Even if you’re not a watch enthusiast, it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t heard of Rolex. Rolex watches is one of the most famous watch brands in the world, known for its quality and timeless value.
The History of the Rolex Brand
The formation of the Rolex watch brand is closely tied to the visionary founder Hans Wilsdorf. Let’s delve into the history of Rolex watches.
Early Steps in the Global Watch Industry
- 1905: German entrepreneur Hans Wilsdorf partnered with French investor Alfred Davis to establish Wilsdorf & Davis in London, England. At that time, the company primarily imported and sold high-quality Hermann Aegler watches from Switzerland. The watches sold then bore the W&D logo.
- 1908: Wilsdorf & Davis partnered with a Swiss watch manufacturer, opening an office in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, and chose the name Rolex for their new product line. According to Hans Wilsdorf, the name Rolex was inspired by a deity, signifying “a masterpiece in watchmaking.”
- 1910: The first Rolex wristwatch was sent to the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne for testing and was certified.
Developing Amidst the Context of War
- World War I (1914-1918): Wristwatches became indispensable for soldiers. After the war, they became a symbol of masculinity. Rolex watches earned the trust of American and British pilots during World War II, thus expanding their reputation in the American market.
- 1927: Mercedes Gleitze, the first woman to swim across the English Channel, wore a Rolex Oyster watch. It functioned accurately throughout her 15-hour swim, leading Wilsdorf to successfully promote the Rolex watch.
- 1960: The Trieste submersible completed a dive to the Mariana Trench’s nearly 11,000-meter depth with a Rolex watch, which continued to function normally under immense pressure.
Interesting Facts About Rolex Watches
Using Expensive Steel for Shinier, More Beautiful Rolex Watches
Rolex uses 904L steel, while most other brands use 316L stainless steel. 904L steel is more resistant to corrosion, rust-free, and has higher hardness. When crafted properly, it can achieve an incredible shine. Using 904L steel requires a sophisticated and costly production process.
Every Detail is Hand-Assembled and Tested
Although Rolex watches are also produced using machines, most of the assembly processes, from the watch face to the bracelet, are performed manually by highly skilled technicians. Strict quality control ensures that every Rolex watch meets the highest standards before leaving the factory.
Technology as the Best Partner
Rolex combines skilled labor with advanced machinery to produce highly precise watches. Processes such as sorting, filling, cataloging, and other intricate steps are performed by machines, ensuring efficiency and product quality.
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Rolex Diving Watches Tested with Water in Pressure Tanks
Rolex diving watches are tested for water resistance in real water. Submariner watches are placed in large tubes filled with water to ensure they can withstand depths of 300 meters. Deep Sea watches are tested under pressure equivalent to depths of 12,000 meters.
An In-House Gold Foundry for Rolex Watches
Rolex produces its gold in-house to control the quality and design of its products. Rolex is the only watch brand that can manufacture its gold and has its own gold foundry.
Fort Knox Security is Nothing Compared to Rolex
Rolex places great emphasis on security with thorough security checks. Before entering the Rolex security room, one must pass through a fortified vault and undergo biometric iris identification. Even after fingerprint identification, technicians assembling watches are constantly monitored.
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One Year, One Rolex Watch
Rolex produces nearly a million watches annually but refuses to cut corners in the production process. Each watch features numerous components made in-house and is almost entirely hand-assembled, undergoing rigorous pressure tests and quality checks.
Conclusion
These insights surely help you understand more about the Rolex brand and why Rolex watches hold such high value. Thank you for reading, and don’t forget to visit https://minluxury.com/ to stay updated with more watch-related news.
