In the entire world, Rolex is the most popular watchmaker. The Rolex brand is a symbol of nobility. The company became well-known in the 1910s after receiving a validated chronometric performance certificate. The first waterproof and dustproof watch in the history of watchmaking was produced by Rolex in 1926. A-list stars like Dwayne Johnson, Sofia Vergara, Will Smith, Daniel Craig, Mark Wahlberg, Justin Bieber, Jason Statham, and Reese Witherspoon have praised the high-end watchmaker.
The Founder
Hans Wilsdorf was born in Kulmbach, Germany, on March 22, 1881. Johan Daniel Ferdinand Wilsdorf, his father, had a hardware store. Anna Maisel, Hans' mother, was from a distinguished brewing family in the German state of Bavaria. Hans has two siblings. The life of the family was cosy. In 1892, things for Hans, though, underwent a significant upheaval. Anna, his mother, died when she was 36 years old. Han's father also went away in a short period of time. Hans became an orphan at the age of twelve as a result. Later, Hans and his siblings were placed in the care of Anna's brothers. The three kids consequently spent their childhoods with their uncles. Hans' uncles sold the hardware store his father owned. It was a successful iron tool company. After selling it, they put the proceeds in a trust fund to support the kids when they get older.
Hans and his siblings received a first-rate education from their uncles. They instilled in him positive traits. Hans received his education at a boarding school in Coburg. Hans performed exceptionally well in math, French, and English at school. He relocated to Geneva, Switzerland, after finishing his studies. Hans began working for a pearl trader as soon as he arrived. Later, he was able to obtain a better position due to his command of the English language. Hans relocated to La Chaux-de-Fonds at the age of nineteen to work as an English correspondent. He was employed at Cuno Korten. It was a well-known pocket watch exporter. At Cuno Korten, Hans started to get interested in the watch industry. Before going back to Germany, he spent two years in La Chaux-de-Fonds.
The founding of Rolex
Hans came across an Aegler movement factory at La Chaux-de-Fonds. Small mechanical movements were a specialty of the Aegler movement producers. People used to carry pocket watches back then. They believed wristlets to be ornaments for ladies. People mistakenly believed that wristlets couldn't withstand daily living because of their exquisite design. Hans, however, had a dream about using the Aegler movement in robust wristwatches after discovering it. Hans went back to Germany shortly after to finish his military training. After completing the required service, Hans relocated to London, England, in 1903. He moved his priceless possessions, totaling 33,000 German gold marks, to begin a new life. However, things changed when he was robbed while travelling by some robbers. Hans arrived in London with nothing. He was hired by a watch manufacturer thanks to his previous knowledge of watchmaking.
Hans acquired his British citizenship and met his future wife in London. He had visions of developing extremely sophisticated wristwatches when he was employed by the watch company. Hans, however, lacked sufficient resources. He met the businessman Alfred Davis in London. He was informed by Hans of his plan to use Aegler's movement in watches. Davis opted to fund Hans' efforts because he admired his concept. The pair founded Wilsdorf and Davis in 1905. In a time when pocket timepieces were the norm, Hans and Alfred invented the wristwatch.
First Years :Wilsdorf and Davis first introduced a pocket watch. Hans, though, was certain that wristlets would become the next big thing. He went to Switzerland with Davis to work with the Aegler movement company. They collaborated to produce a unique line of wristlets using Aegler's movement. After three years of existence, the brand began to gain popularity in Britain. Hans made the decision to change the company's name soon after. But despite numerous failures, he was still unhappy with every syllable. One lovely day, Hans pondered the word "Rolex." He believed it was simple to say and simple to remember. As a result, Wilsdorf and Davis changed their name to Rolex in 1908.
Global Recognition :Rolex gave its first wristwatch in 1910 to the Bienne Official Bureau of Watch Observation. The submission was made to evaluate the watch's accuracy. Rolex surprised everyone by passing this esteemed test. It obtained a Swiss chronometer certification, making it the first wristwatch in history to do so. Soldiers first started wearing the incredibly practical Rolex watches during the First World War. The brand's recognition grew during the course of the 20th century. The first waterproof and dustproof watches were introduced by Rolex. Later, it debuted classic designs, including the Datejust, Oyster Perpetual, Sea Dweller, and Submariner. Rolex became one of the most coveted watch brands in the world because of these innovative collections.
Website:www.rolex.com
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