Rolex is a Swiss luxury watch company that has a 116-year history of innovation in both marketing and precision engineering. The company was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London. The name "Rolex" was inspired by Wilsdorf while he was riding on a double-decker bus, as it was a unique combination of letters that could be easily pronounced in any language. In 1910, Rolex became the first wristwatch retailer to receive an independently ratified Chronometric Certification. In 1919, the company moved to Geneva due to a 33% tax on custom imports in England.
In 1944, Wilsdorf founded the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation after the passing of his wife Florence. The foundation works as a private family trust and donates proceeds from Wilsdorf's shares in the company to different charitable causes. In 1960, ownership of the company was passed on to the foundation upon Wilsdorf's death. In 2017, the foundation donated $100 million to HEAD's campus, an applied arts school in Geneva.
Throughout its history, Rolex has made many technical innovations, including the first waterproof watch in 1926, the first automatic winding wristwatch in 1931, and the first self-winding chronometer in 1945. The company has also been associated with many historic events, such as the first submarine to reach the bottom of the Mariana Trench in 1960, and the first moon landing in 1969.
Today, Rolex continues to be a leading luxury watch brand, known for its commitment to quality and innovation. Its watches are recognized worldwide for their precision, elegance, and durability.
The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona is one of the few watches that can truly be called an icon. Launched in 1963, the evolution of the Daytona has been gradual and subtle, which has contributed greatly to its enduring appeal.
While the earliest versions of the Daytona saw little demand, its major redesign in the 1980s, and its connection to Hollywood and racing legend Paul Newman, changed its course. Today, Rolex Daytona watches, vintage and modern, are the most sacred watch to collectors.
The latest generation of the Daytona – in particular, the stainless steel ceramic bezel version – have been notoriously difficult to obtain. The highly anticipated ref 116500LN made its debut in 2016, and until today, is still one of the most popular sports watches around.
Movement | Self Winding |
---|---|
Calibre |
In House Calibre 4130
|
Dial | White |
Case size | 40mm |
Material | Stainless Steel |
Bracelet | Oyster Stainless Bracelet |
Glass | Sapphire |
Condition | New |
Box & Papers | Complete, Full set |