Rolex has been a leading symbol of luxury, significantly contributing to the advancement of the watchmaking industry’s technological capabilities.
The company was founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. The Rolex brand was launched in 1908, and its founders immediately sought to distinguish themselves from the major watchmakers of their time.
The introduction of the first wristwatch
At the time, pocket watches were more popular because they were more accurate. Nevertheless, Hans Wilsdorf took a calculated risk in favour of wristwatches, which he considered to be a more practical choice. In 1910, Rolex became the first company to receive chronometer certification for a manually wound wristwatch. Rolex demonstrated the remarkable accuracy of wristwatches, equal to that of pocket watches.
A constant drive for innovation
Major technological advances
Following the First World War, Rolex relocated from England to Switzerland, establishing its headquarters in Geneva, recognised as the global capital of watchmaking. The 1920s and 1930s marked a period of significant innovation for Rolex. In 1926, the Oyster case was invented – the first water-resistant case – followed by the Perpetual rotor, a movement that enabled Rolex to switch from manual winding to automatic winding.
A collection of iconic designs
The post-World War II era was a period during which Rolex also enjoyed great success. Their models featured ever-new functions that were increasingly sophisticated.
The company subsequently launched a range of highly sought-after Rolex watches, including the Datejust, which displays the date; the Submariner, a water-resistant diver’s watch that can withstand depths of up to 100 metres; the GMT Master, which displays two time zones; and the Day-Date, which displays both the day and the date.
Other popular models include the Rolex ‘Cosmograph Daytona’ chronograph, the Rolex ‘Sea-Dweller’, the Rolex ‘Air-King’ and the Rolex ‘Explorer’.
Innovation continues today
Rolex is a brand that is known for constantly evolving and creating increasingly prestigious models, as well as developing ever more sophisticated techniques. Most recently, in 2015, at Baselworld, the company unveiled a new movement: the calibre 3255.
One of the leading names in watchmaking
Engineered for and utilised by pilots, divers and military personnel, these watches—a hallmark of quality—have consistently demonstrated unparalleled precision. Rolex watches are widely regarded as the pinnacle of luxury and prestige, transcending their status as a mere symbol of status. These timepieces are associated with significant events and figures, including the conquest of Everest, renowned athletes such as Roger Federer and Jackie Stewart, prestigious sporting competitions like Wimbledon and the 24 Hours of Daytona, and even iconic film stars like James Bond.
