The story of Rolex watches begins in 1905, when Hans Wilsdorf set out in London with a clear vision: to create precise and elegant wristwatches at a time when pocket watches were still the norm. By 1908, the name “Rolex” had been registered, and just two years later a Rolex became the world’s first wristwatch to receive an official chronometer certificate. In 1914, the Kew Observatory in England awarded a Rolex the Class A precision certificate – proof of its outstanding accuracy. With the move to Geneva in 1919, the brand laid the foundation for its global identity as a Swiss luxury watch manufacturer. From the very beginning, it was clear: Rolex did not want to merely produce watches, but to set standards for the entire art of watchmaking.
Rolex – A Century of Swiss Watchmaking Excellence
Innovations That Changed the Watch World
In 1926, Rolex introduced the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch – famously promoted through Mercedes Gleitze’s Channel swim. Just a few years later came the Perpetual Rotor, the cornerstone of modern automatic watches. In 1945, Rolex unveiled the Datejust, the first watch with an automatically changing date window. The post-war years gave rise to icons such as the Explorer (1953, worn during the first ascent of Everest), the Submariner (the first diver’s watch waterproof to 100 meters), the GMT-Master (1955, developed for airline pilots), and the Day-Date (1956, the first watch to display the day of the week in full). Spectacular achievements, such as the 1960 dive of the Rolex Deep Sea Special into the Mariana Trench, reinforced the brand’s claim: to be a watch for pioneers and explorers.
Technological Milestones and Iconic Models
During the 1970s and 1980s, Rolex expanded its pioneering role. The Explorer II offered researchers orientation in regions without daylight, the partnership with Comex made the Sea-Dweller the standard for professional divers, and the introduction of 904L stainless steel set new benchmarks for durability and luster. In 1992, the Yacht-Master was launched, followed by the legendary Cosmograph Daytona with the Caliber 4130 in 2000. The 2000s brought further innovations: the scratch-resistant Cerachrom bezel, the shock-resistant Parachrom hairspring, and the experimental Deepsea Challenge, which in 2012 accompanied James Cameron to the depths of the Mariana Trench. In parallel, Rolex developed the Sky-Dweller, a watch designed for global travelers with dual time zones and an annual calendar – operated via the innovative Ring Command bezel.
Modern Achievements and Timeless Luxury
In the 21st century, Rolex continues to set trends in design, technology, and sustainability. Models such as the GMT-Master II with two-tone ceramic bezels, the Caliber 3255 with a 70-hour power reserve, or the Oysterflex bracelet demonstrate that innovation and tradition can coexist. With the “Perpetual Planet” initiative launched in 2019, Rolex reinforced its commitment to research and environmental protection. In 2022, the unveiling of the Day-Date 40 in platinum with a fluted bezel attracted worldwide attention – proof that, even after more than a century, Swiss watchmaking excellence continues to evolve and reinvent itself.
The history of Rolex is the history of progress. Every innovation, every model, and every partnership embodies the pursuit of perfection. From the peaks of the Himalayas to the depths of the oceans and the world’s greatest stages – Rolex remains the epitome of iconic luxury watches, precision, and timeless style. To wear a Rolex is not just to wear a watch, but to carry a piece of watchmaking history on your wrist.