Did you know? The name 'Rolex' was chosen for its simplicity. Hans Wilsdorf wanted a name that was easy to pronounce in any language, short enough to fit on a watch face, and had a pleasant sound. In 1908, he trademarked 'Rolex,' and the rest is history.
In 1926, Rolex introduced the Oyster, the world's first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch. To prove its durability, Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel wearing one in 1927. The watch survived, leading to a famous full-page ad in the Daily Mail.
Rolex patented the Perpetual rotor in 1931, an automatic winding mechanism that uses the wearer's wrist movement. This groundbreaking invention led to the first self-winding wristwatch, a standard feature in modern automatic watches.
In 1960, the Rolex Deep Sea Special survived a descent to nearly 11,000 meters in the Mariana Trench, attached to the Trieste bathyscaphe. This feat showcased the extraordinary engineering and robustness of Rolex watches.
Rolex manufactures nearly every component of its watches in-house, from the movement to the case, bracelet, and even the gold. This vertical integration ensures strict quality control and consistency, setting Rolex apart from many other luxury watchmakers.
From groundbreaking innovations to enduring style, Rolex has cemented its place as a symbol of luxury and precision. These are just a few of the fascinating facts behind the world's most iconic watch brand.