New in

Shop, the latest in stock rolex watches we have

Rolex History

Rolex is a Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. The company initially operated under the name "Wilsdorf and Davis" in London, England, and focused on importing Swiss movements and placing them in high-quality watch cases. In 1908, Hans Wilsdorf registered the trademark "Rolex" and moved the company to Switzerland, specifically to Geneva. The exact origin of the Rolex name is subject to some speculation. Some theories suggest that it was derived from the phrase "horlogerie exquise," a French term meaning "exquisite watchmaking." Others believe that the name was simply chosen for its ease of pronunciation in multiple languages and its aesthetic appeal.

Rolex is renowned for several significant achievements in the watchmaking industry. In 1910, the company's watches received the first Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision granted by the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne. This certification marked the beginning of Rolex's commitment to accuracy and precision. In 1926, Rolex introduced the Oyster, the world's first waterproof wristwatch, which revolutionized the watchmaking industry. The Oyster's case featured a hermetically sealed system, protecting the movement from water and dust. A year later, Rolex made history by successfully crossing the English Channel with Mercedes Gleitze wearing an Oyster, demonstrating its durability and reliability. Throughout the years, Rolex continued to innovate. In 1931, the company introduced the first self-winding mechanism with a perpetual rotor, which is still used in automatic watches today. This innovation eliminated the need for manual winding, making Rolex watches more convenient for everyday wear. During World War II, Rolex watches gained popularity among military personnel for their reliability and accuracy.