Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch brand that was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. The company is renowned for its high-quality timepieces, which are often associated with precision, elegance, and luxury.
Early Years
The company’s origins can be traced back to London, where Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis established Wilsdorf & Davis in 1905. They imported Swiss movements and cased them in England, selling their watches to jewelers who then put their own brand name on the dial. In 1908, they registered the trademark “Rolex” and opened an office in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The name Rolex is said to have been chosen because it was easy to pronounce in any language and because it looked good on the watch dial.
The Birth of the Oyster
In 1926, Rolex introduced the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster. The Oyster case featured a hermetically sealed case that protected the watch movement from water, dust, and other debris. The Oyster became an instant success and helped establish Rolex as a leader in the watchmaking industry.
The Introduction of the Perpetual Movement
In 1931, Rolex invented and patented the Perpetual rotor movement, which is still used in most automatic watches today. The Perpetual movement uses the natural movement of the wearer’s wrist to wind the watch, eliminating the need for manual winding.
The Datejust and Other Innovations
In 1945, Rolex introduced the Datejust, the first watch to feature a date window on the dial. The Datejust also featured a new type of bracelet with a hidden clasp, which is still used in modern Rolex watches. In the years that followed, Rolex continued to innovate, introducing the Submariner (1953), the GMT-Master (1954), and the Day-Date (1956).
Expansion and Global Reach
In the 1950s and 1960s, Rolex expanded its reach by establishing subsidiaries and manufacturing facilities in countries around the world, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. By the 1970s, Rolex was one of the most recognized and respected brands in the luxury watch industry.
Modern Times
Today, Rolex remains a leader in the watchmaking industry and is known for its timeless designs and high-quality craftsmanship. The company continues to innovate, introducing new models such as the Sky-Dweller and the Yacht-Master II, and improving existing models with new features and technologies. Rolex watches are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, and the brand’s reputation for excellence is likely to endure for many years to come.
