{"id":15146,"date":"2022-07-10T10:50:31","date_gmt":"2022-07-10T10:50:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loveluxury.co.uk\/?p=15146"},"modified":"2022-10-25T10:29:54","modified_gmt":"2022-10-25T10:29:54","slug":"the-history-behind-rolex","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging-new.loveluxury.co.uk\/shop\/topics\/the-history-behind-rolex\/","title":{"rendered":"Winding Back the Clock: The History Behind Rolex"},"content":{"rendered":"

A popular brand since its inception in 1905, Rolex has become a staple in the world of luxury timepieces \u2013 utilising the finest and highest quality materials, put together with innovative designs and an eye for the harmony which can exist between functionality and style.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But despite being <\/span>known around the world today<\/span><\/a> as a crafter of fine watches and timepieces, the founder of Rolex did not enter the industry as a watchmaker \u2013 nor did he have direct links to Swiss watch manufacturers known at the time. In fact, the founder Hans Wilsdorf started by exporting watches across the British Empire before recognising a gap in the market for stylish wrist watches which offered a more precise time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The rest, as they say, is history. But where did it all begin and how has Rolex grown into the brand it is today?<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Rolex<\/b><\/h2>\n

Who is Rolex?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Rolex is recognised as the world\u2019s largest and most iconic luxury watch brand \u2013 with innovative designs which tap into different activities, lifestyles and sports\u00a0 which combine the intricacies of horology with the refined look of an elegant accessory.<\/span><\/p>\n

Today, Rolex is recognised as a brand which is loved and preferred by the rich, the famous, and the everyday man or woman \u2013 with all manner of designs to suit all wearers, from James Bond\u00a0 to celebrities in everyday life.<\/span><\/p>\n

Where did Rolex begin?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Rolex began in 1905, though the brand name was not finalised until 1908 when it was registered by founders Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis. Originally the company specialised in exporting both wrist and pocket watches, however, Wilsdorf in particular was passionate about the potential he saw in the concept and style of the wrist watch \u2013 and so the company changed tack and started focussing on bringing to life stylish and functional wrist watches.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Interestingly, the name Rolex came because the two decided they needed a short, catchy, and memorable name for their brand. Wilsdorf himself claims that \u201ca genie whispered Rolex in my ear\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Instant Quote For Your Rolex Watch<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Who is Hans Wilsdorf?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Hans Wilsdorf is <\/span>renowned as the founder of Rolex<\/span><\/a> and was the brand\u2019s first and most inspirational visionary. He carved out and identified the gap in the existing market and decided that the brand should focus on wearable timepieces \u2013 achieving a noteworthy grant in 1910 which stated that a Rolex watch had received the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision. No other wristwatch had ever achieved this accolade at the time – making history.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How has Rolex changed over the years?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Rolex has always been a brand concerned with quality, however, over the years they have continued to develop and find new ways of establishing even better timekeeping, accuracy, and longevity. From changing the materials used to heighten durability, to releasing new collections which tap into different lifestyle needs and activities, Rolex has devoted its time to ensure the highest quality in every piece.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And that\u2019s not all. As the years have passed, Rolex has become increasingly focussed on different areas of the market \u2013 targeting men and women, professionals, sports goers, adventurers, celebrities, everyday buyers and even <\/span>expanding into the smartwatch<\/span><\/a> market.<\/p>\n

What are Rolex\u2019s most famous watches?<\/b><\/h2>\n

With every great brand there comes a series of famous collections and pieces which have withstood the test of time and remained in the spotlight.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For Rolex, these include:<\/span><\/p>\n