The History of Rolex Watches

Rolex is a well-known brand of luxury watches; many buyers and sellers may even say it’s the most recognisable brand in the industry. It may not be as old as some of its competitors, but the Rolex company has definitely established themselves as a market leader in timepieces. In this article, we’re giving you a brief history of the Rolex watch.

Rolex was Founded in 1905

In comparison to other watchmakers, Rolex is relatively young. Originally started in London by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law, Aflred Davis, Rolex was initially named “Wilsdorf & Davis”. This company would import Swiss parts, put them in watch cases and sell them to large retail stores, often stamping the cases with “W & D”. There are collectable watch cases from this period in rotation to this day.

Until Wilsdorf & Davis pushed for a change, the most common kind of timepiece was a pocket watch. W & D believed watches should be small and comfortable enough to be worn on the wrist, and began creating high-quality, accurate watches that could be.

Where Did “Rolex” Come From?

No one truly knows where the name Rolex came from. Some people believe it comes from the term “Ho ROLogical Excellence” but this has never been proved. Another theory is that one of the owners mixed his love for Rolls Royce cars with the name for watches at the time, “Timex”.

It is believed that Rolex was chosen due to the creator of Kodak’s philosophy on naming a business: the name “must be short… incapable of being misspelled to an extent that will destroy its identity, and, in order to satisfy trademark laws, it must mean nothing”. Despite the meaning of the name, Rolex was registered in 1915 and has become an incredible success story.

What Makes Rolex So Sought After?

Rolex watches are a statement in luxury and success. Their hefty price tag is due to the expense and quality of the materials used in the manufacturing process. Rolexes are made from stainless steel and can incorporate precious metals and diamonds. These watches are investments that last a lifetime and may even be passed down as family heirlooms.

Rolex is synonymous with innovation. This watch company has achieved over 20 world records in 20 years, including creating the world’s first completely waterproof watch. They even specially created a watch that travelled to 11,000ft under water.

Buying and Selling Rolex Watches

At Harrington & Co , we often come across rare and vintage Rolex watches. If you’re looking to sell your Rolex, or you want to purchase something incredibly special as a gift or investment, visit our online store and get in touch.