25 Little-Known Facts About Rolex

Little-Known Facts About Rolex

Here are 25 Little-Known Facts About Rolex

1. Rolex was the first manufacturer to create a waterproof watch, also known as an “Oyster.”

Rolex was generations ahead of other watch manufacturers when it released the first-ever waterproof model. Introduced in 1926, the revolutionary style has come to be known today as the oyster.

The highly anticipated design was a state-of-the-art invention, designed to give owners an unprecedented level of protection against water and accidental damage. It’s no surprise that its launch sent shockwaves throughout the industry, rocketing Rolex designs into cult status.

2. Rolex holds one of the oldest trademarks in Switzerland, registered in 1908.

Rolex is a name long associated with luxury watches. But there’s much more to their brand than prestige and exclusivity: they also have one of the oldest trademarks in Switzerland, registered all the way back in 1908.

From that time on, Rolex established itself as a reliable and iconic watch company, forever ingrained within the world of the well-known and timelessly glamorous.

3. The most expensive Rolex ever sold was an 18k gold Daytona Cosmograph, which sold for a whopping $17.8 million in 2017.

It was the 2017 auction that made headlines all around the world. Known as one of the most sought-after timepieces, a rare Rolex Daytona Cosmograph sold for an incredible $17.8 million.

What made this piece special and so valuable despite its hefty cost? This watch had been crafted from 18-karat gold and contained more than 10,000 diamonds. Reports suggest experienced and successful buyers from different parts of the world, including the U.S. and Europe, were bidding for this masterpiece.

Ultimately it was secured by an anonymous bidder at the highest price ever for a Rolex model in the market! A remarkable event indeed!

4. Rolex was the first to create a self-winding watch, known as the “Perpetual.”

Rolex has been a leader in watch innovations, as they broke ground when they created the world’s very first self-winding watch. The reference design was aptly called “Perpetual,” given its unstoppable and everlasting innovation in timekeeping.

Its signature “Oyster” case unites continual power and perennial perfection, encapsulating craftsmanship that watches across generations still find no equal.

Boasting over one hundred years of pioneering progress forever engraved into the world’s first wristwatch, Rolex continues to shape dials with their sophisticated solutions, solutions that will go on in perpetuity.

5. The Rolex Submariner is the most popular model of Rolex watches.

Rolex continues to be renowned for its excellent craftsmanship and cutting-edge style. The Rolex Submariner is one such classic watch that stands out with its iconic design and innovative features.

Renowned for its style and durability, the Submariner has been a trendsetter for over 65 years. Its timeless aesthetics have made it the most popular model of Rolex watches across generations, as it never goes out of style.

6. One of the Little-Known Facts About Rolex is that the company has been in business for over 100 years, with its founding in 1905.

The company is a historical landmark, having first opened its doors for business in 1905, over one hundred years ago. Founded by a handful of dedicated visionaries with big dreams and bold ideas, the business has since blossomed into one of the most successful corporations in the industry today.

Throughout our rich history, we have been dedicated to providing the best customer service possible, always innovating and adapting alongside changing technology and industry trends. 

7. Rolex is an independent, family-owned business and not a public company.

Rolex is an independent business with a unique ownership structure: it’s family-owned and not open to the public. As such, shares in the company are not publicly traded giving the family greater autonomy over how the business develops.

This allows them to control every aspect of the company from which stores the watches are sold in, down to intricate details about its operations. Being exclusively privately owned creates more flexibility for Rolex to align its activities with its own vision without having to take into account external shareholders or investors

8. Rolex is the official timekeeper of Wimbledon since 1978.

Since 1978, renowned Swiss watchmaker Rolex has had an inseparable relationship with tennis’ oldest and most prestigious major, Wimbledon; appointed its official timekeeper.

This partnership has enabled Rolex to become connected to one of the sport’s foremost stages and those who cross it. It also puts a spotlight on more than six decades of beautiful designs, precision, and – Above all – timelessness.

9. The most expensive watch strap made by Rolex is called the “President” and is made with 18k gold.

The very pinnacle in terms of Rolex watch straps is the elusive and alluring “President”. Its captivating, luxurious allure is largely attributed to its use of solid 18k yellow gold.

Such a precious material strongly aligns with the status and prestige afforded to this flagship model by renowned watchmakers Rolex. Purchase of this swanky item catapults one into the ranks of the upper echelon on any wrist, exuding confidence, antiquity, and authority.

10. The cheapest Rolex watch starts at around $3,500.

Gone are the days when only wealthy individuals could afford a Rolex watch. Now, owning a Rolex watch is more accessible due to the myriad of options available, starting as low as $3,500.

Whether you’re simply an aficionado collector or looking for an impressive dress accessory that will last, Rolex watches offer a variety of styles, from dress watches and classic pieces to professional diver watches.

11. The founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, was one of the first pioneers to create a wristwatch.

Hans Wilsdorf was a revolutionary innovator, considered one of the earliest purveyors of wristwatches. As founder of the Rolex company in 1905, Wilsdorf set out to revolutionize the timepiece industry with his tenacity and boldness.

He began by putting forth concept watches made from higher quality components than what was available before, proving that machines are capable of manufacturing superior items.

12. The “Oyster Perpetual” is the longest-running model of the Rolex watch, being in production for over 80 years.

It’s an interesting fact that the Rolex ‘Oyster Perpetual’ model has been in production for over 80 years; making it the longest-running timepiece in Rolex’s history.

This powerful timepiece has stood the test of time, remaining wholly intact and aesthetically stylish throughout the decades. Its enduring popularity is noted amongst vintage watch collectors, who often seek out this collectible item at consignment stores and auctions worldwide.

13. Rolex watches are made from 904L-grade stainless steel, which is more resistant to scratches and corrosion.

Rolex watches are crafted with nothing less than the highest precision and quality. To ensure that you’ll have a watch that looks fantastic every single day, they use 904L stainless steel in all of their pieces.

The metal is renownedly more resistant to scratches and corrosion compared to other types of stainless steel. As Rolex states, these watches offer “sturdy stability” due to their robust construction—made from premium materials for lasting familiarity against time.

14. Rolex has its own in-house foundry, where they create its own gold and other metals for use in its watches.

Rolex’s expertise doesn’t stop at the level of watchmaking but extends even further. The horological giant boasts its own in-house foundry, an industrial facility dedicated to producing gold and other precious metals used specifically in Rolex watches.

Here, specialized material scientists formulate various types of alloys to realize dream watches as imagined by their talented watchmakers and designers.

15. The average Rolex watch takes around 1 year to make, from start to finish.

Rolex watches, known for their exquisite craftsmanship, require an incredible amount of effort to make. From the initial designing process to the final assembly and manufacturing, it takes roughly a year before one of these timepieces can grace hearing wrists.

A variety of specialized tools are utilized throughout production at distinct stages to create some of the most desirable watches in the world with precision and attention to detail.

16. Rolex is the only watch brand to be awarded the prestigious Geneva Seal.

Rolex is the epitome of style and functionality. It has a rich history behind its iconic collaborations with renowned watchmakers. The ingenuity, intricate craftsmanship, and engineering precision involved in creating each piece of art signify the quality that stands beyond its beauty.

This year, Rolex cemented its place in history as being the first and only timekeeper to be honored with the official recognition—the Geneva Seal.

17. The average waiting list for a new Rolex watch is anywhere from 3-5 years.

If you’re looking to own a brand new Rolex watch, brace yourself for a long wait. Just getting on the waiting list for a classic model is not an overnight success; sometimes these waiting lists can number up to five years or more.

That’s right – an average of three to five years before the coveted timepiece finds its way onto your wrist.

18. Rolex watches are powered by a Perpetual rotor, which self-winds the watch when worn.

Rolex watches offer unprecedented accuracy and date to any active or stylish individual. Their charismatic appeal is due in part to the Perpetual rotor, a revolutionary self-winding technology on which Rolex built its name.

By turning with even the slightest movements of the wrist, during active wear, the Perpetual rotor captures energy from motion and winds itself throughout the day, so you never need to worry whether your watch is powered on or not!

With intelligence baked in, Rolex makes sure their ticking shows only accurate dates through their innovative mechanisms and never leaves you lagging behind!

19. The GMT-Master was the first Rolex to have an independently adjustable hour hand.

The iconic GMT-Master watch proved to be revolutionary, as it became the first Rolex to feature an independently adjustable hour hand. By introducing a new, forward-thinking mechanism to its luxurious timepiece design, Rolex set a precedent of innovative workmanship for which it would soon become renowned.

This added function allowed users to rearrange the time display according to their own needs, representing an unprecedented level of customization, reliability, and comfort in one unbeatable package. 

20. The Rolex Sky-Dweller was the first watch to have an annual calendar complication.

The long-awaited and widely sought-after Rolex Sky-Dweller was released to the public in 2012. It was hailed as a breakthrough in the world of watchmaking technology due to its innovation of being the first watch that incorporated an annual calendar complication.

This cutting-edge and complex feature allowed for precise timekeeping by adjusting for discrepancies in differing lengths of months across the year.

21. The most complicated Rolex watch is the Sky-Dweller, with 12 different functions.

From Rolex’s grand catalog springs a timepiece unlike any other. The Sky-Dweller combines unprecedented aesthetic sophistication and fascinating complexity, mastering 12 functions with a masterful touch.

This model crowns Rolex’s enviable range as the most complicated of its treasured watches. Appealing to distinguished connoisseurs who seek excellence in every aspect of their lives, the Sky‑Dweller captures admiring glances wherever it goes. 

22. The Yachtmaster II was the first Rolex to have a “regatta timer” or countdown feature.

The Yachtmaster II is renowned for its introduction of one of Rolex’s most successful watch functions: the Regatta Timer. Launched in 2007, it was the first Rolex to incorporate a regatta timer or countdown feature on its display screen.

Allowing boat racers precise timing down to seconds starting half an hour before a race began, the Regatta function quickly became famous among those competing on a professional level. 

23. The Deepsea is the deepest diving watch in the Rolex lineup, with a depth rating of 3900ft.

The Deepsea from Rolex truly lives up to its namesake, with a scope that keeps expanses of glimmering ocean depths in its reach. With a rating of 3900 ft, there is no dive too deep for this spectacular wristwear.

Now divers everywhere can traverse places both wide and far, embracing a sight that others only ever dream of going near. Far outlasting any wave or trek, this watch paves the way for a plunge, unlike any other expedition. 

24. The current president and CEO of Rolex are Jean-Frédéric Dufour.

As the president and CEO of this iconic brand, Jean-Frédéric Dufour has held his esteemed position since 2014. He takes great pride in molding together the core values on which Rolex was founded with a clear vision to lead future generations.

Under his leadership, Rolex has introduced innovative products that have further enhanced its global presence as well as the respect that it holds within the watch industry. Dufour is succeeding legacy creators having made quite a dynamic impact in his short time with the company.

25. Rolex watches use a special lubricant called Moebius 9010, which lasts longer and is more resistant to pressure and temperature changes.

Rolex watches come complete with Moebius 9010, a specialized lubricant designed specifically to increase the longevity of the watch. Unlike other lubricants, Moebius 9010 has been proven to stand up against changes and fluctuations in temperature and pressure with unparalleled success.

This factor enables Rolex products to have increased longevity in challenging environments or under an array of extreme conditions due to their unique durability.

Conclusion

Rolex is a brand that has been around for over 100 years, and during that time it has become known as one of the most prestigious and iconic watchmakers in the world.

In this article, we’ve shared 25 little-known facts about Rolex watches. Some of these facts include information about the company’s history, its most complicated models, and the lubricant it uses to keep its watches running smoothly. We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about this legendary brand!