German watchmaker Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex over a 100 years ago. Here’s how Wilsdorf built the world’s top luxury watches brand…
Rolex is a top luxury brand noted for its high quality and craftsmanship. Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis established the luxury watches brand in 1905. Hans Wilsdorf was born in Kulmbach, Germany, on March 22, 1881, to hardware store owner Daniel Ferdinand Wilsdorf. Hans was twelve when his parents died. His life was miserable after that, including poverty.
However, Hans’ uncles educated him and his siblings. Hans worked for a pearl merchant in Switzerland after graduating. After that, Hans learnt watchmaking.
To start over, Hans Wilsdorf moved to London in 1903. He worked in a watch company after being robbed after buying an extravagant apartment for lakhs of rupees. It appeared Hans Wilsdorf’s problems were far from over.
Thanks to his wife, Hans Wilsdorf was able to obtain British citizenship in London. He wanted to make a distinctive wristwatch. Hans lacked funds. He met London businessman Alfred Davis, who loved his idea and invested in Hans’s plans.
Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis introduced the pocket watch. The brand gained UK notoriety within three years. After some time, Hans renamed the brand. Hans created the word ‘Rolex’ since it was easy to say and remember.
Rolex introduced its first wristwatch to the Watch Observation Bureau in 1910. Rolex passed the coveted clock accuracy test, shocking everyone. The Swiss Chronometer certification made it the first wristwatch.
World War I soldiers used Rolex watches, which were convenient. This brand became huge in the 20th century. Later models included the Oyster Perpetual, Sea Dweller, Submariner, and Datejust. These incredible collections have made Rolex a world-famous watch company.
Conclusion
Rolex, created by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in 1905, is a luxury brand noted for its quality and craftsmanship. Wilsdorf was born in Germany and struggled with poverty, but his relatives educated him and he worked in Switzerland. He learned watchmaking and relocated to London in 1903, when he became a British citizen and dreamed of inventing a unique wristwatch.
Wilsdorf launched the pocket watch brand after obtaining British citizenship with his wife’s support. UK-wide brand recognition came in three years. Hans changed the brand name to ‘Rolex’ since it was easy to speak and remember.
The first wristwatch, made by Rolex in 1910, passed the Swiss Chronometer test. Soldiers started wearing Rolex watches during World War I, and the brand’s popularity rose in the 20th century. Its Oyster Perpetual, Sea Dweller, Submariner, and Datejust models made it a top watch brand.
