20 Rolex Watches

How It All Began

The name Rolex is synonymous with the world of luxury watches. For more than a century and half, these watches have been considered to be the zenith of watchmaking excellence. Founded in the year 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis in London as the watch importing company ‘Wilsdorf & Davis’, the name Rolex was registered by Hans Wilsdorf around the year 1908. Interestingly enough, the origin of the brand name can be traced back to Mr. Wilsdorf. This pioneer wanted a name that was short, could fit on the dial of the watch, and most importantly, be pronounced in every language in the world. Rolex- which Mr. Wilsdorf regarded to be onomatopoeic owing to it sounding like a watch being wound- suited the cause. Consequently, the moniker Montres Rolex S.A. was adopted as the company name in 1920 after the headquarters had been shifted from the post-war fragile economy of England to Geneva in Switzerland. 

Since then, Rolex has pioneered innovation and technology in the horological world. Currently, there are more than 4000 employees and watchmakers employed by this prestigious company from a little over 100 countries who toil away every day to create the magnificent watches.

“A Crown for Every Achievement”

Exclusively made in the country of Switzerland, the Rolex headquarters in the picturesque district of Acacias in Geneva is home to the management, research, and development (R&D), sales and marketing services. However, the most number of employees work in the site in Bienne, which is approximately 155 km from the headquarters. It is at this site where 2000 employees perfect the precision that components of the Rolex watches are known for. The hard work of the employees have bore fruit as Rolex holds the highest number of chronographs that have been certified by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). A firm believer in the beauty of craftsmanship, every component in this site is handmade. 

Bracelets and cases of the watches are made in the largest of the four Rolex facilities in Switzerland, the Plan-les-Ouates site. Workers here cast the gold alloy used in the cases and bracelets, along with manufacturing raw materials and polishing finished components of the watch. It is only appropriate that the casting of Rolex watches have something unique in them, with each Rolex wristwatch having an 18C gold alloy of three variants: white gold, yellow gold, and the Rolex-patented exclusive pink gold alloy called the Everose gold alloy. The fourth site at Chêne-Bourg houses craftsmans and designers who make the dial and set the gems. Now, back at the headquarters, all these three components are assembled together to give form to the stunning and exclusive Rolex watches! The entire process really embodies the care and finesse of making such exquisite pieces of art that are a perfect example of the best craftsmanship, design, and innovation! 

Pioneering Innovations Suited For The Greats

The Rolex Oyster, released in 1926 was the world’s first dustproof and waterproof watch. Groundbreaking designs soon followed with the Perpetual Movement in 1931, which was released to acclaim as the world’s first self-winding mechanism. This set in motion the foundation of every modern wristwatch. Being at the forefront of new innovations have been the forte of Rolex, with the company using every opportunity to test the limits. From legendary British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze crossing the English Channel in 1927 wearing a Rolex Oyster, to Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay using Oyster Perpetuals on their Everest expedition - Rolex has been the choice of legends. Sporting icons like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer have regularly worn the Rolexes. On his solitary voyage to the Mariana Trench, filmmaker James Cameron had an Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea Challenge. This experimental watch was designed painstakingly to withstand the pressures of over 12,000 meters (39,370 feet) underwater.

Founder Hans Wilsdorf always believed that every person had the ability to strive for innovation and excellence. 115 years after the founder set the clock ticking, now more than ever, Rolex continues to create extraordinary innovations leading to excellence in watchmaking.