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Literature

• J. M. Dowling, J. P. Hess, Rolex wristwatches are the best of all time: the unofficial story, Schiffer Publishing Limited, 1996, ISBN 0-7643-0011-3
• J. E. Brozhek, Rolex activity report, InfoQuest Publishing, Inc., 2004, ISBN 0-9723133-0-3
• T. Ch. Zharman, Rolex Reference Guide. 4th edition, Leap Enterprises, 2003, ISBN 0-9709514-2-6
• R.Brown, Rolex Fake Report, Lulu Publishing, 2004, ISBN 1-4116-1402-X

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An excerpt characterizing Rolex

Leading Swiss watchmaking brand headquartered in Geneva, Rolex enjoys an unrivaled reputation for quality and know-how throughout the world. His Oyster watches, all of which have received the appropriate chronometer certificate for their accuracy, are a symbol of excellence, achievement and prestige. The brand, the first to launch a wristwatch in 1905, is at the forefront of numerous important advances in watchmaking, including the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, introduced in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding, introduced in 1931. During its history, the company has registered more than 400 patents. As a truly integrated and independent manufacture, Rolex handles virtually all of the design and manufacture of its timepieces, from gold alloy casting to movement assembly, case, dial and bracelet assembly and machining processes. Rolex is actively involved in supporting the arts, sports, research, as well as the entrepreneurial spirit and advocacy efforts environment within a wide range various kinds activities, sponsorship and philanthropic programs.

History of the Rolex brand

The status of the Rolex brand and its uniqueness originate in a story, the main plot of which was a passion for innovation and a constant search for perfection. This story, which is a mesmerizing series of ingenious inventions and magical adventures in the world of watches, is deeply intertwined with the history of the Oyster watch - the first waterproof wristwatch, which was released in 1926 and became, over time, the basis of a series of legendary watches, the most popular and most recognizable - we are in the world.

The genius of the inventor of wristwatches Hans Wilsdorf (Hans Wilsdorf)

The success of the Rolex brand is closely related to the extraordinary entrepreneurial talent of its founder, Hans Wilsdorf (1881-1960). Thanks to his passion and exceptional ability to achieve results in several areas at once, the ability to anticipate the direction of technological development, the gift of negotiation and organizational skills, the ability to organize the sale of finished products, he, while leading the company for more than fifty years, was able to lay down the fundamental principles of its work and breathed life into unique watches from a brand that has no equal. at the dawn of the 21st century, the charm of his personality and creativity continues to inspire the heirs of his entrepreneurial talent. The influence of the master can be seen in the aesthetics and in the main characteristics of watches, the production of which is based on following tradition, as well as the ability of the Rolex brand to strive for new horizons, drawing inspiration from a glorious past.
The adventures of the Rolex brand begin in the early 1900s. A native of Bavaria (Bavière), Hans Wilsdorf takes his first steps in the world of watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. In an era when everyone wore a pocket watch, he was able to discern the emerging interest in wristwatches in the 20th century, as well as the emerging interest in women's watches as jewelry.
Hans Wilsdorf had a presentiment that, at its core, wristwatches were destined to become a daily necessity for both men and women. but on condition that they become an accurate, sealed, durable and reliable tool. Thanks to his genius, he was able to anticipate the reality that today is perceived as obvious, and turn wristwatches into everyday items.

In search of chronometric accuracy and tightness

Having moved to London, which was at that time the economic and financial capital of the world, Hans Wilsdorf in 1905 founded, together with his partner, the company Wilsdorf & Davis, specializing in the sale of wristwatches in Great Britain and throughout the British Empire. Watch parts are produced for him by Swiss partners, famous for their high level of craftsmanship. The partner of the firm was the House of Eglep (maison aegler) from the city of Bienne (Bienne), which later became Joint Stock Company Rolex Watch Factory. At that time, he was the only partner who, according to Wilsdorf, could produce small precision watch movements, which were necessary for wristwatches. Having witnessed the rapid development of the entertainment and sports industries, Hans Wilsdorf wanted to prove to a skeptical society that wristwatches and chronometric accuracy are compatible.
His search in this area quickly turned into a resounding success. In 1910, Rolex wristwatches received the world's first chronometric certificate in this category, issued by the Watch Control Bureau in Bienne, Switzerland. such a certificate has never before been issued to such a watch. Four years later, in 1914, the model received the prestigious observatoire de Kew award in the UK, the first Class A certification never before given to a watch. Prior to this, only marine chronometers were eligible for such a certificate. thus, proof was obtained that wristwatches and chronometric accuracy could go hand in hand. It only remained to prove that watches can be waterproof. doubts about the accuracy of wristwatches remain as long as their case cannot withstand water and dust. Hans Wilsdorf put his entrepreneurial genius and energy into making waterproof wristwatches.

The birth of the brand name Rolex

Realizing the importance of the concept of the brand, in 1908 Hans Wilsdorf came up with the name of the Rolex brand and began to sign his products with this name. the requirements he followed still sound remarkably modern today.
Here is the name he wanted to come up with:
- short, no more than five letters;
- easy to pronounce in any language;
- pleasing to the ear;
- easy to remember
- harmoniously fitting into the dial and clockwork.

From London to Geneva, Entrepreneurial Genius Without Borders

In 1919, Hans Wilsdorf left England to settle in Geneva, Switzerland, where in 1920 he founded the Rolex Watch Company. He becomes closer to his Bienne supplier, and their cooperation becomes closer. The city's reputation as a guardian of the ancient traditions of watchmaking played a big role in making this decision.

Oyster, or the invention of the first waterproof wristwatch

In 1926, Hans Wilsdorf's efforts to make waterproof watches were crowned with success. The rolex oyster watch was invented, the first waterproof watch in the world. Water-resistance was achieved through a case equipped with an ingenious patented bezel system, screw-down case back and crown. Hermetically sealed, this watch guarantees optimum protection for the movement.
The bezel groove, as well as the caseback groove, were very functional. The bezel served to screw in the elements on the case ring, thanks to a special tool invented by Rolex. He gave the watch a visual identity and a unique personality. These days, the oyster bezel is no longer screwed onto the case. However, on some models, manufacturers continue to use the characteristic groove for the bezel attachment, as an echo of the original 1926 model.
Thanks to the oyster model and the water-resistant case concept, which was completely innovative for the time, Rolex easily made history in watchmaking. The technical skill demonstrated by Hans Wilsdorf, added to his natural flair for negotiating and closing deals, contributed to the rapid development of the Rolex company.

Creation of the concept of brand representatives

In 1927, the creative genius of Hans Wilsdorf and his ability to negotiate get a spectacular new incarnation. His idea was to test oyster watches and demonstrate their qualities by adding knowledge and skill to use them to technical skill. Armed with an oyster watch, a young English swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, swam across the English Channel. After 10 hours in the water, the watch worked perfectly. To celebrate sporting success, Hans Wilsdorf pays for an entire page in the Daily Mail devoted to waterproof watches and publicly announces “the start of the triumphal journey of rolex oyster watches around the world.”
This episode testifies to the creation of the concept of associates and the beginning of a long and fruitful collaboration between the Rolex brand and exceptional individuals. their joint projects testify to the excellence of Rolex watches. These privileged ties will develop in various areas such as science, sports and culture. They will be based on deep trust between the Rolex brand and its associates.

"Perpetual rotor", the third component of the Oyster brand

Having achieved chronometric accuracy and water resistance, Hans Wilsdorf proceeded to create the third important component of the oyster watch brand: the automatic module. Since wristwatches must be worn daily, the crown will constantly unwind, which can compromise water resistance and accuracy. In 1931 Rolex invents the world's first automatic winding system for wristwatches with a rotor it calls Perpetual. This rotor was the forerunner of the modern automatic (Perpetual) winding.

the innovative solution was that the rotor rotated freely in two directions around the axis. Thanks to the natural movement of the wrist, the clockwork was continuously wound up. thus, the perpetual rotor pushed manual winding a thing of the past, freeing the watch owner from the main concern.

Crown Rolex and Rolesor

In the 1930s, two more new symbols of the unique Rolex brand were born. The Rolex crown, logo and symbol of the brand's exclusivity, was registered in 1931. It appears for the first time on the dial of Rolex watches in the 30s, and then in the early fifties on the crown. At the same time, the Rolex crown begins to replace the number twelve on the dial.
In 1933, the name rolesor was registered, which meant the combination of two different materials in Rolex watches: gold and steel. Rolex's first use of this combination of materials dates back to the 1920s and becomes one of the brand's distinctive aesthetic codes.

Prestigious watches

In the 1940s and 1950s, Rolex created prestigious watches that were worn by influential people and quickly became enduring classics of the oyster collection.
In 1945, the oyster Perpetual datejust appeared - the world's first automatic waterproof wristwatch-chronometer, indicating dates in a special window on the dial. These watches were attached to a Jubile bracelet specially made for them. They stood out from all others and were easily recognizable thanks to their fluted bezel, the hallmark of the oyster model. originally created for men, oyster watches appeared in the form of women's models over the next decade.
In 1956, the oyster Perpetual day-date model was created, the first wristwatch to show the date and day of the week in letters in a special window on the dial. This model was produced only in platinum or 18-carat gold and was equipped from the moment of its introduction with a cyclops lens to make it easier to read the date, while the numbers were increased by two and a half times. This innovation, which became another hallmark of the Rolex brand, was subsequently used in all watches of the oyster model with a date window on the dial. The PresiDent bracelet was created specifically for this model, and the Day-Date watch continues to be predominantly a watch of influencers.

The world as a territory that confirms the reliability of the Rolex brand

Since 1926, and since the creation of the oyster, Rolex has begun to view the world as a territory created in order to confirm in real life the authority of qualities that are unique to Rolex. Whether at sea or in the depths of the ocean, on top of the highest mountains or at the very edge of the earth, wherever extreme conditions prevail, Rolex watches retain all their inherent qualities: precision, water resistance, durability and reliability.
Another parameter allows you to recognize the reliability of the Rolex brand - this is speed. In 1935, driving his Blue Bird car with an oyster watch on his wrist, Sir Malcolm Campbell becomes the first man in the world to reach the mythical speed limit of 300 miles per hour (approximately 480 km/h) . In 1947, the first person to break the sound barrier in a jet aircraft was equipped with an oyster watch. In both cases, the watches were subjected to acceleration and extremely powerful vibrations, but their qualities remained unchanged.
since the 1930s, the oyster model has been used on numerous expeditions in the Himalayas. One of these expeditions will remain in the memory of people. In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing norgay, members of a British expedition led by Sir John Hunt, became the first to reach the summit of Everest. These people, who have incredible perseverance and desire to achieve the set goal, have contributed to the confirmation of the best qualities of Rolex watches.

Creating professional watches

As part of close relations with the world community and against the backdrop of the rapid development of new fields of activity, such as civil aviation or underwater research, Rolex in the 50s of the last century began to develop "useful", so-called "Professional" watches, whose purpose goes beyond the mere designation of time.
In 1953, the oyster Perpetual explorer, specially designed for climbing Mount Everest, was introduced, the waterproof oyster Perpetual submariner, equipped with a rotating bezel with a graduated scale that reads the dive time, water-resistant to 100 meters (then to 200 meters in the same year); The oyster Perpetual GMt-Master, launched in 1955, responded to the specific needs of civil aviation pilots who needed an instrument that could simultaneously show the time in different time zones around the world, thanks to an additional 24-hour hand and a rotating graduated bezel ( 24 hours). These watches have become the official watches of many airlines, including the famous Pan american World airways, better known as Pan Am.
In 1956, the oyster Perpetual Milgauss was launched, designed to withstand magnetic fields. This model could be seen on the wrists of scientists from the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which is located in Geneva. In 1963, Rolex introduces the Cosmograph daytona, a chronometer that measures time intervals and calculates average speed, thanks to a graduated tachymeter bezel.
Rolex watches are still associated with various achievements. In 1960, in the Pacific Ocean at the latitude of the island of Guam (guam), the Trieste bathyscaphe, operated by the Swiss oceanographer Jacques Piccard and Lieutenant Don Walsh, reaches the deepest ocean marks in the Mariana Trench, that is, a record depths of 10,916 meters. an experimental model of the oyster deep sea special watch was fixed on the body of the bathyscaphe. This model withstood the colossal water pressure of more than one ton per square centimeter without damage, and after surfacing, the watch continued to accurately show the time.
In 1967, the oyster Perpetual sea-dweller was launched, waterproof to a depth of 610 meters. To meet the needs of professional scuba divers, the case of this model was equipped with a special valve that allows, during long periods of decompression in the pressure chamber, to remove the used helium of gas mixtures without risk to the watch.

Years of maturity and consolidation of achievements

Hans Wilsdorf died in 1960. He left behind a creation whose success he was able to perpetuate. In 1945, he created the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation in Geneva, which became the owner of his enterprise. Since then, Rolex has continued to evolve and retain the entrepreneurial flair and dedication that was inherent in its founder.
André J. Heiniger, Hans Wilsdorf's successor since 1963, takes over the management of Rolex, preserving that legacy. Using his vast experience and knowledge of the subject, André J. Heiniger, a true strategist-entrepreneur, accelerates the company's development and strengthens the position of the Rolex brand worldwide, turning it into one of the most prestigious universal watch brands. A man of conviction, he, like his predecessor, cultivates the idea of ​​anticipating consumer expectations.
With the advent of the quartz watch era in the 1960s, Rolex took part in the development of the first Swiss quartz watch movement, the Béta 21. In 1977, Rolex released the Oysterquartz model, equipped with a 100% Rolex movement. but, ignoring the expectations that were associated with this new technology, Rolex makes a strategic choice: to remain true to mechanical watches and continue to improve their excellent qualities.
The 1970s and 1980s were marked by the introduction of the second generation of Professional Watches. In 1971, the oyster Perpetual explorer ii was born, designed for polar explorers and speleologists, who, thanks to this watch, were able to distinguish day from night using an additional 24-hour hand and a fixed bezel with a graduated 24-hour scale. In 1978, a new water-resistant sea-Dweller, the sea-dweller 4000, is introduced, water resistant to 1220 meters (4000 feet). In 1982 - the GMt-Master ii model.

Innovative initiatives in the field of sponsorship and patronage

At the initiative of André J. Heiniger, who was very concerned about the prestige of the brand, in the 60s and 70s of the last century, innovative partnerships were born between the Rolex company and various institutions, famous sportsmen and artists of world renown. These privileged connections have contributed to the development of sponsorship in the field of culture and sports.
Rolex is also known for its innovation in the field of philanthropy. In 1976, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the oyster, André J. Heiniger established the Rolex Prizes for Initiative. These awards should provide financial support to men and women who are in search of new ideas that can expand knowledge and improve people's lives.
Thanks to its openness and usefulness, Rolex won recognition and accelerated its development. starting from the 90s, a new page in the history of the company began. More than ever, Rolex is true to its entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and commitment to excellence.

Choice of integration and industrialization strategy

In 1992, the oyster Perpetualyacht-Master model was released - the first oyster watch model of the Professional Series, released in 3 sizes - 40, 35, 29 mm. This innovation illustrated the links between Rolex and the world of sailing and recreation. The same year saw the introduction of the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster, a new line of the oyster collection dedicated to women.
In the same year, Patrick Heiniger, following his father, becomes the head of the Rolex company and immediately leaves an indelible mark on the fate of the company. In the mid-1990s, under his leadership, Rolex radically changed its production structure and chooses a vertical integration strategy whereby the company acquires its key suppliers in order to maintain its status as an exceptional innovator in the world of watchmaking. This choice was accompanied by the transfer of all activities of the company to Geneva and Bienne on four industrial sites specially built and equipped for this purpose. Impressive in their size, these four venues are truly the epicenter of cutting-edge technology. In this way, Rolex maintains control over the production of all components: movement, case, bracelet and dial. At the same time, the company retains the ability to improve quality through the use of its unique equipment.
independent and vertically structured, Rolex has unique industrial equipment, and most importantly, watchmakers, engineers and other specialists who work closely together to create the concept and then to produce watch models. Rolex welcomes innovative ideas and creative freedom. that is why the company has equipped a foundry where it can cast its own gold alloys.

Between tradition and innovation: a new era for the Oyster

since the early 2000s, an impressive reorganization of the company's tool shop opens new era oyster watch. combining technical traditional watchmaking skills and high tech, a new series of innovative models is released. For this, new concepts of watchmaking are used, as well as new materials and technological processes.
In 2000, Rolex released the new oyster Perpetual Cosmograph daytona, the true centerpiece of Rolex's technical expertise. It also features a new watch chronograph, entirely designed and manufactured by Rolex. The model is equipped with a Parachrom hairspring, patented and manufactured by Rolex. This combination of niobium, zirconium and oxygen is ten times more impact resistant than traditional springs and is insensitive to magnetic fields. The Parachrom hairspring will be gradually introduced to all models in the oyster collection.
The new generation Daytona features a new easylink system that allows you to quickly change the length of the bracelet. Consisting of additional links invisible under the clasp, this ingenious movement offers increased comfort to the wearer. This mechanism was later used in other oyster models.
In 2005, Rolex releases a new, slightly modified model oyster Perpetual GMt-Master ii. This model also features a Parachrom hairspring and a new black cerachrom bezel, another innovation patented by Rolex in the 2000s. Entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, the extremely durable cerachrom ceramic material has special advantages: it is exceptionally resistant to damage and corrosion, and the disc retains its color when exposed to ultraviolet radiation.
In 2007, the oyster Perpetual Milgauss was relaunched. According to its concept, this model had to resist magnetic fields and therefore it was equipped with a Rolex watch movement protected by an anti-magnetic screen. In addition to the Parachrom hairspring, this new movement includes an anti-magnetic escape wheel made of a nickel-phosphorus alloy using the revolutionary uV-liga micro-component technology (Valvanic Ultraviolet Lithography, Electroformed Micro-Component Fabrication), mastered by Rolex.
Rolex also introduces new watchmaking functions. In the same year, Rolex introduced the oyster Perpetual yacht-Master ii chronograph for use on sailing and rowing boats. It is the first watch in the world to feature a programmable mechanical memory countdown timer. This new complex movement consists of an innovative system of interaction between the movement and the case, which is carried out thanks to the rotating ring Command bezel, designed and developed by Rolex.
Launched in 2008, the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea waterproof watch, water resistant to 3900 meters, demonstrates the superiority of Rolex waterproof watches. This quality is achieved by the new case shape developed by Rolex for this model, the ringlock system: a ring placed inside the case ring withstands the pressure exerted on the glass and case back. In addition, the new generation of rolex Deepsea diving watches are equipped with a rolex Glidelock clasp bracelet. This patented bracelet length adjustment system allows the watch to be worn over a diving suit.
2008 and 2009 also saw the renewal of two of the most outstanding models in the oyster series, the day-date ii and the datejust ii, with a larger 41mm case. Both of these models received a new movement produced by Rolex. Following the fundamental traditions of the brand and its innovative spirit, in 2010 and 2011, respectively, the new explorer and explorer ii models were released, also with an increased diameter, up to 39 and 42 mm, respectively. These models are also equipped with the new Rolex movements.
In 2012, Rolex introduced the all-new and innovative oyster Perpetual sky-dweller. A hub of technological innovation, protected by fourteen patents, this classic Rolex is designed for the frequent traveller. It has an imposing 42mm case with dual time zones (clear and easy to use) and an innovative yearly calendar called saros, after the rare astronomical phenomenon that was taken as a reference. The calendar requires the date to be adjusted once a year. In order to quickly and easily control all the functions of the Sky-Dweller, it is also equipped with an innovative interface: the movable ring command bezel.
With a new model that combines utility, ease of use, prestige and elegance, Rolex has once again proven its ingenuity and extraordinary ability to design and manufacture watches that will perpetuate the legend of oyster excellence.
In the same 2012, true to its passion for underwater exploration, Rolex actively participates in the Deepsea challenge expedition, organized by filmmaker and explorer James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar) in conjunction with the National Geographic Society. On March 26 of the same year, the expedition dived to the bottom of the Challenger Deep to a depth of 10,908 meters, the deepest point of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean southwest of Guam.
Attached to the arm of the submersible, a Rolex watch accompanied James Cameron on his dive: the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea challenge, an experimental watch designed and manufactured by Rolex specifically for the occasion, proving the company's leading position in watertightness.
“The rolex DeePsea cHallenge was a reliable companion throughout my dive: it could be seen on the arm of the manipulator and kept accurate time at a depth of 10,908 meters of the Challenger Deep,” said James Cameron after his historic dive.
“This is an excellent example of engineering excellence and the perfect complement to the Deepsea Challenger submersible.”
Both James Cameron's expedition and the rolex Deepsea challenge essentially replicated the underwater expedition undertaken by Swiss oceanographer Jacques Piccard and US Navy Lieutenant Don Walsh in 1960. on board the bathyscaphe "Trieste" of Swiss design, two explorers reached on January 23, 1960, a record depth for that time.

Anthem of womanhood

The first decade of the 21st century was a turning point in the production of delightful, elegant designs for ladies. From the very beginning, Rolex has actively offered a wide range of watches for women.
With or without decorations different sizes and with dials that combine different motifs and colors, full of freshness and vitality, the new women's models of the Datejust series are born, sublimating the sophisticated aesthetic of the oyster series.
So, among them there are models Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster or Datejust Special Edition. Whether with Goldust Dream dials, gold crystals or Rolex floral motifs, this mosaic of models is a testament to a brilliant creative and technical skill that rivals the precision, water-resistance, robustness and reliability of all oyster models.
All of these new oyster models are a shining example of a fully integrated and independent watchmaking industry that relies on uncompromising values ​​and incomparable watchmaking techniques to relentlessly maintain and nurture a passion for excellence.

Always inventive philanthropic tradition

Rolex's voluntary involvement in philanthropy continues unabated, and in 2002 a new original initiative was born. At the urging of Patrick Heiniger, Rolex is creating the Master and Protégé Artistic Mentorship Program, designed to help promising young artists reach their potential under the guidance of a recognized maestro in their field. This program illustrates the philanthropic tradition of Rolex, which is supported by the active work of the Rolex Institute.

Capitalize on success

In 2009, Bruno meier provided leadership to the Group of Companies during the transitional period, continuing to see to it that its status is maintained.
In 2011, the company decides to modernize its structure in order to develop industrial and commercial activities in Switzerland and abroad. Since 2000, Gian Riccardo Marini, Managing Director of Rolex Italy, has taken over the management of Rolex SA. A great connoisseur of the brand and its products, with more than forty years of experience in the Group, he set out to achieve new successes, which Rolex is constantly striving for. from the moment he took over Rolex, its activities have continued in full accordance with existing traditions, respect for unshakable values, perfect image and prestige of the brand.

Relentless search for perfection

the adventure story of Rolex and oyster models is a never-ending tale of tradition, prestige and innovative technology, a ballad of beauty and creativity marked by new technical solutions. This is an epic of passion and a tireless search for perfection.
Will Rolex and Oyster write a few more fascinating pages in the history of watchmaking?
Every hour, every minute, every moment...

Chronology of the creation of Rolex models

THE FIRST OYSTER PILLOW-SHAPED, 1926
THE FIRST OCTAGONAL OYSTER CLOCK, 1926















FIRST LADY-DATEJUST PEARLMASTER, 1992
FIRST COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA WITH MOVEMENT 4130, 2000

The history of the most recognizable Swiss watch brand in the world is inextricably linked with the innovative genius of the company's founder Hans Wilsdorf. And it began with a modest watch company, which the 24-year-old Wilsdorf founded in 1905 in London, taking his brother-in-law, Alfred James Davies, as a partner. Even then, the young entrepreneur dreamed of a wristwatch, and although the first such models were not particularly accurate, Wilsdorf foresaw the possibility of making them not only an elegant, but also a functional accessory. The ambitious visionary and innovator Vilsdord brought to life, supplying his products with ultra-precise for that time compact watch movements, the production of which was carried out by the factory in Bienne.

Any start-up company needs a catchy and capacious name. To the choice of a "name" for the future famous brand Hans Wilsdorf approached with skill. Having discarded the standard scheme, according to which the company was named after its founder, the famous German went the other way. He clearly understood that the name of the company should be short, easy to remember and easy to pronounce in all languages. Given the specifics of the Wilsdorf case, one of the most important criteria for choosing a name was its brevity, since the company's name had to look beautiful on dials and watch mechanisms.

According to one legend, in 1958, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the company, Wilsdorf recalled that he tried to connect the letters of the alphabet with all possible ways, but none of the hundreds of options received suited him completely. The world-famous word Rolex came about, he said, one morning as he rode an imperial horsecar across London's Cheapside. Apparently, providence itself whispered the cherished 5 letters to Wilsdorf. Trademark Rolex was officially registered on July 2, 1908.

The newly minted manufacturer of Swiss watches relies on the quality of watch movements. The pursuit of ultimate chronometric accuracy quickly pays off, and as early as 1910 watches produced under the Rolex brand receive their first accuracy certificate, issued by the Swiss Watch Appraisal Committee in Bienne. After 4 years, the quality of Rolex products is also recognized in the British Kew Observatory, where Rolex wristwatches receive a class “A” accuracy certificate. This historical fact is very revealing, since until 1914 only marine chronometers were awarded such certificates.

In 1919, Rolex moved to Geneva, the watchmaking capital of the world, and in 1920, Rolex S.A., a joint-stock company, was born, whose products by that time had already become synonymous with precision.

In 1931, Rolex began to develop a self-winding system based on the "perpetual" rotor Perpetual, which allowed watches to be wound with a simple movement of the wrist. Subsequently, the original technical solution formed the basis of all modern Rolex watches equipped with automatic winding.

One of the most important directions of the company's development was the testing of watch movements for strength in conditions as close as possible to real ones. Since the 1930s, various fields human activity, such as sports, aviation, car racing and expeditions to remote corners of the planet, served for Rolex models, something like a testing ground, where a variety of watch technical characteristics were severely tested. For example, Rolex Oyster models showed themselves perfectly during the first flight over Everest in 1933, and a little later they witnessed a dizzying record. It belonged to one of the fastest racers on the planet, Sir Malcolm Campbell. On September 4, 1935, on the track laid along the bottom of the dried-up Lake Bonneville in Utah, Sir Campbell, who received the eloquent nickname "King of Speed", driving his famous Blue Bird car, accelerated to 300 miles per hour (about 485 km / h) , setting a record for the fastest movement on Earth. This achievement of the great racer closed the chain of 9 records (1924-1935), 5 of which were set on the famous Daytona Beach track in Florida.

In a letter to Rolex management, Camppell wrote at the time, "I currently use a Rolex watch and it performs superbly in the extreme conditions it now faces."

In 1945, the Datejust watch was born, the first self-winding wrist chronometer equipped with a special window for displaying the date. A custom-made Jubilé bracelet was also attached to the case of the elite model, and belonging to the famous Rolex family in the watch instantly gave out a fluted bezel. To the original male version (at first the model was positioned exclusively as a watch for men), in the 50s several female versions will be added.

The beginning of the 50s in the history of Rolex will be marked by the development of professional watches, the functionality of which went far beyond the simple display of time. These models were designed to serve professional areas human activities, which at that time developed at a very rapid pace: scuba diving, aviation, mountaineering and various kinds of scientific research.

So, one of the brilliant chapters in the history of mankind was the conquest of Everest by the expedition of John Hunt. Legendary climbers Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay climbed the world's highest peak wearing an Oyster Perpetual watch. Released in 1953 as a tribute to this great event, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer became an instant icon.

The same year saw the birth of another watchmaking legend, the Rolex Submariner, which featured a rotating bezel that allowed professional divers to read the dive time.

With the development of intercontinental flights, during which aircraft traveled the distance to several countries in a short time, professional pilots needed to know the time at once in several points of the planet. And here, at the dawn of the era of supersonic aircraft, Rolex once again demonstrated the relevance of its products, creating watches that corresponded to the trends of the times.

The official watch of many airlines, including the famous Pan American World Airways, suddenly became the GMT-Master model, developed in 1955 specifically for civil airline pilots. Visually, the watch was distinguished by the presence of a two-tone bezel, which distinguished between day and night.

The year 1956 was marked by the release of the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, a wrist watch that featured the full name of the day of the week in addition to the date window. The first versions of the model were offered exclusively in 18-carat gold or platinum and were equipped from the very beginning with a President-type bracelet, designed specifically for this watch. For more than half a century, the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date has been the epitome of style and precision for the world's most influential people.

But the Milgauss model, which appeared on the market in the same 1956, was destined to become a benchmark in the field of anti-magnetic watches. One of the first watches to withstand magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss was scientifically verified by the European Organization for Nuclear Research, which is at the forefront of particle research. The fundamental innovation in the design of the model, which provided such a high level of anti-magnetic protection, was a special internal screen.

Made from specially selected ferromagnetic alloys, the screen consists of two parts, one of which is attached directly to the movement, the other to the waterproof case. Having passed the rigorous tests of CERN engineers, the Milgauss watch, whose signature feature was the presence of a curly arrow in the form of a lightning, honestly earned a reputation as an impenetrable magnetic shield, which is confirmed to this day.

As early as the 1950s, Rolex embarked on explorations on the high seas, during which the experimental Deep Sea Special was put to the test. How the first prototypes were tested is not known in detail. The third model of the Deep Sea Special went down in history, which managed to accomplish the impossible: as part of the legendary expedition of Don Walsh and Jack Pickard on the Trieste bathyscaphe, the watch sank almost to the very bottom of the Mariana Trench, reaching a mark of 10,916 meters.

A separate page in the history of Rolex is associated with the legendary Daytona Beach, located in Florida. The long, flat and firm line of compressed sand beach has earned the town of Daytona a reputation as the world capital of speed: from 1904 to 1935, 14 world records were set here, five of which Rolex watches were directly involved. Over the years, the quality of the sand began to deteriorate, and in 1959 a modern alternative to the beach track was built: the Daytona International Speedway. And although the Daytona beach has since been deserted, the quiet, cozy town of the same name has become the new El Dorado for all motorsport fans and hosted the second most prestigious international endurance race, the 24 Hours of Daytona. Especially for the participants of the daily car marathon, a durable waterproof watch was created, equipped with a bezel with a tachymetric scale to calculate the average speed of passing the distance. The watch was named Cosmograph Daytona.

1967 marked the launch of the Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller, water-resistant to 610 meters. Meeting the requirements of professional divers, the case of the novelty was equipped with a helium valve, thanks to which, when working in the pressure chamber in the so-called decompression phase, helium accumulated inside the watch case ( component breathing mixtures for divers) freely went outside without damaging the watch. An improved version of the model (Sea-Dweller 4000) with a water resistance of 1,220 meters will be released in 1978.

In 1971, Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, aimed at polar explorers, cavers and all those who are destined to make new discoveries. The watch was equipped with a special 24-hour hand, which helped scientists to distinguish day from night, where it is impossible to do this in principle - in the harsh circumpolar regions or in pitch darkness underground.

The beginning of the 90s will be marked by the release of the Pearlmaster and Yacht-Master models. While the former is a more modern interpretation of the Lady-Datejust, the latter is, as the name implies, a marine chronometer that cements Rolex's connection to the world of sailing. The Yacht-Master is the first watch in the Professional Oyster collection to be available in three sizes: 29mm, 35mm and 40mm.

Fifteen years later, Rolex will introduce a worthy continuation of the yachting series, the Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II, the world's first yacht chronograph to feature a programmable mechanical memory countdown function. A unique complication of its kind is based on the interaction of the movement and the case, the main element of which is Rolex's own development - a rotating bezel with the Ring Command system. Rolex innovation helps boaters to minimize the time gap between the start signal and the actual start of the race.

In 2008, the company will update the Deepsea line, the first models of which were created in the late 50s for research at extreme depths. Thanks to the original three-part structure of the case (Ringlock System), the glass of the watch can withstand water pressure equivalent to the pressure of a 3-ton weight. The 2008 Rolex Deepsea is capable of diving to depths beyond the reach of most submersibles today, a hundred times the maximum depth a human can survive.

Another masterpiece of engineering, this time aimed at travel lovers, will appear in the Rolex collection in 2012. The 42mm case of the Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller houses a movement with an intuitive and easy-to-use second time zone function. In addition, the watch is equipped with an annual calendar that requires adjustment of readings only once a year. The innovative design was called Saros, after the astronomical phenomenon that formed the basis of the concept of the calendar. The rotating bezel Ring Command, previously used in the design of the Yacht-Master II model, is responsible for quick and easy readings setting in this watch.

There is another reason why 2012 is a milestone in the history of Rolex. On March 26, 2012, the famous American filmmaker and part-time National Geographic researcher James Cameron descended to a depth of 10,908 meters, making the deepest solo dive in the history of mankind and the first dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench since the expedition of the Trieste double bathyscaphe. Only one “explorer” has managed to go down to the very bottom of the planet twice: the Rolex Deepsea Challenge watch, certified to dive to a depth of 12,000 meters. A world record for water resistance that no other model can repeat.

The history of Rolex is marked by a number of social initiatives aimed at supporting talented people who have the courage to face the most difficult challenges facing humanity. So in 1976, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Oyster, Rolex established the Initiative Award, which is awarded to developers of projects aimed at improving people's lives and protecting the world's natural and cultural heritage. In 2009, Rolex also established the Young Laureates program, which aims to support the initiative of young people aged 18 to 30 working to solve the most actual problems modernity. In the list of laureates in 2014, for example, was the creator of Africa's first medical tablet Cardio Pad, Cameroonian Arthur Zang (prize in the Applied Technology category). The Cardio Pad allows healthcare professionals in remote rural areas to share their results with cardiologists via mobile communications. Another talented medical innovator, Hosam Zovawi, is a researcher working on rapid tests to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria. A public regional campaign to inform the public about the dangers of the uncontrolled use of antibiotics will be part of the Zovawi research program.

Rolex is the first watch company to use 904L steel in the production of all steel models. The anti-corrosion properties of a metal popular in high-tech, space and chemical industries, are comparable with similar properties of precious metals. In addition, 904L steel is perfectly polished, ennobling the finished product with a unique brilliance.

The company has its own foundry and its own gemological laboratory, within the walls of which the quality of stones selected for inlaid models is tested. In addition, Rolex's engineering team is constantly adding to the list of scientific developments of the brand, allowing to improve the technical characteristics of watches.

So, in 2000, the company assembled caliber 4130. Designed for models of the Cosmograph Daytona series, the mechanism surprises with its simplicity of construction, which consists of only 290 components, much less than the design of a standard chronograph suggests.

Since 2005, selected Rolex models have been equipped with the Cerachrom bezel, which, in addition to its aesthetic appeal, ensures that the watch functions flawlessly even under extreme conditions. The bezel is made of ultra-durable chrome-plated ceramic that is virtually scratch-resistant and will not fade when exposed to ultraviolet rays. The surface of the bezel is diamond-polished, and the 24-hour scale is plated with a thin layer of platinum.

Another development of the brand, the blue Parachrom hairspring, is responsible for the excellent shockproof qualities of Rolex models. Constructed from an innovative anti-magnetic alloy, the Parachrom hairspring provides the watch movement with 10 times more shock resistance than standard shock resistance.

The face of the brand today are top stars who have achieved dizzying success in a variety of fields: tennis players Roger Federer and Caroline Wozniacki, golfers Adam Scott, Tiger Woods and Phil Michelson, show jumpers Kevin Stout and Scott Brush, opera giants Placido Domingo, Kiri Te Kanava and other famous personalities.

Since 2014 the company has been headed by Jean-Frederic Dufour. Having started his career as a modest bank employee, Dufour at one time changed his direction of activity and did not lose. For 17 years of work in watchmaking, this talented manager managed to work with the Swatch Group and Ulysse Nardin, from 2001 to 2009 he headed the development department at Chopard, and 5 years before taking over as head of Rolex, he brought back to life the Zenith manufactory, which had begun to fade, for which he was awarded the high title of "Person of the Year" by the magazine Tribune des Arts. And though no one expected the appointment former director Zenith to CEO of Rolex, looking back on Dufour's achievements in the watch industry, the new head of the No. 1 Swiss watch brand is worthy to continue the course set 100 years ago by Hans Wilsdorf.

In this article you will find a brief description of some of the factors from the history of the Rolex brand with the chronology of the creation of its models. The story begins with the first Rolex Oyster, introduced in 1926, and goes all the way to 2012, when Rolex introduced the Sky-Dweller. Below is the story and photos.

The adventures of the Rolex brand begin in the early 1900s. A native of Bavaria (Bavière), Hans Wilsdorf takes his first steps in the world of watches in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland. In an era when everyone wore a pocket watch, he was able to discern the emerging interest in wristwatches in the 20th century, as well as the emerging interest in women's watches as jewelry. Hans Wilsdorf had a presentiment that, at its core, wristwatches
destined to become a daily necessity for both men and women. But on condition that they become an accurate, sealed, durable and reliable tool. Thanks to his genius, he was able to anticipate the reality that today is perceived as obvious, and turn wristwatches into everyday items.
Having moved to London, which at that time was the economic and financial capital of the world, Hans Wilsdorf in 1905 founded, together with his partner, the company Wilsdorf & Davis, specializing in the sale of wristwatches in Great Britain and throughout the British Empire. Watch parts are produced for him by Swiss partners, famous for their high level of craftsmanship. The partner of the company was Maison Aegler from the city of Bienne, which later became the Rolex Watch Factory Joint Stock Company. At that time, he was the only partner who, according to Wilsdorf, could produce small precision watch movements, which were necessary for wristwatches. Having witnessed the rapid development of the entertainment and sports industry, Hans Wilsdorf wanted to prove to a skeptical society that wristwatches and chronometric accuracy are compatible. His search in this area quickly turned into a resounding success. In 1910, Rolex wristwatches receive the world's first chronometric certificate in this category, issued by the Watch Control Bureau in Bienne, Switzerland. Such a certificate has never before been issued to such a watch.
Realizing the importance of the concept of the brand, in 1908 Hans Wilsdorf came up with the name of the Rolex brand and began to sign his products with this name. The requirements that he followed still sound surprisingly modern today. Here is the name he wanted to come up with:
- short, no more than five letters;
- easy to pronounce in any language;
- pleasant to the ear;
- easy to remember
- harmoniously fitting into the dial and clockwork.

The first Oyster watch

In 1926, the Rolex Oyster was invented, the first waterproof watch in the world. Water-resistance was achieved through a case equipped with an ingenious patented bezel system, screw-down case back and crown. Hermetically sealed, this watch guarantees optimum protection for the movement. The bezel groove, as well as the caseback groove, were very functional. The bezel served to screw in the elements on the case ring, thanks to a special tool invented by Rolex.

THE FIRST OYSTER
IN THE FORM OF A PILLOW, 1926

The first Oyster watch Octagonal

The first Oyster Perpetual watch

perpetual rotor

Having achieved chronometric accuracy and water resistance, Hans Wilsdorf proceeded to create the third important component of the Oyster watch brand: the automatic module. Since wristwatches must be worn daily, the crown will constantly unwind, which may compromise the water resistance and
accuracy. In 1931 Rolex invents the world's first self-winding wristwatch with a rotor it calls the Perpetual. This rotor was the forerunner of the modern automatic (Perpetual) winding. The innovative solution was that the rotor rotated freely in two directions around the axis. Thanks to the natural movement of the wrist, the clockwork was continuously wound up. Thus, the perpetual rotor moved manual winding a thing of the past, freeing the watch owner from the main concern.

Crown Rolex and Rolesor

In the 1930s, two more new symbols of the unique Rolex brand were born. The Rolex crown, logo and symbol of the brand's exclusivity, was registered in 1931. It appears for the first time on the dial of Rolex watches in the 30s, and then in the early fifties on the crown. At the same time, the Rolex crown begins to replace
is the number twelve on the dial. In 1933, the name Rolesor was registered, which meant the combination of two different materials in Rolex watches: gold and steel. Rolex's first use of this combination of materials dates back to the 1920s and becomes one of the brand's distinctive aesthetic codes.

The first Datejust watch is 1945.

In 1945, the Oyster Perpetual Datejust appeared - the world's first automatic waterproof wristwatch-chronometer, indicating dates in a special window on the dial. This watch was attached to a specially made JUBILÉ bracelet. They stood out from all the others and were easily recognizable by their fluted bezel, a hallmark of the Oyster. Created originally for men, Oyster watches appeared in the form of women's models over the next decade.

The first Oyster Perpetual watch, 1953.

Creation of professional watches - 1953.

In 1953, the oyster Perpetual Explorer, specially designed to conquer Mount Everest, is introduced, the waterproof oyster Perpetual Submariner, equipped with a rotating bezel with a graduated scale that allows you to read the dive time with a water resistance of up to 100 meters (then up to 200 meters in the same year).

The first Explorer watch is 1953.

The first Submariner watch is 1953.

The first GMT-Master watch - 1955.

In 1955, the Oyster Perpetual GMt-Master was introduced to meet the specific needs of civil aviation pilots who needed an instrument that could simultaneously show the time of various time zones around the world, thanks to an additional 24-hour hand and a rotating bezel with a graduated scale (24 hours) . These watches have become the official watches of many airlines, including the famous Pan American World Airways, better known as Pan Am.

First Day-Date watch - 1956

In 1956, the oyster Perpetual day-date model was created, the first wristwatch to show the date and day of the week in letters in a special window on the dial. This model was produced only in platinum or 18-carat gold and was equipped from the moment of its introduction with a cyclops lens to make it easier to read the date, while the numbers were increased by two and a half times. This innovation, which became another hallmark of the Rolex brand, was subsequently used in all watches of the Oyster model with a date window on the dial. The President bracelet was created specifically for this model, and the Day-Date watch continues to be predominantly a watch of influencers.

The first Milgauss watch - 1956.

In 1956, the oyster Perpetual Milgauss was launched, designed to withstand magnetic fields. This model could be seen on the wrists of scientists of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), which is located in Geneva.

Deep Sea Special - 1960

Rolex watches are still associated with various achievements. In 1960, in the Pacific Ocean at the latitude of the island of Guam (guam), the Trieste bathyscaphe, operated by the Swiss oceanographer Jacques Piccard and Lieutenant Don Walsh, reaches the deepest ocean marks in the Mariana Trench, that is, a record depths of 10,916 meters. an experimental model of the Oyster Deep Sea Special watch was fixed on the body of the bathyscaphe. This model withstood the colossal water pressure of more than one ton per square centimeter without damage, and after surfacing, the watch continued to accurately show the time.

The first watch Cosmograph Daytona - 1963.

In 1963, Rolex introduced the Cosmograph Daytona, a chronometer that measures time intervals and calculates average speed thanks to a graduated tachymeter bezel.

First Perpetual Sea-Dweller - 1967

In 1967, the oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller was launched, waterproof to a depth of 610 meters. To meet the needs of professional scuba divers, the case of this model was equipped with a special valve that allows, during long periods of decompression in the pressure chamber, to remove the used helium of gas mixtures without risk to the watch.

New generation of Oyster Perpetual Explorer II watches - 1971.

The 70s and 80s of the twentieth century are marked by the appearance of the second generation of Professional watches. In 1971, the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II was born, designed for polar explorers and speleologists, who, thanks to this watch, were able to distinguish day from night using an additional 24-hour hand and a fixed bezel with a graduated 24-hour scale.

In 1978, a new water-resistant sea-Dweller, the sea-dweller 4000, is introduced, water resistant to 1220 meters (4000 feet).

New generation of watches GMt-Master II - 1982.

In 1982, a new model GMt-Master II appears.

New generation of Oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master watches - 1992.

In 1992, the Oyster PerpetualYacht-Master model was released - the first Oyster watch model of the Professional Series, released in 3 sizes - 40, 35, 29 mm. This innovation illustrated the links between Rolex and the world of sailing and recreation.

New watch for women Lady-Datejust Pearlmaster - 1992.

In 1992, the oyster Perpetual lady-datejust Pearlmaster was introduced, a new line of the Oyster collection dedicated to women.

THE FIRST LADY-DATEJUST WATCH
PEARLMASTER, 1992

In 1992, Patrick Heiniger, following his father, becomes the head of the Rolex company and immediately leaves an indelible mark on the fate of the company. In the mid-1990s, under his leadership, Rolex radically changed its manufacturing structure and opted for a vertical integration strategy that saw the company acquire its major suppliers in order to maintain its status as an exceptional innovator in the world of watchmaking. This choice was accompanied by the transfer of all activities of the company to Geneva and Bienne on four industrial sites specially built and equipped for this purpose. Impressive in their size, these four venues are truly a hub of avant-garde technology. In this way, Rolex provides control over the production of all components: movement, case, bracelet and dial. At the same time, the company retains the ability to improve quality through the use of its unique equipment.

Independent and vertically structured, Rolex has unique industrial equipment, and most importantly, watchmakers, engineers and other specialists who work closely together to create the concept and then to produce watch models. Rolex welcomes innovative ideas and creative freedom. That is why the company has equipped a foundry where it can cast its own gold alloys.

Since the early 2000s, an impressive reorganization of the company's tool shop has ushered in a new era of Oyster watches. Combining technical traditional watchmaking skills and high technology, a new series of innovative models is released. For this, new concepts of watchmaking are used, as well as new materials and technological processes.

New generation of watches Cosmograph Daytona - 2000.

In 2000, Rolex released the new Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, the pinnacle of Rolex's technical expertise. It also features a new watch chronograph entirely designed and manufactured by Rolex. The model is equipped with a Parachrom hairspring, patented and manufactured by Rolex. This combination of niobium, zirconium and oxygen is ten times more impact resistant than traditional springs and is insensitive to magnetic fields. The Parachrom hairspring will be gradually introduced to all models in the Oyster collection.

The new generation Daytona is equipped with the new Easylink system, which allows you to quickly change the length of the bracelet. Consisting of additional links invisible under the clasp, this ingenious movement offers increased comfort to the wearer. This mechanism was later used in other oyster models.

New generation of watches GMt-Master II - 2005.

In 2005, Rolex released a new, somewhat modified Oyster Perpetual GMt-Master II. This model also features a Parachrom hairspring and a new black cerachrom bezel, another innovation patented by Rolex in the 2000s. Entirely designed and manufactured by Rolex, the extremely durable Cerachrom ceramic material has special advantages: it is exceptionally resistant to damage and corrosion, and the disc retains its color when exposed to ultraviolet light.

New generation of watches Perpetual Milgauss - 2007.

In 2007, the oyster Perpetual Milgauss was relaunched. According to its concept, this model had to resist magnetic fields and therefore it was equipped with a Rolex watch movement protected by an anti-magnetic screen. In addition to the Parachrom hairspring, this new movement includes an anti-magnetic escape wheel made of a nickel-phosphorus alloy using Rolex's revolutionary UV-LiGA (Ultra Violet Galvanic Lithography, Electroformed Micro-Component Manufacturing) micro-component technology.

Perpetual Yacht-Master II - 2007.

Rolex also introduces new watch movement functions. In 2007, Rolex introduced the oyster Perpetual Yacht-Master II chronograph for use on sailing and rowing boats. It is the first watch in the world to feature a programmable mechanical memory countdown timer. This new complex movement consists of an innovative system of interaction between the movement and the case, which is carried out thanks to the rotating ring Command bezel, designed and developed by Rolex.

Rolex Oyster Perpetual Deepsea - 2008.

Launched in 2008, the Oyster Perpetual Rolex Deepsea waterproof watch, water resistant to 3900 meters, demonstrates the superiority of Rolex waterproof watches. This quality is achieved by the new case shape developed by Rolex for this model, the Ringlock System: a ring placed inside the case ring withstands the pressure exerted on the glass and caseback. In addition, the new generation of Rolex Deepsea dive watches are fitted with a Rolex Glidelock clasp bracelet. This patented system of precise bracelet length adjustment allows the watch to be worn over a diving suit.

2008 and 2009 also saw the renewal of two of the most outstanding models in the oyster series, the Day-Date ii and the Datejust II, with a larger 41mm case. Both of these models received a new movement produced by Rolex. Following the fundamental traditions of the brand and its innovative spirit, in 2010 and 2011, respectively, the new Explorer and Explorer II models were released, also with an increased diameter, up to 39 and 42 mm, respectively. These models are also equipped with new Rolex movements.

Perpetual Day-Date II - 2008

Perpetual Datejust II - 2009.

Rolex Sky-Dweller - 2012.

In 2012, Rolex introduced the all-new, innovative Oyster Perpetual Sky-Dweller. A hub of technological innovation, protected by fourteen patents, this classic Rolex is designed for the frequent traveller. It has an imposing 42mm case with dual time zones (clear and easy to use) and an innovative yearly calendar called Saros, after the rare astronomical phenomenon that was taken as a reference. The calendar requires the date to be adjusted once a year. To quickly and easily control all the functions of the Sky-Dweller, it is also equipped with an innovative interface: the movable Ring Command bezel.

Thanks to Rolex for providing the materials.

The pride and adornment of millionaires, a symbol of luxury and success is, of course, Rolex watches. Wealthy people all over the world like to repeat the phrase: “From old jeans to a gold Rolex”, which symbolizes the movement to the peak of wealth and prosperity. Even the logo of this brand - the crown - says a lot.

From foundation to today the famous company adheres to the principle: "Excellent quality - for big money."

From the history of the company

The Swiss brand, which has been producing Rolex watches and accessories for them for more than a century, is associated with luxury and prosperity. Rolex SA is deservedly considered one of the most respected in the world. Nevertheless, the person who founded it was not a hereditary watchmaker. In addition, he was not a native of Switzerland.

Hans Wilsdorf was a Bavarian. Initially, he made a living in big company. She was engaged in the export of pearls. After working there for several years, he decided to go to work for a school friend's company that exported Swiss watches to Europe. Thus, Wilsdorf found himself in this legendary world of unique Swiss movements.

However, over time, he got tired of working in foreign companies. He began to think more and more about creating his own enterprise. And one day he decided to leave to found his own company, which was also supposed to export watches. She appeared in the capital of Great Britain (London) and was named Wilsdorf & Devis - the middle name belonged to Wilsdorf's brother.

The main activity of the company was the supply from Switzerland to England. They were produced by third-party Swiss manufacturers, but at the same time their cases were decorated with the W & D monogram. The founder of the brand was always sure that the future belongs to wristwatches, and he dreamed of setting up their production. It should be noted the purposefulness and perseverance of this person in the realization of his dreams.

In 1905, the first such watches appeared, which were distinguished by luxury unprecedented at that time - they were fastened on the arm with the help of gold or silver bracelets. Even for the founder of the company, it was a surprise that his products appealed to conservative British consumers. The company was expecting unprecedented success.

Rolex today

This Swiss brand is among the ten most expensive in the world. This is the only company that belongs to the world of luxury, but at the same time produces up to two thousand copies a day. The companies also own such well-known ones as Tudor and Cellini. Rolex watches are produced today in Geneva, they are created by six thousand people, among whom there are no "middle" specialists. Only professionals of the highest class work here.

Rolex design today is developed in three directions:

• stylish conservatism;
• professional style;
• sports watch.

Rolex watches are so popular in the world that the number of fakes of unique models exceeds all conceivable limits. They are sold without hesitation both on the Internet and in various dubious shops. It should be noted that often such watches "Rolex" (copies) differ in such high quality that only a specialist can distinguish them from the original after he opens the case and examines the mechanism.

Men's watch "Rolex"

It's no secret that successful men all over the world dream of this exquisite piece of jewelry. However, not everyone can afford it. In this article, we will present you the most famous Rolex watches, their prices, and introduce you to their characteristics.

Rolex Datejust

Many Russians first saw this men's Rolex watch in the movie American Psycho. This model is located at the bottom model range companies. It is a chronometer (certified) self-winding. The first copies went on sale in 1945. They became the world's first watch in which the date changed automatically.

The bezel size of this watch is 36mm. Comes with two classic bracelets. The model is made of stainless steel, but there are samples with rose, white or yellow gold inserts.

Today, the Datejust II, which has a 41mm bezel, is becoming more and more popular.

Price - from 6000 dollars.

Rolex Daytona

The original Daytona watch is one of the most luxurious and famous in the world. They became extremely popular thanks to the actor (USA) and auto racing. These watches have always been in high demand and even for some time were in short supply despite the rather impressive cost.

This was the reason for the release of the second of this model (1988). The Zenit El Primero self-winding movement was used here instead of the original (manual) winding. The third series of this model was introduced in 2000. It is also self-winding. Rolex is the main sponsor of the twenty-four hour endurance race, the Rolex 24 at Daytona. It is held annually in Daytona Beach, Florida. Hence the name of this model. This is a great Rolex watch. Price - from 13,000 dollars.

Rolex Day-Date

Probably, many of our readers do not know that watches can be made from eighteen carat gold. Nevertheless, it is precisely such Rolex watches that are presented in the photo below. The model is a COSC-chronometer (certified) self-winding, available only in platinum or solid 18k gold. Agree, this is a unique Rolex watch, the price of which starts at $20,000.

rolex submariner

This model has a colorful history and is in demand both in everyday life and in the diving world. It is known as the James Bond watch. These watches have been featured in dozens of films and various television shows. They are one of the most luxurious and recognizable models in the world.

Almost every collector who is fond of this brand has a Rolex Submariner in his collection. This men's watch "Rolex" is considered to be an everyday model. And one more interesting fact- this model is faked many times more often than others. Price - from 8000 dollars.

Rolex watch for women

Elegant precious jewelry, designed to emphasize the wealth of the hostess and her exquisite taste, is, of course, Rolex. A business lady, a socialite or just a charming woman, a Swiss brand mechanical watch will add confidence and charm. Many believe that Rolex watches emphasize her character in a woman.

Rolex Datejust

This is an exquisite and sophisticated find for a successful woman. Rolex watches (original, of course) will leave no doubt that they are a successful woman. The design of this model is magnificent: the case, round, made of stainless steel (31 mm), perfectly matches the dial with a floral motif. Rolex specialists have made the model not only beautiful, but also functional.

This watch "Rolex" (women's) shows time by hours and minutes, and has increased water resistance.

Price - from 10150 dollars

Oyster Perpetual

And at the end of our short review, we will present you with a real gem of this brand among jewelry watches. The Oyster Perpetual has a 39mm case set with diamonds. This model marvelously combines the talent of Rolex watchmakers with amazing skill in jewelry art.

The model has caliber 3235. It is marked by fourteen patents and is a development of Rolex. The sophistication of this model in no way overshadows specifications which are common to all brand developments.

The case ring is made from a solid block of 18k gold cast in the company's workshops. The fluted caseback is hermetically screwed on with a special key, which gives access to the movement only to Rolex watchmakers. The glass is made of sapphire and is scratch resistant. Price - $75,000

Copies

We have already said that exact copies are often difficult to distinguish from the original. Undoubtedly, it is very prestigious to wear a Rolex watch (original) on your wrist. But such pleasure is available to few. Replica watches are made using precise original templates that take into account the features of the case.

All parts used in the manufacture of replicas correspond to the details of the original. Note that we are not talking about fake fakes, but about Rolex replicas. Such watches serve their owners with the accuracy and reliability of the originals. In replicas, precious metals are replaced with high-quality, but less valuable materials. Therefore, naturally, a product of impeccable quality differs from the original in price.

In the production of such copies, IPG ion sputtering is used, which very worthily replaces the shine of gold. The replicas use movements made in factories in Austria and Switzerland. Rolex women's replicas are set with semi-precious stones. Therefore, if the Rolex watch (original) is not available to you, you can purchase high-quality copies.