There are very few people in the Western world who aren’t familiar with the brand Rolex. The exclusive high-end watch maker is well-known for their fashionable and expensive timepieces. The Rolex brand was created in 1905 and is now the largest luxury watch brand in the world, producing more than 2,000 watches every day and enjoying annual revenues in the billions of dollars. The company was founded by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred David in London, with the intention of utilizing the best Swiss techniques and combining them with a unique style that would eventually become world famous.
There are a number of features that have contributed significantly to the popularity of Rolex watches. In addition to driving many of the design features of the last century, Rolex watches offer a number of useful and practical features. These include:
Ceramic Bezels: Bezels are essential to the long-term structural integrity of a watch. Ceramic bezels make Rolex watches particularly scratch resistant and resistant to UV rays. Under normal circumstances UV rays from the sun can gradually break down the integrity of a watch. By utilizing ceramic in their bezels, Rolex has effectively removed that issue, which contributes to Rolex watches retaining their value over decades.
Water Resistant Casing: Rolex was the first watch maker to introduce the concept of a water resistant watch. In the early 20th century, the idea of a watch that could withstand depths of 100 meters was incredible, and this feature contributed significantly to the popularity of the brand.
Quartz-based timekeeping: Rolex was part of the initial research and development necessary to implement Quartz-based movement within watches. In the 1960s, Rolex joined with several Swiss watchmakers to create the “Beta 21 quartz movement”. Quartz-based timekeeping continues to be an industry standard to this day.
These groundbreaking features, along with many others, established Rolex as one of the premier watch makers in the world. However, it is the designs and models that Rolex has released over the years that has ensured the brand’s survival for over a century and has made Rolex watches arguably the best investment you can wear on your wrist. The following are a few of the models that helped catapult Rolex into the industry leader it is today:
Rolex Daytona:
Rolex Daytona 16523 Two Tone Zenith White Dial Watch
The Rolex Daytona is arguably the most well-known and valued model ever made by Rolex. It was first developed in the 1960s and was hand-powered (as opposed to battery powered). Movie star Paul Newman was known to sport a Daytona, which contributed significantly to its popularity.
Submariner:
The Submariner is Rolex’s signature water resistant model. The current models are waterproof up to 1000 feet and include glass that magnifies the faceplate for easier viewing. Although not cheap, the Submariner is known as one of Rolex’s more affordable options. Robert Redford and Johnny Depp are frequently seen wearing this model.
Rolex GMT Master:
The GMT Master is the brand most people commonly associate with Rolex watches. The distinctive red and blue adjustable hand was originally created for airlines like Pan-Am that wanted their crews to be able to keep track of two different time zones.
If you’re looking for a fashionable timepiece and price isn’t a concern, you should absolutely consider one of Rolex’s many models.
