Company Overview
Rolex, originally founded as Wilsdorf and Davis by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, England in 1905, is now a Geneva-based Swiss luxury watch manufacturer. This legendary brand has, over the past century, become a leader in the luxury watch industry and a globally recognized symbol of precision, quality, and durability.

Rolex’s journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of perfection. The young company moved to Geneva in 1919, a city recognized for watchmaking excellence, to be closer to the Swiss craftsmen who supplied its movements. By 1920, Wilsdorf had set up Montres Rolex SA in Geneva as the new company name, a succinct and easily pronounceable term in any language.

A significant breakthrough came in 1926 when Rolex introduced the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch. This invention marked a defining moment in the history of watchmaking. To prove the Oyster’s water resistance, Mercedes Gleitze, an English swimmer, successfully swam across the English Channel wearing an Oyster in 1927. The public demonstration cemented the Oyster’s reputation for durability and precision.

Over the years, Rolex continued to innovate and set new standards. In 1945, the Rolex Datejust, the first wristwatch with an automatic date changing function, was launched. The Rolex GMT Master, the first watch to simultaneously display two different time zones, made its debut in 1954 and quickly became popular among international travelers and pilots.

Rolex has also made significant contributions to deep-sea exploration. In 1960, the Rolex Deep Sea Special went to the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean, attached to the exterior of the Trieste Bathyscaphe. More recently, filmmaker James Cameron repeated the feat with a new experimental Rolex strapped to the outside of his submarine in 2012.

Today, Rolex maintains its commitment to precision and innovation. The company’s in-house production of virtually every component of its watches, including the casting of gold alloys, ensures that every Rolex watch meets the company’s stringent quality standards. Each timepiece is a testament to the brand’s exceptional craftsmanship, innovative spirit, and commitment to excellence.

Rolex’s legacy extends beyond watchmaking. Through the Rolex Awards for Enterprise and the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, Rolex encourages innovation and supports those who make positive contributions to their communities and the world.

With its unwavering commitment to quality, its rich heritage, and its pursuit of excellence, Rolex has cemented its position at the forefront of the watchmaking industry. Each Rolex watch is not merely a timepiece but a symbol of success, ambition, and a pioneering spirit.

 

Notable Achievements
Rolex is a pioneer in many watchmaking innovations that have set the standard in the industry. The Oyster, introduced in 1926, was the first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch, encapsulating the movement in an airtight case. In 1945, Rolex introduced the Datejust, the first wristwatch with an automatically changing date function on the dial. In addition, the brand’s GMT Master, developed in 1954, was the first watch to simultaneously display two different time zones, a feature highly appreciated by international travelers and pilots.

 

Key Collections
Rolex’s key collections include the Oyster Perpetual, Submariner, Day-Date, Datejust, and Daytona, each embodying a unique aspect of the brand’s heritage. The Oyster Perpetual is the purest expression of the Oyster concept, providing a clear and accurate time display. The Submariner, originally created for diving, is known for its robustness and water-resistance. The Day-Date is famous for its luxury and exclusivity, available only in gold or platinum. The Datejust is a classic representation of the brand’s history, featuring a date function and a timeless design. The Daytona, named after the famous Daytona International Speedway, is the ultimate tool watch for those with a passion for driving and speed.

 

Brand Philosophy
Rolex’s philosophy is rooted in the pursuit of perfection. The brand’s mission is to maintain the highest standards in all its endeavors. Rolex watches are not just timekeeping devices but also symbols of success, ambition, and adventure. This relentless pursuit of excellence is reflected in their meticulous design and craftsmanship, setting them apart from other timepieces.

 

Craftsmanship
Rolex watches are renowned for their precision, reliability, and durability. Each watch is a result of meticulous design and craftsmanship. From casting the gold alloys used in their cases to selecting, cutting, and setting the diamonds on their dials, every step is carried out with the utmost care within the company’s own workshops. This ensures the brand’s high standards of quality and integrity.

 

Celebrity Affiliations
Rolex has a long history of relationships with influential figures. Over the years, Rolex watches have graced the wrists of numerous notable personalities, including explorers like Sir Edmund Hillary, who wore a Rolex during the first successful ascent of Mount Everest; iconic actors like Paul Newman, whose own Daytona model became one of the most expensive watches ever sold at auction; celebrated musicians like Jay-Z and Elvis Presley; and sporting legends like Roger Federer and Tiger Woods.