(European Patent Office)
A patent published this week by Rolex describes a new way to store energy inside its mechanical watches, aiming to stretch performance without sacrificing design.
At the core of the filing is a reimagined mainspring constructed from repeating, linked sections rather than one continuous piece. The idea is to squeeze more energy into the same space, giving Rolex room to slim down cases or extend running time.
In older systems, the power that comes off the spring can change depending on how tightly it’s wound. The new version smooths that out, according to the patent, by shaping the links and curves in a way that delivers a steadier push of energy. The goal is to make the spring store more energy in the same space, so the watch can run longer or power additional functions without increasing the size of the barrel. It also means the watch can run more evenly, keeping better time without the usual dips and spikes in accuracy.
(European Patent Office)
Rolex acquired the patent from four Dutch inventors at a Delft-based firm that designs components for mechanical watches aimed at high-end brands. If adopted, it would mark another incremental step in Rolex’s pursuit of mechanical accuracy.