Activity 3.1.2 - Product Life Cycle

Analog Rolex Watch

Corey Scott & Arnav Kulkarni

01 / 06

Product Life Cycle

The Product Life Cycle encompasses the process whereby a certain product is derived, operated and reprocessed through the following successive rudimentary stages: 

  • Material extraction
  • Processing 
  • Manufacturing
  • Distribution 
  • Consumer use 
  • Recycled or Extirpate

Importance of Researching and Determining a Product's Life Cycle

The research and determination of a product’s potential life cycle is a crucial step as it will reveal the logistics of certain processes within the derivation component of the product life cycle. 

    • For example research of the material types will reveal the amount of energy and resources required to extract, process and manufacture the product.  
    • This knowledge may inform the Company whether their endeavors are profitable or not.

    

Connection to the Rolex brand

Although Rolex watches are made to last, implementing materials that are resistant to corrosive chemicals and scratches, the companies marketing could be classified as "perceived-obsolescence" as the release of a new timepiece may cause a Rolex owner to feel as if they are missing out on something greater.

Importance of Recycling

The process of recycling is very important as it reaps a multitude of benefits such as…

  • Reducing the amount of material extraction/deprivation 
  • Reducing harmful atmospheric emission (greenhouse gases)
  • Preservation of energy and labor

Product Designer's Role in Recycling

Product designers are responsible for identifying and implementing materials that are recycled and recyclable into their products. This will give way for the consumers to continue the process of recycling upon disposing of the product.

Society's role in the recycling effort

Society is responsible for influencing masses to participate in the recycling effort. The creation/implementation of the process of recycling as a social norm will inadvertently cause the people within the society to begin taking part in the process.

What Can You Do?

  • Organizing local drive-ins to collect plastic, bottles, glass, paper, etc.
  • Encourage others to recycle their items by explaining the significance of recycling.
  • Use reusable items rather than plastic.
  • Recycle your outdated technology/utilities.
  • Buy rechargeable batteries rather than using new ones every time.

The "Product Lifecycle" of a Rolex Watch

Extraction & Material Raising Location 1:

Materials:

  • Gold
  • Iron

Location:

1) Shandong Province, China

2) Henan Province, China

Extraction & Material Raising Location 2:

Materials:

  • Sapphire
  • Manganese

Locations:

South Africa

Madagascar

Extraction & Material Raising Location 3:

Materials:

  • Copper
  • Nickel

Locations:

Sydney, Australia

Brisbane, Australia

Cobar, Australia

Material Processing (Plan-les-Quates Site)

Processed Materials:

  • Gold, Sapphire

Processing process:

  • The ores of the foregoing materials are process through successive stages.
  • Materials are crushed and ground in machinery that adds decanted water to create a slurry type mixture
  • Materials such as lime and cyanide solutions are added to the mixture to cure it
  • The pure Gold and Sapphire are extracted from the mixture
  • The Sapphire is ready to be manufactured while the gold is melted down for casting and other forms of molding

Why Process?

Processing will essentially strip the material down to its purest state, allowing for it to be easily manipulated by the material casting process, in addition enabling the materials such as the Gold to exhibit their precious qualities.

Material Processing (Bienne Site)

Processed Materials:

  • Iron, Manganese, Copper, Nickel

Processing process:

  • The ores of the foregoing materials are process through successive stages.
  • Materials are crushed and ground in machinery that adds decanted water to create a slurry type mixture
  • Materials such as lime and cyanide solutions are added to the mixture to cure it
  • The pure Iron, Manganese, Copper and Nickel are extracted from the mixture and are melted down and fused together to create Rolex's renown Stainless Steel

Manufacturing

Wages of workers, working conditions…

  • The wage of Rolex watchmakers range between 52k- 106k based on the rank of the worker.
  • Watchmakers usually work in jewelry stores, repair stores, and factories.
  • Work in generally pleasant conditions
  • Work around 40-48 hours a week, which is equal to an average salaried worker.
  • The job requires a lot of focus, as watchmakers are forced to sit through long periods to make the small, detailed parts of the watch.

Plan-les-Quates

Consumer Use

  • Rolex is a highly-rated company that is known worldwide for creating complex watches.
  • Many people use a Rolex as a timepiece item to reward themselves for achieving personal success.

Repair

In order to repair the watch, one must contact a Rolex affiliate, who will then send the watch to one of the factories for repair.

During repair, the watch undergoes the following steps:

  • Assessment of the watch: Examines what work needs to be done to fix the watch.
  • Preparation for servicing: The watch is disassembled and the movement in the watch is removed.
  • Dismantling the Movement: The pieces in the watch are all separated and the parts are systematically replaced.
  • Cleaning of Components: The components get cleaned in an ultrasonic bath.
  • Assembly and Lubrication of Movement: When the components are dried, the movement is lubricated and reassembled.
  • Refinishing of the case: The case is rebuilt in adjustment to the components.
  • Casing of Movement/ Precision Test: The repairer tests whether all movement and components work as they should.
  • Waterproof Test: Test to see if it is waterproof.

Disposal

Approaching the end of the Rolex watches’ product life (determined by the Consumer), the Rolex company allows the consumer to return the watch to one of its 4 sites in Switzerland.

  1. Here, parts of the Rolex, such as the Bezel, Bracelet or any mechanical components, can be refurbished and reused in lower-end models.
  2. Other metals will be melted down and reformed for reuse.

If the watch happens to be entirely destroyed the metals can be sold to virtually any recycling company (or via Rolex) that will melt down the pieces into metal scrap that can be reused.

Sources:

Wilsdorf, Hans. “About Rolex Watches - Materials.” Rolex, www.rolex.com/about-rolex-watches/materials.html. Accessed 26 May 2021.

“Bob's.” Bob's Watches - The Pre-Owned Rolex Exchange, www.bobswatches.com/about-rolex.html Accessed 26 May 2021.

Adams, Ariel. “Why Rolex Watches Are The Most Reputable Consumer Products In The World According To Industry Study.” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 22 Apr. 2014, www.forbes.com/sites/arieladams/2014/04/14/why-rolex-watches-are-the-most-reputable-consumer-products-in-the-world-according-to-industry-study/?sh=49918c0c4a59 Accessed 26 May 2021.

Miller, Sarah. “Watch & Learn: We Sent a Complete Newbie Shopping for a Rolex. Here's What Happened.” HODINKEE, HODINKEE, 11 Mar. 2021, www.hodinkee.com/articles/we-sent-a-complete-newbie-shopping-for-a-rolex-heres-what-happened Accessed 26 May 2021.

Farmelo, Allen. “The Complete Rolex Buying Guide: Every Current Model Explained.” Gear Patrol, 21 Apr. 2021, www.gearpatrol.com/watches/a539980/the-complete-rolex-buying-guide/ Accessed 26 May 2021.

Picture links:

  • http://people.timezone.com/staff/RolexFactories/8_Making_Alloy.jpg
  • https://content.rolex.com/dam/about-rolex-watches/the-masters-of-fusion/roller-fusion/watchmaking-expertise-masters-fusion_roller_fonte_fondeur_or-15_portrait.jpg?imwidth=400\
  • https://hodinkee.imgix.net/uploads/block/inline_image/content_image/10802/InsideRolexHODINKEE-43.jpg
  • https://i.insider.com/54ca9a7069bedd086e42ee4b?width=600&format=jpeg&auto=webp
  • https://hodinkee.imgix.net/uploads/block/inline_image/content_image/10835/Rolex_workshops_01.jpg?ixlib=rails-1.1.0&fm=jpg&q=55&auto=format&usm=12&ch=Width%2CDPR%2CSave-Data&fit=crop&w=700
  • https://theslenderwrist.com/wp-content/uploads/Rolex-Service.jpg
  • https://luxurylaunches.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/rolex-watch.jpg
  • https://www.swisswatchexpo.com/TheWatchClub/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/rolex-sea-dweller-rolesor-steel-yellow-gold.png
  • https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQA-ZGPism4nUCoekSWZp3tUlZXkNCrJ1piiQ&usqp=CAU
  • https://highgradewatchinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Rolex-Repair-and-Service-512x320.jpg
  • https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSMQc1wIGct2xl-qU0PG3rylNb0Tb8WI5iH0g&usqp=CAU
  • https://www.mining.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ambatovy1.jpg
  • https://assets.atdw-online.com.au/images/62178e1392aca50cc5bb8a1bf3edd7cb.jpeg?rect=128
  • https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/yiihAndOySa6ypPNiXZ2ZDAQaNC1D0BnEvKif1-Rq6FrbjKKf7UqdJ0fFrUYwvY8y1GVnU_w9CUDebd-3zNY3LDYxWsJXeCxYElq6hwXp0XbZEuaQzdC0vrbZBa_gLxEIsGDoLB1OQ
  • https://www.mining.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/rio-tinto-escondida-mine-in-chile.jpg
  • https://eoimages.gsfc.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/145000/145366/kruger_oli_2019183_oblique_lrg.jpg
  • https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/5052/production/_116626502_gettyimages-1297525806.jpg
  • https://i0.wp.com/www.socialnews.xyz/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/13/a3d8dadc2185d0e8f31a07532473bbda.jpg?quality=80&zoom=1&ssl=1
  • https://wewantrefill.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Recycle_guide-1-1024x538.jpg
  • https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c1/63/69/c163691d696b98b321d0274657dd2606.jpg