4 Things You Need to Know About Rolex Watches

Rolex watches do not carry a name derived from the company’s founder, unlike most brands. The brand was founded in 1905, and creator Hans Wilsdorf invented the name “Rolex” two years later, in 1908. 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 the brand has established a commitment to quality products with unparalleled 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. When you break it down, that number equals about 2,000 watches per day. While that might sound like a huge number, there has never been a compromise on quality. Despite the number of Rolex watches that exist, there’s constantly a demand for more.

So what is it, exactly, that customers love so much about these heritage pieces? Read on to discover some of our favorite fun facts about the Rolex brand…

The word “Rolex” is synonymous with taste, class, and luxury. There are countless reasons that people fall in love with Rolex watches, and their striking aesthetic designs are just part of this brand’s lasting appeal. Here are a few facts to keep in mind as you look for the perfect Rolex watch for your collection. 

Many people appreciate the Rolex brand for its philanthropic efforts. They have multiple global programs focused on conservation and preserving the planet’s natural resources and beauty. The brand also has the Rolex Mentoring Programme, which provides guidance, support, and allyship to some of the world’s most talented young artists. In the words of Rolex, this program is meant to “celebrate excellence and contribute to perpetuating artistic heritage, creating a link between the past, present, and future.

The Rolex Mentoring Programme was created in 2002 and 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.

Rolex also sponsors The Rolex Awards for Enterprise. This program began in 1976 and funds cutting-edge research in science, technology, medicine, and exploration fields. The focus on frontline developments and exciting new research aligns with the brand’s philosophy when creating watches.

As we will explore momentarily, Rolex watches have accomplished many horological firsts, and being at the forefront of new technological and societal developments is clearly important to this watchmaking icon.

Rolex has been at the cutting edge of horological research and design virtually since the brand’s 1905 inception. Let’s explore some of the milestones at the heart of Rolex’s lengthy tradition of excellence…

1905: Hans Wilsdorf founded the Rolex brand in London, England.

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 Rolex 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 Rolex Datejust saw the first self-winding and water resistant chronometer wristwatch.

1953: The renowned Rolex 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 Rolex 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 Rolex 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.

1992: The brand introduces the Rolex Yacht-Master line, marking its first foray into more luxurious nautical timepieces inspired by the utmost in upscale aquatic living.

2012: Rolex premieres the Sky-Dweller line, making its watches now symbolic of land, air, and sea. The diversity of Rolex watches truly stands out from other luxury brands.

2015: In a major shakeup for the brand, rubber Oysterflex bracelets were showcased on two Rolex Yacht-Master models. This was a big departure from the brand’s typical metal bracelets.

2017: Rolex is named the “Exclusive Watch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences,” solidifying its long and storied history with film.

2021: Rolex confirms ties with the world of golf and is named the Official Partner and Official Timekeeper of the PGA Championship.

As you can see, this renowned brand continues to build a legacy and innovate in the horological space. Rolex watches are certainly classic, and they are anything but stagnant.

You have 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 Rolex Submariner? John F. Kennedy’s 18K yellow gold Rolex Day-Date? Roger Federer’s collection of Rolex 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 watches, 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.

James Bond himself might not even be able to get ahold of the tightly held Rolex factory’s 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.

Gold Production

Rolex makes their own gold… Yes, you read 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 sky to sea, Rolex watches are functional across the globe. Founder Henry 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 to 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 Rolex 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, you probably are now. Rolex watches are not only pieces of jewelry but also symbols of success in the modern world. They continue to remain at the forefront of the luxury watch industry.

Visit one of Avi & Co.’s three showrooms in New York City, Miami, or Aspen to find the Rolex of your dreams. We look forward to helping you find your next crowning achievement!