"One morning while riding on the upper deck of a horse-drawn omnibus along the Cheapside in the city of London a genie whispered 'Rolex' in my ear. -Hans Wildsorf
Fathers often serve as pillars of guidance and wisdom, akin to the steady ticking of a watch. As Father's Day approaches we thought it would be a great time to dive into the extraordinary history of the Rolex watch company.
Rolex stands as a pinnacle among global watch brands, known for its precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. Its illustrious history is long and admired by many watch enthusiasts and collectors world wide. In the following sections we'll dive into some of the most remarkable moments that have defined Rolex's legacy over the decades.
1905-
Hans Wilsdorf founded a company in London specializing in the distribution of time pieces at the age of 24. This venture eventually evolves into the renowned brand we have come to recognize and love as Rolex.
1926-
The first waterproof watch is born.
By creating a hermetically sealed case the movement was protected from dust and water, this watch was named "Oyster".
1927-
A young woman by the name of Mercedes Gleitze became the first British woman to swim the English Channel. To prove the Rolex Oyster was indeed waterproof, Mercedes wore the watch for 10 hours as she swam across the Channel. This event was celebrated by Rolex in full-page ad in the Daily Mail newspaper.
1930's-
Rolex introduced the Perpetual rotor, the world's first self winding mechanism. This innovation allowed watches to be wound automatically by the natural movement of the wearer's wrist. This ingenious system is now the core of every modern watch.
1940's-
Through the looking glass- the first Datejust was born. It was the first chronometer to indicate the date in a window on the dial. "It is the pillar of the Oyster Perpetual collection"- Rolex
1953-
The British Mount Everest Expedition
A very significant moment for Rolex, when Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary reached the summit of Mount Everest, wearing Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches. This event solidified Rolex's reputation for durability and reliability in extreme conditions.
1950's-1960's-
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Rolex introduced several iconic models designed for specific professional uses. These included the Submariner (1953) for divers, the GMT-Master (1955) for pilots, and the Cosmograph Daytona (1963) for racing drivers.
1960-
Another record for the Rolex brand was made when adventurers Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh embarked on a record-setting dive to the Mariana Trench, Earth's deepest known point, with a trusty Rolex by their side, proving that even in the ocean's depths, time never stops ticking. This watch was called the "Deep Sea Special".
1970-2000's
Rolex continued to innovate and expand its lineup, focusing on precision, durability, and luxury. The brand became synonymous with prestige and was often associated with successful individuals, celebrities, and world leaders.
2005-
The Cerachrom Bezel was developed patented by Rolex for specific models to maintain durability, and aesthetic appeal, even in the harshest conditions.
2000's- Present-
In recent years, Rolex has maintained its position as a leading luxury watch brand, introducing new models and updated versions of classic designs. The company remains committed to quality, craftsmanship, and innovation while preserving its heritage.
These watches serve as more than just timekeeping devices—they are also tools for capturing and marking significant moments in our lives. Most importantly, we must remember to cherish the time with loved ones and the timeless wisdom passed down through generations.
Happy Father's Day!
Sources: Wikipedia,Rolex, Robbreport
Comments