Rolex is a famous luxury watchmaker that is often deified and comes with a multitude of no-frills. In this article, we will delve into some of the truths about this brand, exploring its history and notable achievements. So, let’s step into the world of the almighty crown Rolex.
The Origins of Rolex:
When we glance at a Rolex dial, the words “Swiss Made” greet us, emphasizing its Swiss watchmaking heritage. However, Rolex wasn’t initially based in Switzerland. In 1905, founder Hans Wilsdorf established the brand in Hatton Garden, London, England. The move to Geneva, Switzerland, occurred in 1919 due to post-war import duties. Imagine, if the First World War hadn’t happened, Rolex might have remained British.
Rolex and Everest:
The famous claim that Rolex watches were the first on Everest was challenged. In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay conquered Everest, but they weren’t wearing Rolex. A Rolex ad falsely celebrated their achievement. The truth emerged when British Smiths watches adorned the wrists of these pioneering explorers, leading to a published apology from Rolex.
Steel Evolution:
In 1985, Rolex quietly switched from 316L to 904L steel for its watches, enhancing resistance to corrosion. However, this change wasn’t a Rolex innovation; 904L steel was first used by the diving agency COMEX in 1972. The experimental Ploprof tested 904L, but ultimately, Omega reverted to 316L.
Rolex in Space:
While the Omega Speedmaster is famed as the Moonwatch, Rolex also made its mark in space. Astronauts, including Ed Mitchell, chose the Rolex GMT-Master. Originally designed for intercontinental pilots, it became a favorite among space-faring aviators.
Affordability in the Past:
Rolex watches weren’t always expensive. That’s because in the 1950s, Rolex watches were highly water resistant and suitable for a variety of professionals. Rolex even lent its watches to soldiers during World War II. Today replica Rolexes also offer great value for money. For example, TickUnique is a brand of Rolex Watches Replica that has a 1:1 appearance.
Challenges with the US Navy:
Rolex’s strong ties with the US Navy evolved over time. In 1958, the first Rolex Submariner faced rejection from the US Navy for being “not sufficiently waterproof.” Initial complaints included concerns about the bezel and crystal.
Quality Perception:
While Rolex is celebrated globally, it’s not necessarily the highest quality watch. Rolex’s success stems from its transformation of timepieces into reliable professional tools, especially for divers and pilots. It prioritizes operational reliability over extravagance.
The Ticking Truth:
A common misconception is that Rolex watches don’t tick. However, every Rolex does tick, albeit with a mechanical movement that sweeps eight times per second, almost imperceptible to the human eye. Genuine Rolex watches do not use quartz movements.
Tudor: A Rolex Sub-brand:
In 1927, Hans Wilsdorf foresaw the need for an affordable offshoot of Rolex, and so Tudor was born, a replacement for the Submariner watch, which was supplied to the armed forces worldwide.
Rolex’s Rarity:
Despite the perceived rarity of Rolex watches, they are not as scarce as believed. Rolex manufactures around a million watches annually. A new manufacturing facility under construction aims to meet the growing demand, challenging the common perception of Rolex watches as rare.
In conclusion, the allure of a Rolex goes beyond myths. Understanding its history and dispelling misconceptions allows us to appreciate the brand’s journey and the truth behind the almighty crown. We recommend that the first watch be a replica so that you can learn about Rolex watches Reps as you wear them.