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Rolex watches do not have a name derived from anyone, unlike most brands. Founded in 1902, Hans Wilsdorf created the name Rolex six years later. It was a name that was easy to say in any language and looked good on watch movements and dials. Wilsdorf just doesn’t roll off the tongue the same way that Rolex does!
Rolex watches are expensive because they establish quality products with uniqueness and precision. They also have distinctive marketing campaigns, spawning a demand that far exceeds supply.
The company produces an astounding 800,000 to 1 million watches per year. This is an estimation of about 2,000 watches per day. While a huge number, there has never been a compromise on quality. Despite the number of Rolexes that exist, there’s constantly a demand for more.
People appreciate the Rolex brand for its philanthropic efforts. They have two global programs
Whether you have a Rolex in your collection or hope to one day own one, here are the 4 things you should know about Rolex watches before adding one (or an additional one) to your collection: The Rolex Awards for Enterprise and The Rolex Mentor & Protégé Arts Initiative. They launched The Awards for Enterprise program in 1976. This program funded people in science, medicine, technology, and exploration fields.
Created in 2002, the Arts Initiative paired young artists with masters who sponsored them. They spent a year in a one-on-one mentoring relationship. So far, more than 234 people from over 40 countries have participated.
There are Rolex models for every personality. It can be your first watch or your grail watch. And if you take care of your timepiece, the value will never go down. Here are the 4 things you should know about Rolex watches before adding one (or an additional one) to your collection:
Rolex Watches are a Brand of Many Firsts
1910: Rolex received a certificate of chronometric performance, becoming the first wristwatch in the world to achieve this. This means that the watch was an excellent timekeeper.
1926: The game-changing model came when Wilsdorf released the Oyster case. They marketed it as the world's first waterproof watch, a classic design with a fluted bezel and caseback. Not only is it protected from water, but dust and humidity as well.
1931: The Oyster Perpetual was the first wristwatch with a perpetual rotor back. Self-winding mechanisms were the only option back then.
1945: The birth of the Datejust saw the first self-winding and water resistant chronometer wristwatch.
1953: The renowned Submariner debuted. It was the first divers’ wristwatch waterproof to a depth of 330 feet, which set the standard for dive watches.
1954: Professionals developed the GMT-Master as a navigation instrument for crisscrossing the globe. It was the first timepiece that displayed two time zones at once.
1960: Rolex was the first brand to send a watch to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. Legendary film director and producer James Cameron wore the Sea-Dweller Deepsea Blue Dial.
1985: Rolex was the first and only brand to use 904L stainless steel. While it is a more expensive material, it looks better, holds polish well, and will help the timepiece remain corrosion-resistant.
A Rolex is like a Celebrity on the Red Carpet
You definitely heard of Paul Newman’s infamous Rolex Daytona, the most expensive watch ever sold at auction for $17.8 million. But have you seen Steve McQueen’s Submariner? John F. Kennedy’s 18K yellow gold Day-Date? Roger Federer’s collection of Oyster Perpetuals?
Many famous figures throughout history have had a Rolex or two in their luxury watch collection. The brand has had its timepieces appear in more than 100 movies including Die Hard, Goodfellas, Ocean’s Thirteen, and Jaws.
While the notorious spy James Bond is synonymous with Omega, the franchise began with Rolex Submariner watches. Sean Connery, the character’s originator, wore a Rolex Submariner (reference #6538) around his skilled wrists.
The most impressive of the Rolex celebrities was the Rolex Submariner in 1973’s James Bond: Live and Let Die. Reference #5513 stole the scene when the fluted bezel acted as a saw to help Bond cut through the rope tied to his hands. In 2015, this timepiece sold for $245,000.
Produced In-house
I wonder if James Bond himself could get hold of the tightly held Rolex factories' secrets. Producing everything in-house allows the brand to be independent and incredibly efficient. The only component not produced in-house are synthetic sapphire crystals and some dial hands. With the way Rolex is growing, perhaps we will see in-house dial hands on all timepieces sooner than you think.
Gemologists
Rolex has a substantial gemological department where they buy, test, arrange, and set diamonds. Each stone is hand-selected, hand-set, and tested for precision under an X-ray. This ensures an amazing level of artisanship and delicate care.
Internal Research and Development Department
Scientists at Rolex work on making watches that are effective and efficient. They develop and research oils used in machines. Stress test rooms allow for testing watch movements, bracelets, and cases to see how they handle simulated wear.
They Make Their Own Gold
You heard that right! They create all gold and platinum in-house from 24k gold. From there, they turn the gold into 18k yellow, white, or everose gold. With the independence and full control of their company, they can ensure that every single piece produced is exquisite.
Movements are Hand Assembled and Tested
The innovation and pursuit of excellence are what keep Rolex on top. They test every single watch to extremes before it leaves the warehouse. The goal is to make sure all timepieces live up to customer expectations.
From the Sky to the Bottom of the Ocean
Wilsdorf wanted to ensure all watches produced could accompany their owner on all their life’s adventures, no matter the environment.
The Rolex brand remains synonymous with perseverance, precision, and passion. From the years 1933-1953, the brand’s timepieces flew over and climbed atop Mount Everest.
Brave explorers, climbers, and scientists tested Explorer watches in extreme conditions. In 1953, Rolex scaled the mountain with a team led by Sir Edmund Hillary. He reached the top of the 29,032-foot mountain accompanied by a flawless Oyster Perpetual.
In March 2012, Rolex adventured to The Challenger Deep with legendary filmmaker James Cameron. He achieved this record-breaking solo dive of 37,787 feet after just 2 hours and 37 minutes. A Sea-Dweller, created in just 5 weeks, accompanied him on his expedition. The watch sat on the sub’s robotic arm, which functioned normally throughout the dive.
If you weren’t sure about adding a Rolex to your collection, I do hope this has convinced you! Rolex watches aren’t just a piece of jewelry, but a symbol of success in the modern world. They continue to remain at the forefront of the luxury watch industry.
We look forward to helping you find your next crowning achievement!
