History of Rolex

As a pioneer in watchmaking, Rolex invented a number of innovative watchmaking techniques in 1905, including the first waterproof watches "Oyster" and the constant motion pendulum automatic chain system. For more than a century, Rolex watches have accompanied explorers and elites from around the world to conquer the world's highest and deepest oceans.

1905

Hans Wells?

Rolex's history is closely related to its visionary and pioneering founder, Hans Wilsdorf. In 1905, at the age of 24, he was able to set up a company specializing in time distribution in London. He even fantasies about wearing his watch on his wrist. Despite the inaccuracy of the watch at the time, Hans Welsdorf was able to foresee that the watch was not only elegant, but also accurate and reliable. To convince the public that his innovative timepiece was equally accurate, he specially fitted the wristwatch with a compact, accurate movement made by a watchmaking company based in Bill, Switzerland.

The origin of Rolex brand name in 1908

Five ingenious letters

Hans Welsdorf wanted a name that was easy to remember in any language and beautiful on the wristwatch movement and dial. "I've tasted almost all the alphabetic combinations and ended up with hundreds of names, but none of them satisfied me," he said. One morning, as I was sitting on the upper floor of a coach, passing through Chipsey Street in London, I seemed to hear the voice of an elf whispering in my ear, "Rolex."

1910

The pursuit of timing accuracy

Although Rolex initially focused on improving the quality of the movement, his active exploration of the precision of the timepiece eventually succeeded. In 1910, Rolex became the first watch to receive a Swiss timekeeping certificate from the official Watch Rating Center of Bill, Switzerland

1914

The pursuit of timing accuracy

Four years later, in 1914, the Kew Observatory granted Rolex an A-level certificate. At that time, this grade was usually obtained by the precise time meter of navigation. Since then, the Rolex watch has become a symbol of precise timekeeping.

Geneva

1919

Rolex moved to Geneva, an international city renowned for its watchmaking techniques, and registered with the company Montres Rolex S.A. locally in 1920.

1926

First waterproof watch

In 1926, Rolex created the first waterproof and dust-proof wrist watch to make the tabulation technology move forward. The oyster watch, called "Oyster", is equipped with a closed watchcase to provide the best protection for the movement.

1927

The challenge of crossing the Straits

To prove that wristwatches are waterproof, they must provide real evidence. In 1927, a young British lady, Mercedes Gleitze, successfully crossed the English Channel wearing a Rolex oyster watch. After swimming for more than ten hours, the wrist watch she wore was still intact and running as usual.

1927

Brand spokesman concept

To celebrate this historic initiative, Rolex announced the victory of the waterproof wristwatch by publishing a full-page article on the front page of the Daily Mail. And this success is a symbol of the emergence of the concept of Rolex brand spokesperson.

1931

Constant motion

In 1931, Rolex developed the world's first patent automatic chain mechanism -- constant pendulum thallium. This original system is the basic design of every modern automatic watch.

History of Rolex

1933

Flying over Mount Qomolangma

The pilot wore the Rolex oyster watch on his first voyage across Mount Qomolangma. They are satisfied with the performance of the wrist watch.

1935

Field test laboratory

Rolex has noticed that in different environments, it is actually an opportunity to test and improve the oyster watches. It is the best laboratory to test the countless technical performance of wrist watches in sports, aviation, racing and exploration.

1935

Sir Malcolm Campbell

As early as the 1930s, Rolex had a pleasant partnership with Sir Malcolm Campbell, one of the fastest drivers in the world, in the world of racing. On September 4, 1935, the King of Speed mounted the chariot Bluebird, wore a Rolex wristwatch, and set a speed record of more than 300 miles an hour at Bonneville Speedway, Utah. Sir Malcolm broke the world speed record nine times between 1924 and 1935, five times at Daytona Beach.

1935

Letter to Rolex

Sir Malcolm Campbell said: "I've been wearing a Rolex watch for a while and it's still accurate in difficult circumstances.

1945

First log Watch

In 1945, Rolex introduced a log watch, the world's first watch with a calendar displayed on it. The magnificent Journal watch, with a commemorative strap and a triangular grooved outer ring specially designed for it, is the most recognizable of the Oyster Watch series. The log watch was designed for men at first. After ten years, a rich array of women's clothing evolved.

1953

Forerunner wrist watch

In the early 1950s, Rolex developed a series of professional watches with more than just timekeeping functions, based on its thorough knowledge of precision and waterproof performance of precision timepieces. These watches are designed for professional activities, including deep-sea diving, aviation, mountain climbing and scientific exploration. Watches have always been popular and are popular among outstanding people.