Rolex Watches: A history of luxury and precision

JetServiceNL Special: A history of Rolex - From obscurity to icon

Written by: Gijs Nyst - 18 September 2024

Rolex is a name synonymous with luxury, precision, and innovation. The brand has a rich history dating back to 1905 when Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis founded the Wilsdorf & Davis company in London. In 1915, the company registered the Rolex brand name and began producing wristwatches. Rolex quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality timepieces and innovative designs. In 1926, Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual, the world's first waterproof wristwatch. This was a major breakthrough in watchmaking and helped to establish Rolex as a leading brand in the industry.

Today, Rolex is one of the most recognizable and respected watch brands in the world. The brand is known for its iconic models, such as the Datejust, Submariner, and Daytona. Rolex watches are also highly sought-after by collectors and investors. In this blog post, we will explore the history of Rolex and some of its most popular models.

History of Rolex

The history of Rolex is a story of innovation, luxury, and precision. The brand was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. Wilsdorf and Davis were visionaries who saw the potential of wristwatches as a timekeeping tool. At the time, most watches were pocket watches. Wilsdorf and Davis believed that wristwatches were more convenient and practical. They began producing wristwatches under the Wilsdorf & Davis brand name. In 1915, the company registered the Rolex brand name.

Rolex quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality timepieces. In 1926, Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual, the world's first waterproof wristwatch. The Oyster Perpetual was a major breakthrough in watchmaking. It featured a hermetically sealed case that was resistant to water, dust, and shock. The Oyster Perpetual was also equipped with a self-winding movement, which eliminated the need for manual winding. The Oyster Perpetual was an instant success and helped to establish Rolex as a leading brand in the watch industry.

In 1931, Rolex introduced the Perpetual Date, the world's first wristwatch with a date display. The Perpetual Date featured a cyclops lens over the date window, which made the date easier to read. In 1945, Rolex introduced the Datejust, a dress watch that featured a date display and a fluted bezel. The Datejust was an instant classic and remains one of Rolex's most popular models today.

Rolex has continued to innovate and produce high-quality timepieces throughout its history. In 1953, Rolex introduced the Submariner, a diving watch that was designed for professional use. The Submariner featured a water resistance of 300 meters and a rotating bezel that could be used to track dive time. In 1963, Rolex introduced the Daytona, a chronograph watch that was designed for racing enthusiasts. The Daytona featured a tachymeter scale on the bezel that could be used to calculate average speed.

Today, Rolex is one of the most recognizable and respected watch brands in the world. The brand is known for its iconic models, such as the Datejust, Submariner, and Daytona. Rolex watches are also highly sought-after by collectors and investors. In 2017, a Rolex Daytona sold for a record-breaking $17.8 million at auction.

Rolex models

Rolex offers a wide range of models to suit different tastes and lifestyles. Some of the most popular Rolex models include:

Datejust: The Datejust is a classic dress watch that is known for its elegant design and versatility. It is available in a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel, gold, and platinum.
Submariner: The Submariner is a diving watch that is known for its rugged durability and reliability. It is available in a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel and gold.
Daytona: The Daytona is a chronograph watch that is known for its precision and performance. It is available in a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel and gold.
Explorer: The Explorer is a simple and understated watch that is perfect for everyday wear. It is available in a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel and gold.
GMT-Master II: The GMT-Master II is a travel watch that features a second time zone. It is available in a variety of styles and materials, including stainless steel and gold.

Rolex facts and figures

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis.
Rolex is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
Rolex employs over 10,000 people worldwide.
Rolex produces approximately 2 million watches per year.
Rolex watches are sold in over 100 countries.
Rolex is one of the most valuable luxury brands in the world, with an estimated value of over $40 billion.

Conclusion

Rolex is a brand that is synonymous with luxury, precision, and innovation. The brand has a rich history dating back to 1905. Rolex is known for its iconic models, such as the Datejust, Submariner, and Daytona. Rolex watches are also highly sought-after by collectors and investors. In this blog post, we have explored the history of Rolex and some of its most popular models.