Rolex is undoubtedly one of the most famous and prestigious watch brands in the world. However, there are many things you may not know about this Swiss watch company. Here are 12 interesting facts you probably didn't know about Rolex.

1. The humble origins of the brand

Contrary to what one might think, Rolex was not founded in Switzerland but in London, England, in 1905. Hans Wilsdorf, a German, and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, created the Wilsdorf company & Davis which later became Rolex SA.

It was not until 1919 that the company moved to Geneva, due to high taxes on gold and silver imports into Britain during World War I.

2. The name "Rolex" has no special meaning

Hans Wilsdorf wanted a name that was easy to pronounce in all languages ​​and also short and memorable. He would have tested several combinations of letters before coming across the word “Rolex”, which would be a contraction of “Horlogerie Exquise”.

According to some sources, the name was also chosen for its resemblance to the noise a watch makes when it is wound.

3. The world's first waterproof wristwatch

Rolex is at the origin of the first waterproof wristwatch in the world, baptized “Oyster”. In 1926, Rolex filed the patent for a water and dust resistant watch case. The Oyster model was shown off during a Channel crossing by Mercedes Gleitze, a British swimmer, who wore the watch throughout her feat.

4. The origin of the logo

The iconic Rolex logo, a gold crown with five points, symbolizes royalty and excellence. The crown also represents the five fingers of the human hand, while the golden ratio (1.618) is found in the proportions of the logo.

The latter has evolved over the years, going from the simple inscription “Rolex” to the addition of the crown and finally to the current version with the crown and the brand name.

5. Rolex pocket watches

Before focusing on wristwatches, Rolex mainly produced pocket watches, which were very popular at the time. However, wristwatches quickly took over pocket watches due to their practicality and elegance.

6. Major innovations in watchmaking

Rolex has always been at the forefront of innovation, with several major watchmaking inventions. Among these are:

• The first self-winding mechanical movement with a free rotor, called the “Perpetual”
• The first wristwatch with a date, the “Datejust”
• The first waterproof watch to a depth of 100 meters, the “Submariner”
• The first system for simultaneously displaying two time zones, the “GMT-Master”

7. A partnership with the British royal family

Rolex has had close ties with the British royal family since the 1930s. In 1953, Queen Elizabeth II received a Rolex Oyster Perpetual at her coronation, while Prince Charles also wears a Rolex.

8. Watches worn by famous personalities

Many celebrities have been seen wearing Rolex watches over the years, including:

1. Paul Newman, whose Rolex Daytona is extremely popular with collectors today
2. Steve McQueen, who wore a Rolex Submariner
3. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who summited Everest in 1953 wearing Rolex Oyster Perpetuals
4. James Bond, who wore several Rolex models on screen

9. A meticulous and rigorous manufacturing process

Rolex is known for its attention to detail and the quality of its watches. Each part of a Rolex watch is manufactured in-house, which guarantees strict quality control. In addition, each mechanical movement is chronometer-certified by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC).

10. Exclusive and durable materials

Rolex uses specific materials to guarantee the durability and aesthetics of its watches, such as:

• 904L stainless steel, more resistant to corrosion than the stainless steel commonly used in watchmaking
• Cerachrom, a patented ceramic resistant to scratches and ultraviolet rays, used for watch bezels
• Diamonds selected according to very strict criteria and set by master jewelers

11. The Taste of Secrecy

Rolex is renowned for its discretion when it comes to its production numbers and internal workings. Its founder, Hans Wilsdorf, bequeathed all his shares in the company to the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a private charitable foundation, to ensure the independence and sustainability of the brand.

12. An environmental and societal commitment

Although discreet about its actions, Rolex is involved in various environmental and societal initiatives, such as:

• Ocean protection and marine research, through partnerships with National Geographic and Sylvia Earle's Mission Blue
• Support for the preservation of cultural heritage, notably by sponsoring the restoration of the Sistine Chapel
• Support for young talent, thanks to the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative program which allows promising young artists to be accompanied by recognized mentors in their field

Rolex is an iconic and respected brand, whose history and achievements continue to fascinate watch enthusiasts and the general public. Beyond its iconic models, it is also the values ​​and the spirit of innovation of this Swiss watchmaking company that continue to seduce and impress.