History 101
Hans Wilsdorf wanted to create a brand of precision wristwatches. His idea became a reality in 1905 when he — and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis — founded Wilsdorf & Davis company.
It wasnt until three years later that Wilsdorf and Davis company changed the brand name to "Rolex." Hans had been inspired by the double-deck buses in London.
In 1926, Rolex produced the first waterproof watch named the "Oyster." The Oyster design sealed the watch from dust and moisture, solving two of the largest issues plaguing watches at the time.
Rolex continued to build the brand's reputation by partnering with explorers and world-record setters. In 1933 Rolex watches were worn by the first crew to fly over Mount Everest.
James Cameron’s “vertical torpedo” sub performed a Mariana Trench dive in 2012, with a specially designed and manufactured Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sea-Dweller Deep Sea Challenge watch.
Sean Connery wore the Rolex Submariner in 1962's Dr. No, which is the first silver screen appearance of James Bond.
The Datejust was introduced in 1945 and was the first watch in Rolex's collection to feature an automatic date change.
Rolex has made a name for itself by creating some of the most accurate mechanical timepieces available. Rolex has heavily invested in using the best quality materials and going so far as making their own platinum and gold alloys.
Rolex watches make for a great investment. Rolex timepieces currently retain 82% of their retail price.