Rolex is a brand synonymous with luxury and quality, with a rich history spanning over a century. The company was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, in London, England. Originally called Wilsdorf and Davis, the company specialized in importing Swiss movements and placing them in watch cases made by other companies.
In 1908, Wilsdorf registered the trademark “Rolex” and opened an office in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. The name “Rolex” was chosen because it was short, easy to pronounce in any language, and looked good on a watch face. From the beginning, Wilsdorf’s vision was to create a watch that was both reliable and elegant.
In 1910, Rolex became the first watchmaker to receive the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, a prestigious award that recognized the company’s commitment to accuracy and quality. This was just the beginning of Rolex’s numerous achievements in the world of horology.
Throughout the years, Rolex has continued to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking. In 1926, Rolex introduced the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. This was followed by the Perpetual rotor, which allowed automatic winding of the watch movement by harnessing the energy of the wearer’s wrist movements.
Rolex’s reputation for quality and reliability was solidified during World War II, when the British Royal Air Force began issuing Rolex watches to their pilots. The watches proved to be incredibly durable and reliable, even under extreme conditions.
In the years that followed, Rolex continued to introduce new models and technologies that cemented its position as a leader in the watchmaking industry. In 1953, the company introduced the Submariner, the first watch to be water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters. The following year, Sir Edmund Hillary wore a Rolex Oyster Perpetual during his historic ascent of Mount Everest.
Today, Rolex is a global brand that is recognized for its iconic designs, exceptional quality, and unparalleled heritage. From the classic Date just to the rugged Explorer, Rolex has something for everyone. While the company has certainly evolved over the years, its commitment to excellence and innovation remains as strong as ever.
