The Little Guide to Rolex

Worn by explorers, adventurers, celebrities and cinema's greatest heroes for more than a century, Rolex is, without a doubt, the world's greatest symbol of precision, masculinity and luxury. Founded in 1905 - when men still favoured pocket watches and wristwatches were considered unreliable - Hans Wilsdorf set out to change the time he lived in. He envisioned timepieces that were accurate, elegant and robust, commissioning the finest Swiss design, artistry and accuracy from Bienne to achieve his vision. From a small London start-up, Rolex grew into the world's most celebrated watchmaker, synonymous with engineering mastery and timeless sophistication - a watch worth celebrating every second. The Little Guide to Rolex highlights 180 iconic moments in the brand's 120-year career, from the first waterproof Oyster to deep-diving Submariners, record-breaking expeditions to first-class advertising, all revealed by quotes, facts and stats that highlight its cultural impact. As Rolex declared in 1965, "It doesn't just tell time. It tells history." Let's strap in, time is ticking... SAMPLE QUOTE "I wore a Rolex 40 years ago when I broke the sound barrier and I still do today. A pilot has to believe in his equipment. That's why I wear a Rolex." - General Chuck Yeager, 1992 SAMPLE FACT Rolex changed watchmaking history in 1926 with the launch of the Oyster - the world's first waterproof wristwatch. To prove it worked, Rolex chose a dramatic first test: the English Channel. On October 21, 1927, swimmer Mercedes Gleitze, the first English woman to cross from France to England, wore a Rolex Oyster during her marathon swim in icy waters. When she emerged, the watch was still perfectly sealed and telling the accurate time.