Makers & Designers

Rolex was founded in 1905 in London by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, later moving its headquarters to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1919. The company revolutionized watchmaking by introducing the world’s first waterproof wristwatch, the Oyster (1926), and the self-winding Perpetual rotor (1931), innovations that became the foundation of modern wristwatches.

Rolex pioneered professional tool watches, including the Submariner (1953) for divers, the Explorer (1953) for mountaineers, the GMT-Master (1955) for pilots, and the Daytona (1963) for racing drivers. These models cemented their identity as both a symbol of precision and a companion for exploration.

Rolex remains one of the most recognized luxury watch brands in the world. Its independence is safeguarded through ownership by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a charitable trust, ensuring that its profits support philanthropic causes while continuing its legacy of technical excellence and prestige. Today, Rolex watches are marketed under the Rolex and Tudor brand and are rated amongst the most expensive watches ever auctioned.