The Rolex Watch

Rolex is one of the most famous brand names in the world. Their exclusive watches are known for their quality and many people buy them as status symbols. Unlike many watch manufacturers today, Rolex still produce their own movements and this is one reason they are able to maintain their reputation for the highest quality.

Although Rolex today is a Swiss company based in Geneva, it began life in London where it was Wilsdorf and Davies. Hans Wilsdorf was a German businessman and Davies was his brother-in-law. Wilsdorf and Davies was founded in 1905 and was a major UK watch manufacturer by 1908 when the name "Rolex" was coined and trademarked. In 1919 Wilsdorf & Davies moved their head office to Switzerland and became the Rolex Watch Company.

The origin of the name "Rolex" is uncertain. There is a theory that Wilsdorf coined it as an abbreviation of horlogerie exquise - "exquisite watch industry". However there appears to be no conclusive evidence to support this. It's also said that the name was chosen simply because it was distinctive, easy to pronounce - and would fit neatly onto the watch face!

The newly named Rolex company moved out of London in 1912 and made its home in Switzerland.

The Rolex company has had a number of horological firsts:

  • 1910
    a Rolex was the first wristwatch ever to recive the Swiss Bureau Officiel's official certification as a chronometer
  • 1926
    Rolex introduces the famous Oyster case, the first fully waterproof wristwatch
  • 1927
    English typist Mercedes Gleitze swims the Channel wearing an Oyster watch which survives perfectly
  • 1931
    Rolex invents the perpetual rotor mechanism. The original Rolex Perpetual was the one of the first self-winding watches
  • 1945
    the Rolex Datejust is the first wristwatch to display the date automatically
  • 1954
    Rolex introduces the Submariner which went on to become James Bond's wristwatch of choice
The Rolex brand continues to be an indicator of quality and exclusivity. Combined with their distinctive and recognisable style, this makes them the choice to buy for many a man and lady of taste.


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