Rolex watches are inextricably linked to the visionary spirit of Hans Wilsdorf
Rolex watches are inextricably linked to the visionary spirit of Hans Wilsdorf. He started making the elegant watches in the early 20th century when the pocket watches were the reliable timepieces. Wilsdorf believed that he could complete a task that other watchmakers were unable to do at the time, which was to make a timepiece that was both elegant and reliable, as most wristwatches were not entirely precise. Wilsdorf achieved his dream as in 1910; a Rolex watch was the first wristwatch in the world to receive the Swiss Certificate of Precision, granted by the Official Watch. Rating Center in Bienne (History of Rolex, 2010).
Only four years later the Kew Observatory in Great Britain awarded a Rolex wristwatch a class ;A; precision certificate, a distinction which was reserved exclusively for marine chronometers. Wilsdorf's dreams continued to grow as in 1926 the Rolex was the birth for the first waterproof and dustproof watch. Uniquely named the Oyster, it was also the first watch to cross the English Channel during a ten hour swim with Mercedes Gleitze, a young English swimmer, who was also the first woman to swim the Channel. Of course after such an exhausting adventure, Gleitze showed signs of fatigue, but the Oyster remained unscathed.
The Oyster was a beautiful example of Rolex's cutting-edge technology combined with expression and prestige. The year 1931 Rolex continued to achieve greatness, and becoming another ;first; in the industry with the invention of the world's first self-winding mechanisms with a perpetual rotor and this ingenious design is now the origin of every modern automatic watch. The company continued with precision as they developed the professional watch, which served as tools for new professional activities such as deep-sea diving, aviation, mountain climbing and scientific exploration. Once again, in 1953 Rolex launched another ;first; with the Submariner, which guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 330 feet.
The Rolex was also the first wristwatch with an automatically changing date on the dial, the first with an automatically changing day and date on the dial and the first to show two time zones at once. It is obvious that Wilsdorf achieved the goal of elegance and precision, but he also made the name Rolex synonymous with making history and world renown achievements. The Rolex watch is a graceful sign of achievement, beauty and timelessness. To buy a Rolex watch is a personal glory, a triumph all its own. With a collection of over 14 different watches, such as The Datejust, known as the classic watch, the GMT-Master II, or the Pilot's watch, the Day-Date, the Leader's watch, or the Submariner, worn by the famous gentleman spy, James Bond, there is always a Rolex for any man or women alike.
Every Rolex is a symphony of know-how and artistry and is meticulously designed to meet the need of any individual. Rolex watches are commonly regarded as a status symbol, and BusinessWeek Magazine ranks Rolex as one of the most valuable global brands. Even a conservative person can proudly show off a fine timepiece, such as a Rolex and take pride in its functional usefulness, knowing without a doubt that it is well deserved. Thus, when it is time for a taste of class, excellence, splendor and perfection, it is time for a Rolex.
