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Rolex

Rolex

Rolex is a name that has become synonymous with luxury and precision in the world of horology. Established in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf, the brand has a rich heritage of innovation, including the invention of the first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster, in 1926.

From classic models like the Datejust and Day-Date to the sporty Submariner and Daytona, Rolex offers a diverse range of timepieces to suit every taste and occasion. Each watch is a masterpiece, seamlessly blending style and functionality.

Rolex’s commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of its watches, from the high-quality materials used to the intricate craftsmanship that goes into each timepiece. The brand is renowned for its use of premium materials such as 18-karat gold, 904L steel, and precious stones, while its patented movements are among the most accurate in the world.

Rolex timepieces are not only a symbol of luxury and sophistication but also a cultural icon, adorning the wrists of influential figures around the world. With a legacy spanning over a century, Rolex continues to set the standard for luxury watches, making it a true icon in the world of horology.

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About the brand

Rolex

The Founder

Known for models such as the Submariner, GMT Master, and the Cosmograph Daytona, Rolex has long been considered a collector’s essential.

 

The enterprise was originally founded in London in 1905 by the visionary Hans Wilsdorf, who was only 24 years old at the time. Initially a distributor of timepieces, the roots of Rolex were modest, yet the ambition behind the brand was anything but. Following his academic pursuits, Wilsdorf relocated to Switzerland to join the export business, eventually finding his way to La Chaux-de-Fonds, a city celebrated for its rich watchmaking heritage. He initially worked with a pearl distributor, but his fascination quickly pivoted to the sector of wristwatches, a concept still in its infancy and largely unaccepted by the mainstream at that time.

 

He eventually trademarked the name Rolex in 1908 and relocated its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. The move was strategic, allowing the company to benefit from Switzerland's long-standing reputation for high-quality watchmaking, as well as its more favorable business conditions and neutrality during times of European conflict. Rolex is now owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a private charitable foundation named after Rolex’s founder. Hans Wilsdorf established the foundation in 1945 and transferred all of his shares in Rolex to this foundation in 1960, ensuring that the company’s profits would be used for philanthropic purposes.

 

At a time when wristwatches were but a whimsical daydream, Wilsdorf anticipated them to be worn on the wrist someday and therefore set out on a mission to make the most accurate and dependable tool watches for professionals.


History

To ensure precision and reliability, Wilsdorf equipped his timepieces with minuscule, intricate movements that had not been seen in the industry before. He introduced a pioneering stream of world-firsts throughout history. In 1926, Rolex released the Oyster – the world’s first ever waterproof and dustproof wristwatch. In 1931 came the world’s first self-winding mechanism from the house of Rolex. This system revolutionized the watch industry and today acts as the beating heart of every modern automatic watch. During the 1950s, Rolex released the very first Submariner ref. 6204, where you could purchase one for USD 150. However, Rolex watches were positioned as premium items from the beginning. The price would have been significantly higher than average watches of the time, reflecting their quality, innovation, and luxury status.

With its timepieces donned by the biggest names in the realms of sport, films, and music, Rolex has nestled itself at the forefront of pop culture today – with models fondly nicknamed after icons like the “Hulk”, “Pepsi", “Starbucks", "Batman", "Kermit" and more. 


Iconic Models and Watches

Cosmograph Daytona “Paul Newman,” GMT Master ref. 1675 “Apocalypse Now,” Daytona Ref. 6265 “Unicorn,” GMT-Master II and Day-Date


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