ROLEX

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis in London, initially under the name “Wilsdorf & Davis.” The company was established to distribute high-quality Swiss-made watches, which were gaining popularity for their precision and craftsmanship. In 1908, Wilsdorf registered the “Rolex” trademark, a name that was easy to pronounce in multiple languages and conveyed the idea of luxury and reliability.

In 1910, Rolex made history by creating the first wristwatch to receive the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, a distinction previously awarded only to pocket watches. This set the tone for Rolex’s commitment to accuracy and innovation.

Rolex moved its operations to Switzerland in 1919 due to the aftermath of World War I and the rising demand for Swiss watchmaking. Over the years, the company introduced several groundbreaking innovations. In 1926, Rolex created the “Oyster,” the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, which was famously worn by Mercedes Gleitze during her 1927 swim across the English Channel.

The 1930s and 1940s saw the introduction of iconic models like the Rolex Datejust (the first automatic wristwatch with a date function) and the Rolex Submariner (a professional diving watch with a rotating bezel). These watches became symbols of both utility and luxury, and Rolex’s reputation for precision and durability grew.

Rolex continued to innovate throughout the 20th century, with notable releases including the Cosmograph Daytona, designed for race car drivers, and the GMT-Master, which allowed pilots to track multiple time zones. These models cemented Rolex’s status as a leader in the luxury watch industry.

Today, Rolex is synonymous with precision, luxury, and prestige. Known for its timeless designs and robust construction, Rolex has become one of the most recognizable and influential watch brands in the world.