepsi 1675 (circa 1978): This older model, using the Caliber 1570 movement, also ticks at 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring a similar 8 ticks per second.
This high-frequency oscillation results in the characteristic smooth, sweeping motion of the second hand, although you can still count the ticks if you focus closely.
Does Rolex Tick Every Second?
One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Do Rolex watches tick every second?” The answer is both yes and no. Yes, the second hand on a Rolex ticks every second, but the motion is broken into smaller increments. If you were to look closely at a Rolex’s second hand, you would notice that it doesn’t make a clean "one tick per second" movement, as it is divided into 8 smaller ticks.
This phenomenon is part of what makes Rolex watches feel more precise and smoother compared to watches with lower vibrations per hour. When viewed under a microscope, these ticks become more apparent, but from a normal viewing distance, the Rolex second hand appears to sweep across the dial effortlessly.
Rolex Tick Count Explained
Rolex tick count refers to how many distinct movements the second hand makes each second. As previously discussed, a Rolex watch with an automatic movement like the Caliber 3185 or 1570 typically ticks 8 times per second. But what does this mean in practical terms?
- 28,800 vph (vibrations per hour): This is the rate at which the escapement in the Rolex movement operates. The escapement is the part of the movement that controls the release of energy, which is what makes the second hand tick.

how many ticks per second rolex How do you know if your Diors are real? It's a question that sneaker enthusiasts and fashion aficionados often ask themselves when they come across a pair of Dior sneakers. .
how many ticks per second rolex - do Rolex tick