where was rolex founded ,origin of Rolex watches,where was rolex founded, Founding, expansion, and moving: Rolex was founded in London in 1905, and initially acted as a wholesaler of watches for local jewelry stores. It would eventually go on to . Oyster, 36 mm, Oystersteel. Oyster architecture. Monobloc middle case, screw-down case back and winding crown. Diameter. 36 mm. Material. Oystersteel. Bezel. Domed. Winding crown. Screw-down, Twinlock double waterproofness system. Crystal. Scratch-resistant sapphire, Cyclops lens over the date. Water resistance. Waterproof to 100 metres / 330 feet

The story of Rolex is deeply rooted in the visionary ideas of its founder, Hans Wilsdorf, and its legacy of excellence in craftsmanship, precision, and innovation. Today, Rolex is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious luxury watchmakers in the world. The company’s origins are intertwined with the evolution of wristwatches, which were once considered less accurate than pocket watches, and Hans Wilsdorf’s relentless pursuit to revolutionize how timepieces were designed, made, and worn.
In this article, we will explore where Rolex was founded, its historical background, and the key milestones that led to the rise of the brand. Additionally, we will address other important aspects such as who owns Rolex today, the legacy of Hans Wilsdorf, and where the watches are made. Join us as we delve into the fascinating story of Rolex, a brand that has redefined luxury, precision, and timeless style.
The Birth of Rolex: The Visionary Behind the Brand
The history of Rolex begins with Hans Wilsdorf, a German-born entrepreneur who moved to London in the early 20th century. Wilsdorf was not just an entrepreneur but a visionary who saw the potential for wristwatches to become a mainstream accessory, a device that could be worn by anyone at any time. In 1905, at just 24 years old, Wilsdorf founded a company in London that initially dealt in the distribution of high-quality timepieces. The company was called “Wilsdorf & Davis,” and its primary goal was to bring the best Swiss watches to the British market.
However, Hans Wilsdorf’s aspirations went beyond simply selling watches. At that time, wristwatches were often considered unreliable and less accurate than pocket watches. The precision and reliability of wristwatches were still in question, especially for those who needed to rely on them for accurate timekeeping. Wilsdorf was determined to change this perception.
# Why London?
When you ask, "Where was Rolex founded?" it's important to note that Rolex was originally founded in London, England. Hans Wilsdorf chose London as the starting point for his venture for several reasons. London was a thriving hub for trade and commerce at the time, and Wilsdorf had already gained some experience working with watches. In addition to this, London provided access to a vast network of suppliers and customers, which was crucial for the fledgling business.
Wilsdorf also had a specific vision for the future of the wristwatch, and he believed that London’s business climate was an ideal place to make his dreams a reality. By 1908, Wilsdorf had registered the name “Rolex” as the brand’s official trademark. The name "Rolex" was chosen because it was short, easy to pronounce in many languages, and simple to remember. It had a luxurious ring to it, which Wilsdorf believed would resonate with potential customers.
The First Rolex Watches: A Revolution in Precision
One of the most important milestones in Rolex’s early history was its development of the first truly reliable wristwatch. Prior to this, wristwatches were often seen as a novelty, an accessory rather than a practical timekeeping device. The key breakthrough came in 1910 when Rolex earned the prestigious Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, awarded to wristwatches that met the high standards of timekeeping accuracy. This achievement placed Rolex at the forefront of the wristwatch revolution, proving that wristwatches could indeed be just as accurate as pocket watches.
The brand continued to innovate in the years that followed. In 1926, Rolex introduced the Oyster case, a groundbreaking design that was the first truly waterproof and dustproof case for a wristwatch. This innovation was a game-changer and demonstrated Rolex's commitment to producing watches that were not only reliable but also practical for everyday use.
The Oyster case was quickly followed by another important development: the self-winding mechanism. In 1931, Rolex introduced the "Perpetual" movement, which used the motion of the wearer’s arm to wind the watch. This invention ensured that the watch would remain powered without the need for manual winding, making it more convenient for the wearer.
The Move to Switzerland

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where was rolex founded - origin of Rolex watches