THE JOURNAL
An Overview of the Rolex Brand History and Watch Collections
Rolex is a legendary watch brand renowned across the industry for its precision and durability. I have heard it said that both those who know the most about watches and those who know the least will buy a Rolex, which indirectly demonstrates the brand's success. Today, we will present an overview of the history of Rolex, starting from its watch collections and exploring key milestones in the brand's journey.
Rolex, a legendary watch brand renowned across the industry for its precision and durability. I have heard it said that both those who know the most about watches and those who know the least will buy a Rolex, which indirectly demonstrates the brand's success. Today, we will present an overview of the history of Rolex, starting from its watch collections and exploring key milestones in the brand's journey.
Rolex was founded in Britain in 1908 by the German Hans • Wilsdorf. Its predecessor was the Wilsdorf and Davis (W&D) company, which he ran in partnership with Englishman Alfred Davis. Rolex is a renowned Swiss brand, and legend has it that during the quartz crisis, the Swiss government stepped in to save 2 watch brands, one of which was Patek Philippe, and the other being Rolex. It is widely rumored today that Rolex has certain official Swiss backing. The entire equity of the Rolex company is held by the Wilsdorf Foundation, a trust established by founder Hans • Wilsdorf after the death of his wife to ensure the company remains independent, safe from acquisition by competitors, and unlisted as a public company. However, rumors persist that the Swiss National Bank holds shares in the Wilsdorf Foundation, though the exact details remain unknown.
When discussing Rolex, one cannot overlook its distinctive Oyster watch. The Oyster case set a major milestone in contemporary watchmaking history; invented by Rolex in 1926, it primarily employs a screw-down bezel, case back, and winding crown, which significantly enhanced the watch's water resistance. Today, the minimum waterproof standard for an Oyster watch is 100 metres, and only authorized Rolex watchmakers can assemble the movement using specialized tools.
To prove a watch's water resistance, concrete evidence must be provided. In 1927, young Englishwoman Mercedes Gleitze successfully swam across the English Channel wearing a Rolex Oyster watch. After swimming for over ten hours to reach the finish line, her watch remained completely undamaged and running perfectly.
Rolex launched its first Oyster Perpetual watch in 1931, with its standout feature being the perpetual rotor , which oscillates naturally in a bidirectional manner around the central axis following the wearer's wrist movements, providing a continuous and stable source of power for the watch. This was also the watchmaking industry's first watch movement with bidirectional winding, the significance of which is self-evident.
The Datejust collection is a very extensive range within Rolex watches. Since the launch of the first Datejust in 1945, it has attracted immense attention, becoming one of Rolex's most classic collections. The Datejust was also the first watch of its time to feature a date display on the dial.
In 1953, Rolex introduced the Air-King collection that we are all familiar with. In current official Rolex documentation, the Air-King introduction has been replaced by the Oyster Perpetual collection, meaning the Air-King line will become history and survive only as part of the Oyster Perpetual family. The Oyster Perpetual range serves as an entry-level collection for Rolex, boasting the lowest price point among all lines, so anyone looking to purchase an entry-level Rolex will certainly choose the Rolex Oyster Perpetual collection.
In 1953, Rolex introduced the first Explorer watch, crafted specifically for adventurers. It not only possesses the precision of a chronometer but also continues to function normally in harsh environments.
In 1953, Rolex launched its first Submariner watch, the world's first timepiece water-resistant to a depth of 100 metres. That same year, the patented Triplock winding crown was added to enhance the case's sealing capability, increasing the water resistance depth to 300 metres.
In 1955, Rolex introduced its first GMT-Master watch, developed jointly by Rolex and Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) for their international route pilots. Featuring a dual-time zone display function, this feature holds immense practical value for travelers.
Rolex launched the first Day-Date model in 1956. Since 1956, it has become a prominent and prestigious model within the Rolex collection, as all its watches are crafted exclusively from precious metals, with no stainless steel versions available. The Day-Date was the first calendar watch to display the day of the week.
In 1956, Rolex launched the first Milgauss watch. The Milgauss was introduced as a professional anti-magnetic watch capable of resisting high-intensity magnetic fields of 1000 gauss. It is highly regarded by scientists and engineers, with its unique lightning-bolt seconds hand serving as a distinctive highlight.
1960, the experimental bathyscaphe Trieste successfully dived to the Mariana Trench, the deepest point on Earth's surface. Piloted by Lieutenant Don Walsh, he and Jacques Piccard completed this unprecedented deep-sea exploration feat in the Trieste. The bathyscaphe and the Rolex Deep Sea Special experimental watch attached to its exterior returned to the surface from a depth of 10,916 metres (37,800 feet) still functioning perfectly.
The first Cosmograph Daytona watch launched by Rolex in 1963 is a trophy for every winner of the Le Mans and Rolex 24-hour endurance races. The bezel is equipped with a tachymetric scale to measure speed. Precise timing down to one-eighth of a second. Powered by Rolex's high-performance calibre 4130 chronograph movement.
In 1967, Rolex launched the first Sea-Dweller watch, positioned between the Submariner and the Deepsea. It features excellent water resistance, a smaller diameter than the Deepsea, and a thickness between the two. Like the Deepsea, the date window does not have a Cyclops lens, and the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 1220 metres.
is built to accompany professional explorers facing severe challenges. Whether deep underground or through the nights of the North and South Poles, the unique orange hand clearly indicates day and night in a 24-hour format. The patented Parachrom hairspring and Paraflex shock absorbers ensure the watch remains precise in harsh environments. is meticulously designed for adventure; as long as you explore bravely, it will surely follow you.
In 1982, Rolex launched the latest GMT-Master II watch. The GMT-Master was favoured by Pan Am pilots, becoming the chronometer watch for in-flight navigation. This classic dual-time zone watch is equipped with an arrow-shaped 24-hour hand and a bidirectional rotatable bezel with a graduated scale. Fitted with a Cerachrom bezel in 2005, it is highly scratch-resistant, corrosion-resistant, and retains its colour and lustre over time. It provides a stylish and perfect way to navigate an interconnected world.
Rolex is the leading watchmaking brand to use 904L stainless steel for all its stainless steel cases. This material is commonly used in high-tech, aerospace, and chemical industries; its excellent corrosion resistance is comparable to precious metals, and it develops a unique lustre when polished.
In 1992, Rolex launched the first Yacht-Master watch, featuring a bidirectional rotatable bezel in platinum or gold to accurately record sailing time. Its unique dial, with large hour markers and hands, ensures easy readability. Guaranteed water-resistant to 100 metres. An exceptional timepiece, reliable both at sea and on land.
A chronograph specially designed for yacht racing. It features a unique regatta countdown function with a mechanical memory programmable from 10 to 1 minutes. It remains clear and legible in any environment. Its signature feature is the patented Ring Command rotatable bezel, which interacts with the watch movement. An unprecedented, sophisticated, yet simple-to-operate combination.
In 2008, Rolex launched the first Deepsea watch. The Rolex Deepsea has a larger diameter and a more robust thickness than the Sea-Dweller. The watch offers the same water resistance of 3900 metres, making it an exceptionally crafted diver's watch from Rolex. It is equipped with the patented Ringlock system, which includes a nitrogen-alloy inner ring that is lightweight yet indestructible. It can withstand over 3 tonnes of pressure and reach depths of 3,900 metres. Professional divers highly recommend it when reliability and robustness are essential.
In 2009, Rolex launched the new Datejust II watch. The biggest change compared to the Datejust is the increased diameter of the watch and the upgraded movement with a new shock absorber.
The first Sky-Dweller watch launched by Rolex in 2012 is an exceptional timepiece designed for global travellers. Its red triangle indicates local time, while the conventional hands display the time in the wearer's home location. The patented annual calendar, equipped with the Saros system, intelligently distinguishes between 31-day long months and 30-day short months, offering unparalleled precision and reliability. The Ring Command rotating bezel ensures easy setting of functions. Rolex's creativity is showcased to the fullest; at the time of its debut, it already featured 14 sophisticated patented technologies.
The Cellini collection was developed by Rolex in the 60s. The name is derived from Benvenuto • Cellini, a sculptor, art critic, and representative figure of Mannerist sculpture in the latter half of the 16th century in Italy. Originally a goldsmith, he was influenced by Michelangelo and began creating large-scale sculptures. The Cellini collection was developed to promote an artistic design philosophy.
![[N Factory Perfect Edition] Rolex Submariner series mechanical watch 116613LN](/images/pic/big/3940.jpg)
![[VS Factory Perfect Edition] Panerai Modern LUMINOR 1950 Series PAM00441 Watch](/images/pic/big/3873.jpg)
![[Noob Factory V7 Edition] Rolex Submariner watch 116610LN Black Sub](/images/pic/big/4977.jpg)
![[Noob Factory V7 Version] Rolex Submariner Watch 116610LV Kermit Submariner](/images/pic/big/4976.jpg)