The Birth of Rolex
The history of Rolex begins in distant 1905 in London, when two young entrepreneurs, Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, joined forces and their passion for innovation in the art of watchmaking to create something unique. Their pursuit of perfection and excellence materialized in the founding of a company called Rolex. It was a pivotal moment that laid the foundation for the future great brand.
Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis were extremely ambitious and attentive to detail. They sought to create not just watches, but a true symbol of elegance, luxury, and precision. In search of a name that would reflect all these qualities, they explored various options. One day, during a lively discussion about the future of their company, one of them noticed the sound made by the watches when in motion. “Rolex,” he pronounced, emphasizing the sound expression. This word, easy and convenient to pronounce in various languages, seemed to them the perfect choice. Thus, the name “Rolex” emerged – a word that became a kind of philosophical emblem of the brand and a symbol of the quality that soon became legendary.
Revolution in the Watch World: Rolex Oyster, 1926
In 1926, Rolex introduced to the world the first waterproof watches called Oyster. It was a true revolution in the watch industry because, while other watches were susceptible to the effects of moisture and dust, the Oyster was protected by a special case that tightly sealed, preventing water from entering.
One of the most famous demonstrations of the reliability of the Oyster was an experiment conducted by Hans Wilsdorf, one of the founders of Rolex. He wore the Oyster watches for several hours in a cold bath, which underscored their reliability and waterproofness. This attracted public attention and confirmed Rolex’s reputation as a manufacturer of the highest quality watches.
Epic Feats and Firsts: Success Stories of Rolex
Ascent of Everest: Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay used Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches during the first successful ascent of Everest in 1953. This feat underscored the reliability and durability of Rolex watches in the most extreme conditions.
Underwater Explorations of Jacques Piccard: Jacques Piccard, a renowned marine explorer, also wore Rolex watches during his underwater expeditions. In 1960, he made a historic dive to the deepest point in the ocean – the Mariana Trench, and the Rolex watches on his wrist withstood the pressure at a depth of over 10 kilometers.
Associations with Famous Personalities and Movies
Many celebrities, including actors, athletes, and politicians, prefer to wear Rolex watches. For example, Paul Newman, Paul Walker, and Roger Federer – just a few of the famous personalities who have been spotted wearing Rolex watches.
In cinema, Rolex watches have also appeared on screen numerous times. For example, James Bond, Sean Connery’s alter ego, wore Rolex Submariner watches in several Bond films, adding even more fame and prestige to the brand.
Continuity and Legacy
One of the most impressive examples of the value of Rolex watches as collectible items is the auction sale of several iconic models:
– Rolex Paul Newman Daytona: In October 2017, at a Phillips auction in New York, a Rolex Daytona model belonging to the legendary actor Paul Newman was sold for an impressive sum of $17.75 million. This model became the most expensive watch auction lot in history.
– Rolex GMT-Master II Ice: In May 2018, at a Phillips auction in Geneva, a Rolex GMT-Master II model adorned with diamonds and known as the “Ice,” was sold for a record-breaking $5,060,427. This luxurious watch attracted collectors’ attention with its exquisite design and exclusivity.
– Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow: In May 2020, at a Christie’s auction in Geneva, a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Rainbow model, adorned with multicolored precious stones, was sold for a staggering $3,276,905. This set a record sum for the Daytona Rainbow model and emphasized its status as one of the most sought-after watches in collector circles.
These auction sales not only highlight the high value of Rolex watches as collectible items but also their uniqueness, luxury, and prestige in the world of watchmaking.
The history of Rolex is filled with amazing moments and memorable events that make this brand not just a watch manufacturer, but a true cultural phenomenon, embodying craftsmanship and eternity in a world where time is the most valuable resource.
Fact in the Spotlight
Wristwatches were initially considered a feminine accessory. Their popularity among men began during World War I, when soldiers started wearing them for convenience.
Quote of the Week
Wearing a Swiss watch is wearing a piece of history on your wrist.
Emil Berger
That’s all for today. See you on Saturday next week!
Yours sincerely, Anton Masko
