Rolex is one of the world's most secretive, vertically integrated companies. Aside from making many millions of tiny little screws, springs, levers, gears, and rotors, they even have their own metal foundry and produce all their own alloys. This article takes you inside the factories, revealing the mesmerizing scope, scale, and precision of the operation. It's a major wow, especially the photographs. The article starts with some history, but if you skip down to the "Inside Rolex Today" section, you'll see what I'm talking about.

Worth reading: