Rolex is the most famous and top-selling watch brand in the luxury watch sector. It is mainly known for its watch classics: the Rolex Submariner, Rolex GMT-Master II, Rolex Daytona, Rolex Datejust, and Rolex Day-Date were all introduced over 50 years ago design has only been carefully changed since then.
Rolex is worn by watch connoisseurs and collectors and by people who only buy an expensive watch once in a lifetime. While the steel models are top-rated, the costly versions in precious metal and set with diamonds are also popular in other countries. Rolex builds all its movements, constantly looks for improvements, and does not shy away from basic research.
The brand even developed its alloy for coil springs. Rolex belongs to the non-profit Fondation Hans Wilsdorf founded by Hans Wilsdorf. The foundation was established in 1944 and supported charitable ventures. Rolex is estimated to have more than 10,000 employees worldwide and produces approximately 780,000 watches per year. Estimates assume annual sales of 7
Its History
In 1905 Hans Wilsdorf and his business partner and brother-in-law Alfred Davis founded Wilsdorf & Davis Ltd. in London. Three years later, Wilsdorf registered the Rolex brand and opened an office in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The company officially changed its name to Rolex in 1915. There are many myths about the origin and meaning of the name Rolex, which the brand deliberately leaves uncommented.
Whether the term is derived from “Horlogerie exquise” (outstanding watchmaking art) or from “rolling export” is controversial. In any case, Wilsdorf wanted a name that could be pronounced easily in all languages. In 1919 the company moved from London to Geneva. In 1926, Rolex submariner (โร เล็ก ซ์ ซับ มา รี น which is the term in Thai) patented a wristwatch with a screw-down crown – the famous waterproof Oyster.
That was the starting signal for the history of the diving watch. In the following decades, the Oyster was the companion of several world records: In 1927, the London swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wore a waterproof Oyster around her neck when she tried to swim across the English Channel. Even though it had to stop trying, the Rolex watch had passed the test.