Rolex is one of the most well known and most respected brands in the world. Even if you don’t know anything about watches, you have heard of Rolex.
1, The name Rolex means... nothing.
Hans Wilsdorf wanted a name that could be pronounced in every country and language. Looks like he succeeded, because it’s impossible to butcher the name Rolex. You think that’s a stupid motivation? Have you ever heard an American pronounce ‘Jaeger Le-Coultre’?
2, Rolex is 114 years old
Rolex was founded in 1905, which is relatively young, compared to it’s competitors. Blancpain, for example, is from 1735.
3, Rolex wanted to send the Daytona to the moon.
Rolex lost the space battle to Omega. The Daytona was first named ‘cosmograph’. This is actually pretty ironic: The Omega Speedmaster was designed to be a race watch, but ended up being a moonwatch, and the Rolex Daytona was designed to be a moonwatch, but ended up being a race watch. Nevertheless, both ended up in a good place.
4, The most expensive Rolex sold for €15.500.000
The most expensive Rolex ever sold at auction was the original Paul Newman Daytona. It was also the most expensive wristwatch ever sold at auction. The watch belonged to legendary actor and playboy Paul Newman, and had a major influence on today’s vintage market.
5, Rolex makes their own gold
To ensure the best quality of gold, Rolex has its own foundry inhouse. Rolex is actually the only watch brand in the world that makes its own gold.