Rolex Watches: A Roster Of Achievements

Rolex”, the trademark name that Hans Wilsdorf created in 1908. Three years back ,the original name of the company founded by Hans Wilsdorf was “Wilsdorf & Davis”.

There isn’t really much certainty how Rolex watches got the name it has now, but one story talks about how the word meant “to indicate movement” in English. Another talks about how the French phrase horlogerie exquise (which translates to exquisite watch industry) inspired the etymology of Rolex as a brand name.

Regardless of what the past behind the inception of its name was, by 1915 the name had officially been recognized, and Rolex watches were known to be Rolex watches by heart. The “name change” act is believed to be a campaign to popularize wristwatches.

During those times, pocket watches were popular, and it is believed that Wilsdorf opted for the name change to promote Rolex watches, giving the brand an edge (memory retention). The name was easy to pronounce, and the act proved to be quite effective.

By 1919, the original name of the company name was changed officially to the Rolex Watch Company. Later, it was replaced with the name Montres Rolex, SA and then finally to Rolex, SA.

But Rolex watches aren’t just what they are for the name. Perhaps the biggest thing to note about Rolex watches would be the innovative minds that made them, to what Rolex watches are now (not to mention what watches are now, in general).

The first waterproof watch case came from Rolex (soon enough, Rolex watches were the first fully waterproof watches in the world). Rolex watches were the first wristwatches to have a date indicator on the dial. The first type of two timezone watches (displayed at the same time) were Rolex watches. Rolex watches in 1931 were the first self winding watches, powered by an internal mechanical system, using the movements of a person’s arm. This breed of Rolex watches eliminated the issue of over-winding, as well as made watch-winding no longer needed.

More importantly, the first of watchmakers to earn chronometer certification for wristwatches came from Rolex’s working force (which to this date, Rolex watches still hold the record for; most certified chronometer movements, wristwatch category).

Rolex also played a role in the development of the original quartz watch movements. Rolex’s watch engineers, during the late 60s to the early 70s, were pivotal in the implementation and design of quartz movement technology. Models for Rolex’s Oyster line became the products of this technologic utilization.

Rolex watches hold the reputation of being tough, capable of withstanding the extremes of situations. From deep-sea diving, to mountain climbing, to aviation, Rolex watches are notorious survivors.

These days Rolex watches have somewhat become “status symbols”, even with more exclusive and expensive time pieces in the market.

Knowing just what Rolex watches have come to contribute to watch development and history, it isn’t really a wonder why it is the largest selling luxury watch in the world.