Rolex - Exquisite Horology
- Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, England.
- The company initially focused on producing precision timepieces and was known for its innovations in waterproof and self-winding watches.
- The name "Rolex" is believed to have been chosen for its simplicity, easy pronunciation in multiple languages, and its fit on watch dials, and maybe derived from the French term 'horlogerie exquise' (exquisite horology).
- Rolex watches are often associated with luxury, precision, and status, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts.
- Rolex is known for its meticulous attention to detail, with many components being made in-house, including the gold used for cases and bracelets.
- The Rolex Oyster Perpetual was the first waterproof wristwatch, introduced in 1926.
- Rolex created the first automatic date-changing mechanism on a wristwatch in 1945, giving birth to the Datejust model.
- The iconic Rolex Submariner, introduced in 1953, was the first divers' watch waterproof to 100 meters (330 feet).
- Rolex GMT-Master, introduced in 1955, was designed for pilots and could display two time zones simultaneously.
- The Rolex Daytona gained fame as a racing chronograph and became an icon of motorsports.
- Paul Newman's personal Rolex Daytona, dubbed the "Paul Newman Daytona," holds the record for the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction.
- Rolex watches undergo rigorous testing, including precision and water-resistance checks, before leaving the factory.
- The Rolex President Day-Date is often referred to as the "Presidential" watch, as it has been worn by several U.S. presidents.
- Rolex is known for its use of high-quality materials, including 904L stainless steel, gold, and platinum.
- The company produces its own gold alloys, such as Everose gold and white gold, to ensure unique aesthetics and durability.
- Rolex has a team of gemologists who source, set, and inspect the diamonds and gemstones used in their watches.
- The "Cyclops" date magnification lens, found on many Rolex watches, was introduced in 1953 to improve date readability.
- Rolex is a vertically integrated company, manufacturing everything from movements to cases and bracelets in-house.
- Rolex movements are known for their accuracy and durability, with many of them certified as chronometers by COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute).
- Rolex's commitment to sustainability led to the development of the "Green Seal," certifying that a Rolex watch is made with a responsible and traceable gold source.
Rolex Guides
Rolex By Name - Rolex by Nature
Rolex watches have achieved an iconic status in the world of luxury timepieces, captivating watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
The Rolex Oyster
The Rolex Oyster had arrived to worldwide acclaim with the assistance of Mercedes Gleitz, one of their first marketing ploys in 1927.