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Last Updated:
2024-09-22 08:21:10

Rolex

Swiss watch designer and manufacturer
Swiss watch designer and manufacturer

Rolex SA, founded in 1905, is a renowned Swiss watch company. It was originally established in London and later moved its base to Geneva. The company owns the brands Rolex and Tudor, offering a range of wristwatches. In 2023, Rolex announced the acquisition of Bucherer.

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142
Oyster Perpetual 34mm and Explorer

The model 142 represents the Oyster Perpetual 34mm and Explorer.

143
Oyster Perpetual 39mm

The model 143 is associated with the Oyster Perpetual 39mm.

152
Oyster Perpetual Date 34mm

The model 152 is associated with the Oyster Perpetual Date with a 34mm size.

164
Milgauss

The model 164 is linked to the Milgauss.

165
Explorer II

The model 165 denotes the Explorer II.

166
Submariner, SeaDweller, Yachtmaster 40mm

The model 166 is associated with the Submariner, SeaDweller, and Yachtmaster with a 40mm size.

169
Air King

The model 169 is associated with the Air King.

1165
Cosmograph Daytona

The model 1165 is linked to the Cosmograph Daytona.

1680
Debut of 1680/8 in 18k Yellow Gold

The 1680/8, released in 18k yellow gold, debuted a blue dial and bezel option, marking the first time it appeared in anything but all-black.

1900
Establishment of Newport Beach Location

Rolex establishes a new location in Newport Beach, California at 1900 Quail St. This expansion reflects the brand's growing presence in the United States.

1902
Founding of Rolex by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis

In 1902, Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis founded the watch making company in London, initially named Wilsdorf and Davis. They specialized in importing quality movements and placing them in quality watch cases made by other companies. The earliest watches produced were often stamped with 'W&D' on the inside of the caseback.

1904
Registration of Rolex name as a trademark

Wilsdorf and Davis registered the Rolex name as a trademark, taking a significant risk and betting on the success of their wristwatch-making business.

1905
Rolex Founded

Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, United Kingdom.

1905
Founding of Rolex

Rolex, a renowned watchmaking company, was founded in 1905. Despite being relatively young in the industry compared to other brands, Rolex has established itself as a symbol of luxury and precision.

1908
Registration of 'Rolex' as a Trademark

In 1908, Wilsdorf registered 'Rolex' as a trademark and opened the first Switzerland office in La Chaux-de-Fonds. The name 'Rolex' was chosen to be easily pronounced in any language and to sound like a watch being wound.

1910
First Rolex Wristwatch Awarded Independently Ratified Certificate of Chronometric Performance

In 1910, a Rolex wristwatch became the first wristwatch to be awarded an independently ratified certificate of chronometric performance, showcasing Wilsdorf's high standards and Maison Aegler's excellence in watchmaking.

1914
Rolex Watch Awarded Class A Precision Certificate by Kew Observatory

In 1914, a Rolex watch was awarded a Class A precision certificate by the Kew Observatory, a remarkable achievement as this honor was typically given exclusively to marine chronometers. This paved the way for Rolex to gain global recognition for its chronometric performance.

1915
Rolex Brand Name

The brand name 'Rolex' was officially registered in 1915. It has since become synonymous with luxury, precision, and innovation in the watchmaking industry.

1919
Montres Rolex SA Established

In 1919, Montres Rolex SA was established, laying the foundation for the renowned watchmaking company.

1920
Relocation of Rolex to Geneva and Introduction of Oyster Watch

In 1920, Rolex moved to Geneva and began waterproofing its timepieces. The company introduced the Oyster, a watch featuring a hermetically sealed case, providing optimal protection. The first Rolex Oyster proved its craftsmanship by lasting 10 hours in the water when worn by Mercedes Gleitze during her English Channel crossing.

1922
Submarine

Rolex introduced the Submarine model in 1922, marking a significant milestone in the brand's history.

1925
Introduction of the five-spoked crown emblem

The five-spoked crown became Rolex's illustrious emblem in 1925, symbolizing wealth and status.

1926
Launch of the Rolex Oyster

Rolex introduced the first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch, the Rolex Oyster, in 1926.

1927-10-07
Mercedes Gleitze's swim across the English Channel

Mercedes Gleitze was the first British woman to swim the English Channel on 7 October 1927. For promotional purposes, Wilsdorf offered her one of the earliest Rolex Oysters if she would wear it during the attempt.

1927-11-24
Launch of Rolex Oyster watch in the United Kingdom

One month later, on 24 November 1927, Wilsdorf launched the Rolex Oyster watch in the United Kingdom with a full front page Rolex advertisement in the Daily Mail.

1929
Prince

Rolex introduced the Prince model in 1929, adding to its diverse range of iconic references.

1931
Introduction of Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual, featuring the first self-winding mechanism with a Perpetual rotor, a groundbreaking innovation in watchmaking.

1933
Introduction of Rolex Datejust

Rolex introduced the 'Datejust,' the first wristwatch with an automatic date display, marking a major milestone in the company's history and solidifying its reputation as a pioneer in watchmaking.

1934
Rolex G.S. Mark II Military

In 1934, Rolex introduced the G.S. Mark II Military, demonstrating its foray into military timepieces.

1935
Sir Malcolm Campbell's Land Speed Record

In 1935, Sir Malcolm Campbell set a land speed record of over 300 miles per hour at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, wearing a Rolex watch, showcasing the brand's association with speed and performance.

1936
Introduction of Rolex Oyster Perpetual

Rolex introduced the 'Oyster Perpetual,' a waterproof watch with an automatic movement, which became a major success and an iconic model in the Rolex lineup.

1937
Zerograph 3346

The Zerograph 3346 was introduced by Rolex in 1937, showcasing the brand's innovative approach to watchmaking.

1938
Oyster Chronograph 3525

Rolex introduced the Oyster Chronograph 3525 in 1938, reflecting the brand's expertise in creating precision chronographs.

1939
First Chronograph Introduced

In 1939, Rolex introduced its first chronograph, marking a significant advancement in the company's watchmaking technology.

1942
4413

Rolex introduced the 4413 model in 1942, showcasing the brand's continued innovation and craftsmanship.

1943-03-10
Rolex Oyster 3525 Chronograph ordered by Corporal Clive James Nutting

Corporal Clive James Nutting, a prisoner of war, ordered a stainless steel Rolex Oyster 3525 Chronograph directly from Hans Wilsdorf in Geneva, intending to pay for it after the war. The watch was believed to have been ordered specifically to be used in the Great Escape.

1944
Creation of Hans Wilsdorf Foundation

In 1944, Hans Wilsdorf established the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which continues to own Rolex to this day, ensuring that a portion of the company's income is allocated to charitable causes.

1945
Rolex Datejust

Rolex launched the Datejust, the first self-winding wristwatch with a date window, in 1945.

1946-03-06
Introduction of Tudor Watches

Montres Tudor SA was established on March 6, 1946, and began designing, manufacturing, and marketing Tudor watches. The brand was conceived by Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf to provide a more affordable yet reliable alternative to Rolex watches.

1947
Oyster Bracelet

The Oyster bracelet was introduced by Rolex in 1947, setting a standard for durability and elegance in watch design.

1949
Padellone 8171

The "Padellone" 8171 was introduced by Rolex in 1949, becoming a significant reference in the brand's history.

1950
Mercedes Hands

Rolex introduced the iconic Mercedes hands in 1950, which became a distinctive feature of their timepieces.

1953-09
Rolex Dive Watch Reaches New Depths

In September of 1953, a specially designed Rolex dive watch was attached to the outside of Swiss scientist Auguste Piccard’s Bathyscaphe, diving to a depth of 3131.8 meters and returning to the surface in perfect running order without any signs of water ingress.

1954
Rolex Submariner

Rolex launched the Submariner, the first divers' watch waterproof to a depth of 100 meters, in 1954.

1955
Introduction of Rolex Day-Date

Rolex introduced the Day-Date in 1955, which was the first wristwatch to display both the date and the day of the week. This innovation solidified Rolex's position as a leader in the luxury watch industry.

1956
Rolex Day-Date

Rolex introduced the Day-Date, the first wristwatch to display the date and day of the week spelled out in full, in 1956.

1957
Introduction of Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust

Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual Lady-Datejust in 1957, available in multiple calibers until its production ended in 1998.

1958
Creation of Air-Prince Line

Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf created the Air-Prince line in 1958 to honor RAF pilots of the Battle of Britain, reflecting the brand's historical tribute to aviation.

1959
Introduction of Crown Guards

In 1959, Rolex introduced crown guards, a feature that provided enhanced protection and durability to their watches.

1960
Introduction of Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

In 1960, Rolex introduced the Cosmograph Daytona, a timepiece specifically designed for racing drivers. This model quickly became a classic and is highly coveted in the Rolex collection.

1961
Rolex Submariner 5512 Release

The Rolex Submariner 5512 was released in 1961, contributing to the brand's legacy of producing high-quality diving watches.

1962
Cosmograph Daytona

The iconic Cosmograph Daytona made its debut in 1962, capturing the essence of speed and racing.

1963
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Launch

The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was launched in 1963, marking the birth of a legendary timepiece.

1965
Introduction of Daytona Name on the Dial

In 1965, the Daytona name appeared on the dial of the Rolex Daytona watch, marking a significant milestone in its history.

1966
Introduction of Rolex Explorer I

In 1966, Rolex introduced the Explorer I, a watch designed for exploration and adventure, which became highly regarded for its durability and functionality.

1967
Rolex Sea-Dweller

Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller, designed for professional deep-sea diving, in 1967.

1968
Rolex sponsorship by former Formula 1 driver Jackie Stewart

Former Formula 1 driver Jackie Stewart has advertised Rolex since 1968.

1969
Introduction of Rolex Daytona

In 1969, Rolex introduced the iconic Daytona model, which became highly popular and sought after, especially the versions associated with the renowned actor Paul Newman.

1970-01
Introduction of COMEX Submariner

Rolex introduced the COMEX Submariner, including reference numbers 5513, 5514, 16610, and 16800, in the 1970s. These models were designed to release excessive helium pressure during decompression while diving.

1971
First Explorer II with Solid Steel 24 Hour Bezel

In 1971, Rolex introduced the first Explorer II with a solid steel 24-hour bezel, catering to the needs of adventurers and explorers.

1972
Steve McQueen's association with Rolex

In 1972, Steve McQueen's association with Rolex brought significant attention to the brand, contributing to its popularity.

1974
Introduction of Rolex Submariner

In 1974, Rolex introduced the iconic Submariner model, which quickly became a symbol of luxury and precision in the world of diving watches.

1975
Release of Rolex Daytona Cosmograph

The year 1975 marked the release of the Rolex Daytona Cosmograph, a legendary timepiece known for its association with motor racing and its highly accurate chronograph function.

1976
Inception of Rolex Awards for Enterprise

Since 1976, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise of 100,000 Swiss francs has been awarded; a Young Laureates award of 50,000 was added in 2010.

1977-01
Debut of COMEX Sea-Dweller

The COMEX Sea-Dweller was first introduced by Rolex in 1977. The offering included references 1665, 16600, and 16660, and the last COMEX Sea-Dweller was supplied to COMEX in 1997.

1978
Release of Sea Dweller 16660

The Sea Dweller 16660 was released in 1978.

1979
Release of King Midas

The King Midas, a unique and luxurious timepiece, was released in 1979, showcasing Rolex's innovation and craftsmanship in watchmaking.

1980
Release of Sea-Dweller 4000

Rolex released the Sea-Dweller 4000 in 1980, a professional diving watch designed to withstand extreme depths, catering to the needs of deep-sea divers.

1981
Launch of GMT-Master 16750

The GMT-Master 16750 was launched in 1981.

1982
GMT-Master II Redesigned with Three Different Time Zones

In 1982, Rolex redesigned the GMT-Master II, incorporating three different time zones, enhancing its functionality for global travelers.

1983
Launch of GMT-Master II

In 1983, Rolex launched the GMT-Master II, a watch designed for professional pilots and frequent travelers, featuring a new movement and improved functionality for tracking multiple time zones.

1984
Rolex Redesigns the New Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Chronometer Daytona

In 1984, Rolex redesigned the Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Chronometer Daytona, further solidifying its position as a leader in luxury chronograph watches.

1985
Introduction of the Rolex Oyster Perpetual

In 1985, Rolex introduced the Oyster Perpetual, a classic and timeless model that represents the core values of the brand.

1986
Introduction of Submariner 16610

The Submariner 16610 was introduced in 1986.

1988
Rolex Cosmograph Daytona

Rolex introduced the Cosmograph Daytona, a high-performance chronograph designed for professional racing drivers, in 1988.

1989
Submariner

Rolex launched the Submariner model in 1989.

1990
Launch of the Rolex Yacht-Master

In 1990, Rolex launched the Yacht-Master, a nautical watch designed for yacht racing and sailing enthusiasts.

1992
Debut of Yachtmaster

The Yachtmaster made its debut in 1992, catering to the needs of professional sailors and yachting enthusiasts with its robust construction and nautical-inspired design.

1994
Launch of Yachtmaster Ladies & Medium

In 1994, Rolex launched the Yachtmaster Ladies & Medium models, offering a combination of elegance and functionality tailored specifically for female yachting enthusiasts.

1995
Introduction of the Rolex Pearlmaster

In 1995, Rolex introduced the Pearlmaster, a luxurious and elegant model featuring precious metals and gemstones.

1996
Rolex wristwatch leads to the arrest of Albert Johnson Walker

The Rolex wristwatch on Ronald Platt's wrist led to the arrest of his murderer, Albert Johnson Walker, a financial planner who had fled from Canada when he was charged with fraud, theft, and money laundering.

1997
Rolex releases Yacht-Master in platinum and stainless steel

In 1997, Rolex released the Yacht-Master, available in platinum and stainless steel.

1998-04-20
Rolex watch murder in Singapore

A 23-year-old Malaysian named Jonaris Badlishah murdered a beautician Sally Poh Bee Eng to steal her Rolex and later give it to his girlfriend as a birthday present. The case became known as the 'Rolex watch murder'. Jonaris was arrested, sentenced to death, and executed.

1999
Introduction of Luminova

In 1999, Rolex introduced Luminova, a luminescent material applied to the hands and hour markers, significantly improving the low-light visibility of their timepieces.

2000
Launch of Rolex Daytona

In 2000, Rolex launched the Daytona model, known for its association with motor racing and its high performance, making it a coveted timepiece among enthusiasts and collectors.

2001
Rolex becomes official timekeeper to the Le Mans 24 Hours motor race

Rolex has been the official timekeeper to the Le Mans 24 Hours motor race since 2001.

2002
Launch of Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative

The biennial Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative with a grant of about $41,000 was launched in 2002.

2003
Introduction of 'Green' Submariner Date

In 2003, Rolex introduced the 'Green' Submariner Date, a notable addition to their collection.

2004
Introduction of Rolex Branded Rehaut and New Datejust Case

In 2004, Rolex introduced the branded Rehaut and a new case for the Datejust, marking a significant development for the brand.

2005
New GMT-Master II Introduced with Innovative Features

In 2005, Rolex introduced the new GMT-Master II, featuring innovative advancements such as the Paracrom hairspring and a ceramic bezel.

2007
Rolex Deepsea

Rolex launched the Deepsea, designed for extreme underwater exploration, in 2007.

2008
Introduction of the New Deep Sea SeaDweller

In 2008, Rolex introduced the new Deep Sea SeaDweller, expanding its line of professional diving watches with enhanced features and capabilities.

2009
Introduction of Datejust II

In 2009, Rolex introduced the Datejust II, offering a modern interpretation of the classic Datejust model, catering to evolving consumer preferences.

2010
Introduction of Explorer 39mm (214270)

In 2010, Rolex introduced the Explorer 39mm (214270), offering a larger size for the iconic Explorer model to meet the demands of contemporary adventurers.

2011
Introduction of Explorer II 42mm (216570)

In 2011, Rolex introduced the Explorer II 42mm (216570), catering to enthusiasts who preferred a larger and more robust version of the classic Explorer II.

2012
Rolex Sky-Dweller

Rolex introduced the Sky-Dweller, a distinctive technological masterpiece protected by 14 patents, in 2012.

2013
Tudor's Return to the US Market

Tudor returned to the United States market in the summer of 2013, indicating a renewed focus on expanding their global reach and sales strategy.

2014
Tudor's Return to the UK Market

Tudor returned to the UK market in 2014, demonstrating their commitment to re-establishing their presence in key international markets.

2015
Rolex Yacht-Master — Oysterflex — with 18-karat Everose gold

In 2015, Rolex introduced the Yacht-Master with 18-karat Everose gold, which was the first Rolex to include a rubberized bracelet.

2016
Datejust 41

The Datejust 41, introduced in 2016, features a redesigned case with a larger 41mm diameter, offering a modern interpretation of the classic Datejust.

2017-10-26
Sale of Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6239) wristwatch

A Rolex Daytona (Ref. 6239) wristwatch, originally purchased by Joanne Woodward in 1968 and given to her husband Paul Newman as a gift, was sold by Phillips in its New York auction for US$17.75 million, setting a record as the most expensive wristwatch and the second most expensive watch ever sold at auction as of 2018.

2018-05-28
Sale of Rolex Daytona 'Unicorn' Ref. 6265

A Rolex Daytona 'Unicorn' Ref. 6265 was sold in auction by Phillips for US$5.937 million in Geneva, making it the second most expensive Rolex timepiece ever sold at auction as of 2018.

2020
New 2232 and 3230 movements

Calibres 2232 and 3230 are self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex, boasting concentrated technology and leading to several patents.

2021
Jean-Frederic Dufour Becomes CEO of Rolex

Jean-Frederic Dufour became the CEO of Rolex in 2021, making him the sixth CEO in the company's history. His appointment reflects the company's commitment to securing top professionals in the industry.

2022
Rolex

Rolex is a renowned luxury watch brand known for its quality, prestige, and innovation.

2023
Final Discontinuation of the Milgauss

The Milgauss took its final bow in 2023, marking the end of its production.

End of the Timeline
Rolex
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