rolex wiki deutsch | Rolex wikipedia english

While "Rolex Wiki Deutsch" literally translates to "Rolex Wiki German," this article will provide a comprehensive overview of Rolex's history and origins, drawing information that would typically be found on a Wikipedia page (in any language) and addressing related topics. We will explore the company's founding, its evolution, and its lasting impact on the world of horology, touching upon areas like the Rolex Submariner, the Oyster Perpetual, and the life of its founder, Hans Wilsdorf. This article will act as a "Rolex Wiki," covering the information one would expect to find in a comprehensive German-language entry.

Rolex: More Than Just a Watch – A Symbol of Excellence

Rolex is synonymous with luxury, precision, and enduring quality. The name itself evokes images of success, adventure, and a certain timeless elegance. But beyond the brand recognition and the price tag, lies a fascinating history of innovation, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. Understanding the origins and evolution of Rolex is crucial to appreciating its significance in the world of horology and beyond.

The Genesis of Rolex: Wilsdorf and Davis (1905-1919)

The story of Rolex begins not in Switzerland, but in London, England, in 1905. Two men, Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, founded a company initially named Wilsdorf and Davis. Wilsdorf, a German businessman with a keen eye for opportunity, and Davis, his eventual brother-in-law, shared a vision: to create reliable and elegant wristwatches. At the time, wristwatches were largely considered delicate and unreliable novelties, favored by women but largely dismissed by men, who preferred the more robust and accurate pocket watches.

* Where did Rolex originate? Rolex originated in London, England.

* Where was Rolex founded? Rolex was founded in London, England.

Wilsdorf recognized the potential of the wristwatch and believed that it could become a respected and desirable timekeeping instrument. He focused on sourcing high-quality movements from Swiss manufacturer Hermann Aegler in Bienne, Switzerland. These movements were meticulously regulated and cased in England by Wilsdorf and Davis.

The early watches were sold to jewelers who then placed their own names on the dials. However, Wilsdorf had a grander vision: to establish his own brand identity.

The Birth of the Brand: Rolex (1908)

In 1908, Wilsdorf registered the name "Rolex" as the brand name for his watches. The reason for choosing this particular name remains somewhat shrouded in mystery. Wilsdorf himself stated that he wanted a name that was short, easy to pronounce in any language, and visually appealing. He reportedly experimented with hundreds of combinations of letters before settling on "Rolex." Some speculate that it was derived from the French phrase "horlogerie exquise" (exquisite watchmaking), though there's no concrete evidence to support this claim.

The choice of "Rolex" proved to be a stroke of genius. Its simplicity and memorability contributed significantly to the brand's global recognition.

Early Innovations and the Quest for Precisionrolex wiki deutsch

From the outset, Wilsdorf was committed to producing watches of exceptional accuracy and reliability. He understood that demonstrating the precision of his wristwatches was crucial to overcoming the prevailing skepticism.

In 1910, a Rolex wristwatch received the first Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision granted to a wristwatch by the Official Watch Rating Centre in Bienne. This was a landmark achievement that validated Wilsdorf's vision and established Rolex as a serious player in the horological world.

Four years later, in 1914, a Rolex wristwatch received a Class "A" precision certificate from the Kew Observatory in Great Britain, an honor previously reserved for marine chronometers. This further solidified Rolex's reputation for accuracy and dependability.

These early certifications were instrumental in convincing the public that wristwatches could be as accurate and reliable as pocket watches.

Moving to Geneva: The Swiss Connection (1919)

After World War I, economic conditions in Britain deteriorated, and import duties on watch movements increased. In 1919, Wilsdorf made the strategic decision to move the company's headquarters to Geneva, Switzerland. This move solidified Rolex's association with Swiss watchmaking excellence and provided access to a skilled workforce and a well-established infrastructure.

The company was renamed Rolex Watch Co. SA and later Montres Rolex SA. Geneva has remained the home of Rolex ever since.

The Oyster: A Revolution in Waterproofing (1926)

One of Rolex's most significant innovations was the development of the Oyster case in 1926. The Oyster case was the world's first waterproof wristwatch case, featuring a hermetically sealed case that protected the movement from water and dust.

The Oyster case was a game-changer, transforming the perception of wristwatches from delicate accessories to robust and reliable timekeeping instruments suitable for any environment.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of the Oyster case, Wilsdorf famously equipped Mercedes Gleitze, a British swimmer, with a Rolex Oyster watch during her attempt to swim the English Channel in 1927. After more than 10 hours in the water, the watch was still functioning perfectly, proving the Oyster's remarkable waterproof capabilities. This event was heavily publicized, further cementing Rolex's reputation for innovation and reliability.