Rolex Datejust Turn-O-Graph

Rolex, one of the world's most prestigious luxury watch brands, was founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis. Originally known as "Wilsdorf & Davis," the company initially specialized in the manufacture of high-quality watch cases and movements. Three years later, they registered the brand name "Rolex," which was designed to be both easy to pronounce and look attractive on the dials.

In 1908, Hans Wilsdorf moved the company to Geneva, a center of watchmaking. This decision proved to be groundbreaking for the future development of the brand. In 1910, Rolex was the first company in the world to obtain an official chronometer certificate for a wristwatch, setting a new standard in terms of precision and reliability.

In the decades that followed, Rolex launched numerous innovations that revolutionized watchmaking. In 1926, the company developed the first waterproof wristwatch, the "Oyster." This revolutionary invention was impressively demonstrated in 1927 by Mercedes Gleitze, who was wearing a Rolex Oyster, crossing the English Channel.

In 1931, Rolex introduced the "Perpetual" rotor, an automatic self-winding mechanism that is now considered the industry standard. In the 1950s and 1960s, Rolex launched iconic models such as the Submariner, the Daytona and the Day-Date, which were well received by the world of watch enthusiasts as well as professional athletes and explorers.

Today, Rolex stands not only for precision and reliability, but also for prestige and timeless elegance. The brand has earned a firm place in the history of watchmaking through its constant search for perfection and innovation and continues to be a symbol of excellence and luxury.

Hans Wilsdorf, born on March 22, 1881 in Kulmbach, Germany, was a visionary entrepreneur and the creative mind behind the Rolex brand. From a young age, Wilsdorf showed a remarkable affinity for precision and attention to detail. After the death of his parents, he was sent to boarding school where he received a solid education that laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

In 1905, Wilsdorf founded the company "Wilsdorf & Davis" in London together with his brother-in-law Alfred Davis. Their mission was to produce high-quality wristwatches that were both precise and elegant. Wilsdorf recognized the potential of wristwatches early on, which were still considered inaccurate and unreliable at the time. He set himself the goal of changing this perception.

The introduction of the brand name "Rolex" in 1908 was a strategic move designed to make the brand internationally known. Wilsdorf wanted a name that was easy to pronounce in all languages ​​and that would fit well on watch cases. The company's move to Geneva in 1919, a city with a long tradition in watchmaking, was another milestone in Rolex's history.

Hans Wilsdorf was not only a gifted businessman, but also an innovative thinker. Under his leadership, Rolex developed groundbreaking technologies such as the waterproof Oyster case and the Perpetual Rotor. Wilsdorf had an unerring instinct for what watch enthusiasts and professionals were looking for, and he worked tirelessly to meet those needs.

Wilsdorf married his wife Florence Frances May Crotty, with whom he had a happy marriage. After his wife died in 1944, he founded the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which still holds a significant share of Rolex shares and supports various charitable projects.

Hans Wilsdorf died on July 6, 1960, but his legacy lives on in the Rolex brand. His unwavering belief in quality and innovation made Rolex one of the most respected watch brands in the world. His vision and commitment laid the foundations on which Rolex still stands today.

The Cosmograph Daytona "Paul Newman" is not just a watch, but a piece of racing history linked to one of cinema's biggest stars. Its design and functionality have made it popular with collectors and racing drivers alike.

The GMT Master Ref. 1675, known from the film "Apocalypse Now", was originally developed for pilots and is ideal for travelers with its ability to display multiple time zones. The Daytona Ref. 6265 "Unicorn" is characterized by its rarity and is a sought-after collector's item.

The GMT-Master II and the Day-Date are masterpieces of functionality and design, appreciated for both their reliability and their timeless aesthetics. These watches are not only technical milestones, but also stylish companions for the modern wearer.

These models demonstrate how Rolex continually advances the art of watchmaking with innovative design and technical precision.