5 important curiosities about Rolex
That Rolex is one of the most esteemed and sought-after high watchmaking brands in the world is a fact. The Swiss house is known worldwide for the beauty and luxury of its timepieces, which have the great merit of representing a value that grows over time. At Ferro Gioielli you can find the most beautiful and sought-after models such as Second Hand, refurbished and certified, perfect for preserving the beauty of timepieces from the past.
But let’s discover together 5 important curiosities about Rolex - Part 1 that will make you fall even more in love with the brand!
Rolex was born in London
Although it is a Swiss company, the origins of Rolex are found in London, where its activity began in 1905. The two founders of the brand, Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, imported Swiss timepieces to London, which were assembled in English watch cases. London Rolex lasted until 1919, the year when the two half-brothers closed the London office/workshop to return to Switzerland.
A genius for a name
Many wonder what the origin of the name ‘Rolex’ is. Well, it seems to be a true stroke of genius. The founder Wilsdorf recounts that, initially, the search for a unique name arose from the random combination of letters of the alphabet. Yet, one morning, while traveling seated in a carriage in central London, a little spirit whispered the word ‘Rolex’ into his ear. Could it have been a true genius… of watchmaking?
Other, less fanciful sources place the origin of the name in the abbreviation of horological excellence, or watchmaking excellence, or the French horologerie exquise, exquisite watchmaking.
The most luxurious Rolex ever
The most luxurious and, consequently, most expensive Rolex ever is the 1942 Rolex model. Made that year, it was sold for over a million dollars.
It is made as a ‘split-second’, with a matte silver dial and rose gold numbers. According to Christie's, which presented it at auction as the most exclusive ever produced by the Swiss house, the watch is one of the eight surviving pieces out of the first 12 made for the pilots of the time.
Rolex like Sherlock Holmes
In the past, it was possible to identify a businessman killed by murder precisely thanks to the Rolex he wore on his wrist. Even though the gentleman’s body was found by the police two weeks after his death, the watch was still working.
Not just watchmakers
Not only watchmaking, but also goldsmithing and gemmology! For the creation of its unique pieces, the house relies on cutting-edge gemmologists, as well as the best instruments. Rolex pays great attention to the choice of gems used to adorn its timepieces, to diamond testing, and to their setting. Such charm, for this brand that has written history!
The curiosities about Rolex, however, do not end here. Stay tuned to learn more about the Swiss house and its most beautiful products. Meanwhile, come visit us at Ferro Gioielli to discover the perfect Second Hand Rolex for you!
