Monte-Carlo Inspiration Summer/Eté

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Rolex

120 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE AND AUDACITY

Art of Time Haute Horlogeire

120 ANS D’EXCELLENCE ET D’AUDACE

By/par Emilie Thévenin

The passage of time continues unabated, and Rolex marks its 120 th anniversary this year. Over a century and two decades, the brand has steadfastly pushed the limits of timekeeping technology. This milestone encourages us to explore the brand’s rich heritage and its legendary founder, Hans Wilsdorf, whose pioneering vision and unwavering standards serve as a benchmark and inspiration for the entire watchmaking sector. The Genesis of a Legendary House The journey began at the onset of the 20 th century when Hans Wilsdorf established his fine watchmaking company with his associate, “Wilsdorf & Davis,” in London in 1905. Pocket watches were the dominant timepieces during this era, but Wilsdorf firmly believed that wristwatches were the future. At that time, wristwatches were deemed unreliable, presenting a challenge for him to reduce the size of the mechanism without compromising the accuracy of pocket watches. To overcome this, he imported miniature lever escapement movements from the Swiss House Aegler and assembled them in his cases. His groundbreaking watches soon gained significant acclaim. To enable global distribution of his creations, Wilsdorf sought a name that would be easily pronounced in every language, leading to the registration of Rolex in 1908. He moved the company’s headquarters to Geneva in 1919 where he founded Montres Rolex S.A. the following year. Rolex wristwatches became the first to receive precision certifications, including the Class “A” certificate from the Kew Observatory, a distinction formerly given only to marine chronometers. However, Hans Wilsdorf’s ambitions did not end there...

Hans Wildorf, around 1945 Hans Wildorf, vers 1945

First Oyster, octagonal, 1926 Première «Oyster», octagonale, 1926

First Oyster perpetual, 1931 Première «Oyster» perpétuelle, 1931

First Datejust, 1945 Première «Datejust», 1945