Wristwatch Stroy Every Week

A good name may be half done, but the rest of the foundation that make Rolex gained huge success was its innovations.

The modern Rolex is almost the prototype of all modern watches. Many useful watch functions we are familiar with, actually origins from Rolex: the waterproof case, the self winding movement, the date and day window in the dial, the GMT two time zone watch and the diving watch…

The Development of Wristwatch
Rolex’s first major success came from the sales of wristwatches.

Back in the age of the founding of Rolex, most of the watches were still pocket watches as most watch makers still had difficulty to produce accurate and reliable movements in small size that can fit in a wristwatch.

Being a perfectionist, Wilsdorf strived to improved the standards for smaller and more accurate movements. Finally he found a small Swiss company Aegler to supply movements small enough to be worn on the wrist.

In 1910, Rolex sent their first movement to the School of Horology in Switzerland. It was awarded the world’s first wrist watch chronometer rating. Later in 1914, Kew Observatory of the United Kingdom issued a certificate of precision to Wilsdorf and Davis (certification which only had been allotted to military stop watches of the British navy). The Rolex watches (called Wilsdorf and Davis by then) soon become known for their precision.

The First Waterproof Watch
Although accuracy was improved, there is other adverse factors that hinder the popularity of wristwatches. Being exposed to the environment, a wristwatch was more vulnerable than a pocket watch as dust and moisture would enter in the watch case through the winder (crown) and through the case itself.

Wilsdorf solved the problem by the invention of the “Screw Crown” that improves the sealing of the wrist watches. Recalling the difficulty in opening an oyster at a dinner party, Wilsdorf gave his creation an interesting name: Rolex Oyster.

Wilsdorf is not only an ingenious watchmaker, but also a brilliant marketer. To make his new Rolex Oyster model known to the world, Wilsdorf struck an agreement for an English Channel swimmer by the name of Mercedes Gleitze to wear one of the Rolex Oyster watches during her swim. He even sent a photographer to chronicle Gleitze’s endeavor. When Gleitze emerged triumphantly from the sea with her Rolex Oyster unscathed, the name of Rolex Oyster became the synonym of high-quality water-proof wristwatches. Rolex then soon opened a big market for wristwatches.

Ever since the production of the world’s first water-proof wristwatches, Rolex have made many other great inventions that shaped the modern watches. This is probably the most important reason why Rolex watches are so deeply loved by people all around the world.

You are also a Rolex fan? Then you can’t miss our splendid collection of Rolex replica watches. Become a member now and get the coupon code for a $20 discount!

• Striking Rolex Datejust Lady 31 MM – The 2010 New Collection
• Rolex Air King, An Old Warrior
• An Overview of Rolex watch Collection
• Origin of Rolex – The Rolex History(1)