Rolex

Rolex history in brief

Founded

1905

Headquarters

Geneva, Switzerland

Hans Wilsdorf founded the company in London before moving it to Geneva, and Rolex built its reputation on practical firsts: the waterproof Oyster case in 1926, the self-winding Perpetual rotor in 1931 and the date-change Datejust in 1945. Today Rolex makes its own movements, cases, bracelets and even its own gold alloys. It is owned by a private foundation, which is one reason the brand changes slowly and deliberately — new references usually refine an existing model rather than replace it.

Signature Rolex models

• Submariner — The reference dive watch since 1953; 41mm today with a 70-hour movement.
• GMT-Master II — Two-tone bezel and independent hour hand for tracking a second time zone.
• Cosmograph Daytona — The most sought-after steel chronograph, with long waiting lists at dealers.
• Oyster Perpetual — The simplest Rolex and the easiest entry into the brand at retail.

Tips for buying a Rolex

• ▸Build a purchase history with one authorized dealer — allocation of popular steel sport models is relationship-based, not first-come.
• ▸On the pre-owned market, insist on the warranty card and check that the serial number matches the card and the case.
• ▸Less hyped models (Datejust, Explorer, Oyster Perpetual in muted dials) are often available at retail with little or no wait.

Best for: Buyers who want one watch that will be serviced worldwide for decades and holds its value unusually well.