when did rolex start | origin of Rolex watches

Rolex. The name itself conjures images of luxury, precision, and timeless elegance. It's a brand synonymous with success, achievement, and a certain understated sophistication. But behind the iconic crown logo lies a fascinating history, a journey that began not in Switzerland, but in the heart of London. So, when did Rolex start? The answer lies in the early 20th century, with the formation of a company called Wilsdorf and Davis.

Early History: Wilsdorf and Davis – The Foundation of an Empire

The year was 1905. London, a bustling metropolis at the center of the world, was a hub of innovation and commerce. It was here that Alfred Davis and his brother-in-law, Hans Wilsdorf, embarked on a venture that would forever change the landscape of horology. They founded Wilsdorf and Davis, a company focused primarily on importing Swiss movements and fitting them into watch cases made by other firms.

This might seem like a humble beginning, far removed from the opulent image Rolex holds today. However, it was a crucial first step. Wilsdorf, a brilliant businessman with a keen eye for detail and a relentless pursuit of perfection, recognized the potential of the wristwatch. At the time, pocket watches were the dominant form of timekeeping, considered more reliable and prestigious. Wristwatches were largely seen as novelties, primarily for women and lacking the accuracy and durability demanded by serious timekeepers.

Wilsdorf, however, foresaw a future where the wristwatch would reign supreme. He believed that with sufficient dedication to quality and innovation, the wristwatch could surpass the pocket watch in both accuracy and reliability. This vision drove the early efforts of Wilsdorf and Davis.

The company didn't manufacture its own movements at this stage. Instead, they sourced high-quality movements from Swiss manufacturers, particularly from a Bienne-based company called Aegler. These movements were then meticulously regulated and fitted into watch cases sourced from various case makers. Wilsdorf and Davis focused on ensuring that the overall quality and performance of their watches were exceptional.

The Quest for Precision: The Importance of Swiss Movements

The decision to import Swiss movements was pivotal. Switzerland was already establishing itself as a center of excellence in watchmaking, renowned for its skilled artisans and its dedication to precision engineering. By partnering with Swiss manufacturers like Aegler, Wilsdorf and Davis were able to leverage this expertise and offer watches that were significantly more accurate and reliable than many of their competitors.

This focus on precision was not merely a matter of pride; it was a strategic imperative. Wilsdorf understood that if the wristwatch was to gain widespread acceptance, it needed to be demonstrably superior to the pocket watch in terms of accuracy and reliability. He invested heavily in ensuring that the movements used in his watches were of the highest possible quality and that they were rigorously tested to meet his exacting standards.

Branding and Early Marketing: Laying the Groundwork for Rolex

While Wilsdorf and Davis initially sold their watches under various brand names, including "W&D," Wilsdorf was already thinking about creating a unique and memorable brand name that would be easy to pronounce and recognize in multiple languages. This forward-thinking approach to branding was a key factor in Rolex's eventual success.

He experimented with various names, seeking something that was both aesthetically pleasing and phonetically appealing. The search for the perfect name would continue for several years, but the seeds of the Rolex brand were already being sown.

The Birth of Rolex: A Name Synonymous with Excellence

The exact etymology of the name "Rolex" remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. Hans Wilsdorf himself offered several explanations over the years, but none have been definitively confirmed. Some speculate that it was a contraction of "horlogerie exquise" (exquisite watchmaking in French), while others believe it was simply a name that Wilsdorf found aesthetically pleasing and easy to pronounce.

Regardless of its origin, the name "Rolex" was officially registered on July 2, 1908. This marked a significant turning point in the company's history. From this point forward, the company's watches would be branded with the Rolex name, solidifying its identity and paving the way for its global recognition.

The choice of name was a stroke of genius. "Rolex" is short, memorable, and easily pronounceable in most languages. It also has a certain inherent elegance and sophistication that perfectly reflects the quality and craftsmanship of the watches themselves.

The Move to Switzerland: A Strategic Relocationwhen did rolex start

In 1912, Wilsdorf moved the company's operations from London to Bienne, Switzerland. This move was driven by several factors, including the desire to be closer to the company's primary supplier of movements, Aegler, and the growing importance of Switzerland as a center of watchmaking expertise.

The move to Switzerland allowed Rolex to exert greater control over the production process and to collaborate more closely with its suppliers. It also positioned the company at the heart of the Swiss watchmaking industry, allowing it to benefit from the region's rich history, skilled workforce, and advanced manufacturing capabilities.

The First Rolex Watch Ever Made: A Question of Definition