Rolex, a brand that has redefined watchmaking with its groundbreaking innovations and timeless designs, was officially founded in Switzerland in 1919. However, its roots go back to 1905, when Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, established their first company in England before relocating to Switzerland to create the now-legendary brand. One of Rolex’s most groundbreaking achievements was the creation of the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, a design so revolutionary that it remains a defining feature of the brand. Another milestone came with the invention of the first self-winding mechanism, a transformative innovation that has since become standard in modern wristwatches.

Rolex has been at the forefront of many world firsts, earning a reputation for excellence and resilience. From timing land speed records to supporting the breaking of the sound barrier, Rolex watches have been integral to landmark events in history. In the 1950s, Rolex became the official timepiece of Pan Am Airways, a prestigious association that extended to many other airlines. The brand continued to push boundaries, producing the first watch capable of withstanding magnetic fields up to 1,000 gauss and creating an experimental watch that survived an extraordinary deep-sea dive to nearly 11,000 metres. These feats solidified Rolex’s unmatched reputation among divers and diving organisations, establishing it as the ultimate choice for underwater exploration.

One of Rolex’s most iconic models, the Cosmograph Daytona, became a favourite among endurance racing drivers, earning its place as a highly coveted timepiece. Strengthening its connection with motorsport, Rolex serves as the official timekeeper of Formula 1. The brand’s versatility extends to the high seas with the Yacht-Master collection, designed specifically for sailors. Today, Rolex’s renowned collections include the Cosmograph Daytona, Datejust, Deepsea, Explorer, GMT-Master II, Milgauss, Oyster Perpetual, and Yacht-Master, each representing the brand’s legacy of excellence, innovation, and timeless style.