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Table of Contents
Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, England. The duo initially established a company named Wilsdorf & Davis. Wilsdorf, a German entrepreneur, envisioned creating high-quality, reliable, and elegant wristwatches. Together with Davis, he began importing Swiss mechanical watch movements, assembling them in England, and selling them to retailers who added their own names to the timepieces.
In 1908, Wilsdorf coined the name “Rolex” as a trademark. He chose this name for its brevity, ease of pronunciation in various languages, and ability to fit neatly on a watch dial. The company registered the name in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and began building its reputation for excellence.
In 1919, due to economic instability in England and high import taxes on precious metals, Rolex relocated to Geneva, Switzerland. Renamed Rolex SA, the company focused on Swiss innovation and reliability.
Rolex released its first wristwatch under the new brand in 1908. However, a major breakthrough came in 1926 with the launch of the Rolex Oyster, the world’s first waterproof watch. This pioneering technology protected the watch movement from dust, water, and moisture, revolutionizing waterproof horology.
Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex with a mission to transform public perceptions of wristwatches. In the early 20th century, wristwatches were often seen as mere jewelry rather than dependable tools. Wilsdorf aimed to create timepieces that were not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, precise, and durable under various conditions.
Rolex continued to introduce innovations that solidified its position as a leader in the watchmaking industry. Some significant milestones include:
Rolex offers a diverse range of watch collections catering to both professionals and collectors. Some iconic Rolex models include:
Rolex was the first watch brand to receive chronometer certification from the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC). This dedication to quality has established Rolex as a symbol of prestige and status. From explorers to heads of state, influential figures worldwide have worn Rolex watches.
Rolex continues to invest in research and development to enhance its watches’ performance. For instance, the company introduced the Parachrom Hairspring, an innovative material resistant to magnetic fields and temperature fluctuations, improving the accuracy of its timepieces.
Rolex epitomizes the perfect blend of Swiss horological craftsmanship, innovation, and timeless design. From the groundbreaking Rolex Oyster to modern series like the Sky-Dweller, the brand has set the standard for luxury watches. Rolex’s success stems from its unwavering commitment to quality, relentless innovation, and Hans Wilsdorf’s vision to create wristwatches that exceed customer expectations.