Explore Rolex’s
History and Tradition
Founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, Rolex quickly rose to prominence through its focus on precision and reliability. The name “Rolex” was registered in 1908 to symbolize luxury and innovation. By 1919, Rolex moved its operations to Geneva, Switzerland, and the name became synonymous with quality watchmaking.
Important milestones in Rolex’s history include
1926: Launch of the Oyster, the world’s first waterproof wristwatch.
1931: Invention of the perpetual calendar oscillating weight, the first self-winding mechanism.
1953: Launch of the Submariner, the first diving watch water-resistant to 100 meters.
1956: Creation of the Day-Date, the first wristwatch to display the date and day of the week in their entirety.
1963: Launch of the Cosmograph Daytona, designed for professional racing drivers.
Craftsmanship and Innovation
Rolex watches are renowned for their craftsmanship and innovative technology. Each watch is a perfect blend of art and science, crafted to meet the highest standards of quality.
MATERIALS: Rolex uses only the finest materials, such as Oyster (high-performance stainless steel, known as 904L steel), 18K gold and 950 platinum. The brand has also developed exclusive materials such as Cerachrom for the bezel and Parachrom for the hairspring.
Precision: Every Rolex movement is Super Chronometer certified to ensure accuracy within -2/+2 seconds per day. This certification is more stringent than the standard COSC certification.
Durability: Innovations such as the Oyster case, Triplock crown and Cerachrom bezel ensure that Rolex watches can withstand extreme conditions, whether underwater or at high altitude.
Rolex Terminology
Understanding Rolex-specific terminology will enhance your appreciation and ability to recognize different models. Here are some basic terms:
Oyster: A rugged, water-resistant case introduced in 1926 that is the basis for most Rolex models.
Perpetual Calendar: Self-winding movement driven by the movement of the wearer’s wrist, introduced in 1931.
Solo Lens: A magnifying glass on the date window that increases clarity by a factor of 2.5.
Rolesor: Rolesor: The combination of Oyster steel and gold (yellow, white or Everose gold) in one watch, a Rolex design icon since the early 1930s.
Superlative: Indicates that a watch has passed Rolex’s rigorous precision tests, which are twice as stringent as the standard COSC certification.
Ceramic: A highly durable ceramic material used for the bezel that is resistant to scratches and UV rays, ensuring that the bezel retains its original color and appearance.
Triplock Crown: A triple waterproofing system designed specifically for underwater watches that ensures that the watch will function even at considerable depths.
Parachrom hairspring: Rolex has developed a blue alloy hairspring that is more resistant to shocks and magnetic fields, improving the precision of the watch. This is a very striking and decisive element in the movement.
Helium Valve: Helium valve: a feature on professional diving watches such as the Sea-Dweller that allows helium to escape during decompression to prevent damage to the watch. glidelock
Clasp: a clasp mechanism that allows the diver to easily adjust the length of the bracelet to ensure a secure fit on the suit. maxi
Dial: larger hour markers and hands for improved readability, as seen on models such as the Submariner and GMT-Master II. Chromolux
: Luminous material used on the dial and hands that emits a long-lasting blue light in low light conditions.
Ring Command Bezel: Equipped on models such as the Sky-Dweller and Yacht-Master II, this bezel interacts with the movement to set functions such as the annual calendar and regatta timer.
Two-tone: A watch that combines two metals (usually gold and steel) in the case and bracelet. jubilee
: A five-piece chain-link metal bracelet introduced in 1945, known for its comfort and elegant design.
President: Unique three-piece precious metal link bracelet on the Day-Date model.Oysterflex
A high-performance elastomer bracelet with flexible metal tabs for durability and comfort Bark
Finish: a distinctive bark texture used on some Rolex straps and bezels.
The inner bezel is usually engraved with “Rolex” and the serial number.
MOP (Mother of Pearl): a natural material used for dials with a unique iridescent appearance.
Meteorite: a rare material used for dials with the natural patterns of meteorites.
904L steel: High-grade stainless steel used by Rolex, known for its excellent corrosion resistance and finish.
Arrowhead: Arrow-shaped hands or hour markers, often used on certain vintage models.
Folding clasp: a clasp that folds open to allow the bracelet to unfold and then securely fasten.
Hidden clasp: a clasp design that creates the appearance of a seamless bracelet. GMT
A complication that tracks two time zones simultaneously, popularized by the GMT-Master model.
Gemstone: a synthetic ruby used in watch movements to minimize friction and wear on moving parts.
: Luminous material used on dials and hands, later replaced by Super-Luminova, which is brighter and lasts longer. Copper green
: the natural aging process of materials such as dials and luminescence, often sought after in vintage watches. rolesium
Rhodium: combination of Oyster steel and platinum, used on Yachting Masterpiece models.
Subdials: subdials within the main dial, used for additional functions such as chronographs.Super
-Luminova: an advanced luminescent material that shines brighter and lasts longer in low light conditions.
Armed with these terms, you’ll be well on your way to recognizing and understanding the unique qualities of a Rolex watch. Stay tuned, as we will soon be posting a more comprehensive article on Rolex terminology, from which you will be able to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of Rolex and watch collecting.
The Rolex Collection
The Rolex collection is designed with a clear purpose and unique features to suit a variety of lifestyles and preferences. In this section, we will explore each collection, highlighting the key features that make it recognizable.
Oyster Perpetual
OVERVIEW: The Oyster Perpetual is the quintessential Rolex, known for its simplicity, classic design and sturdy construction. It represents the core Rolex principles of precision, durability and timeless style. As the least expensive of the modern Rolex watches, it is one of the best of the entry-level watches, yet it has Swiss quality and precision in its DNA.
Key visual features: smooth bezel, clear and easy-to-read dial, stick hour markers, no date complication.
Popular styles and variants: sizes range from 28mm to 41mm, with dials in a variety of colors, including vibrant turquoise and coral red.
Price range: Entry-level prices, usually starting at around $5,000.
How to recognize it: Look for a date window and a clean, simple design.
