How A Poor Boy Created Rolex

Summary

The story of Rolex watches begins in 1893 with a 12-year-old orphan named Hans Wilsdorf. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including losing his inheritance and enduring World War I, Hans' passion for creating accurate, durable, and elegant watches led him to build the world’s greatest watch company. Through innovation, including the creation of the Rolex Oyster (the world’s first waterproof watch) and the perpetual rotor (a fully automatic movement), Rolex revolutionized the watchmaking industry. Overcoming challenges, Hans Wilsdorf turned Rolex into a global symbol of precision and luxury, leaving an indelible mark on horology by the time of his death in 1960.

Takeaways

• 😀 A 12-year-old boy named Hans Wilsdorf from Germany lost his parents and inherited some money, which was later stolen during his travels. Despite this, his passion for watches remained strong and led to the creation of Rolex.
• 😀 After the death of his parents, Hans Wilsdorf moved to Switzerland, where he began his career in the watchmaking industry, working with companies like Cuna Korten and later in sales and marketing in London.
• 😀 In 1905, Hans co-founded the Wilsdorf and Davis Firm, which initially manufactured pocket watches for travelers. Despite a good start, Hans foresaw that wristwatches would replace pocket watches in the future.
• 😀 Hans Wilsdorf pioneered the creation of 'bracelet watches' in 1906, which were gold and silver wristwatches that gained popularity in Britain as they were seen as fashionable.
• 😀 In 1908, Hans trademarked the name 'Rolex,' after testing over 100 possible names for his watch brand. This name was chosen for its easy pronunciation and compact fit on the dial.
• 😀 Rolex faced early challenges with accuracy, leading Hans to develop the first chronometer-certified wristwatch movement, improving Rolex's reputation for precision.
• 😀 World War I caused a major setback for Rolex as the British government imposed a 33% export duty on watches. To survive, Hans moved Rolex to Switzerland and rebranded the company.
• 😀 During World War I, Hans launched the 'Trench Watch' for soldiers, which helped maintain Rolex’s growth despite the war and popularized wristwatches for both military and civilian use.
• 😀 Hans Wilsdorf created the Rolex Oyster in 1926, the world’s first waterproof watch, using a screw-on case and a rubber seal to protect the watch’s movement from dust and water.
• 😀 In 1931, Hans invented the Perpetual rotor, the first self-winding watch mechanism that allowed Rolex watches to run perpetually with the movement of the wearer’s wrist, cementing the brand's status as a watchmaking leader.
• 😀 Throughout the 20th century, Rolex continued innovating, with the launch of groundbreaking models like the Datejust, Explorer, GMT Master, and Deep Sea Special, which conquered extreme conditions like Mount Everest and the deepest ocean depths.
• 😀 Hans Wilsdorf’s perseverance in the face of personal and global challenges, including the death of his wife and the setbacks from World War II, ensured Rolex's survival and growth into a legendary watch brand by the time of his death in 1960.

Q & A

What was the main reason Hans Wilsdorf shifted to Switzerland in 1900?

Hans Wilsdorf moved to Switzerland in 1900 to pursue a career in the watchmaking industry after realizing his passion for watches, which was further encouraged by a friend from Switzerland who educated him about the Swiss watchmaking industry.

Why did Hans Wilsdorf's initial business, Wilsdorf & Davis, focus on pocket watches?

Wilsdorf & Davis initially focused on pocket watches because they recognized the growing demand for portable timepieces among travelers, who needed reliable and accurate watches to catch trains and buses on time.

How did Hans Wilsdorf overcome the perception that wristwatches were only for women?

Hans Wilsdorf overcame the perception of wristwatches being only for women by launching gold and silver wristwatches, branded as 'bracelet watches' with straps made from precious metals. This helped change public perception, especially in Britain, where both men and women were fond of wearing bracelets.

What inspired Hans Wilsdorf to create the name 'Rolex'?

Hans Wilsdorf created the name 'Rolex' by combining different alphabets to come up with a pleasant-sounding, easily pronounceable name that could fit neatly on a watch dial and be recognizable in any language.

What significant innovation did Hans Wilsdorf introduce with Rolex's 15-line caliber 200 movement?

Hans Wilsdorf introduced the 15-line caliber 200 movement, which was the world's first wristwatch movement to receive a chronometer certificate. This achievement was crucial in establishing Rolex's reputation for producing accurate and reliable timepieces.

How did World War I impact Rolex, and what did Hans Wilsdorf do to adapt?

World War I led to a 33% export duty on watches in Britain, severely impacting Rolex’s sales. To adapt, Hans Wilsdorf moved the company to Switzerland, rebranded it as Rolex Watch Co. Ltd., and capitalized on the growing demand for wristwatches in military applications by launching trench watches for soldiers.

What was the Rolex Oyster, and why was it revolutionary?

The Rolex Oyster, launched in 1926, was revolutionary because it featured a screw-on mechanism that tightly sealed the watch's components, making it waterproof and dustproof. This design was the first of its kind and set a new standard for watch durability.

How did Hans Wilsdorf use Mercedes Gleitze to promote the Rolex Oyster's waterproof feature?

Hans Wilsdorf partnered with Mercedes Gleitze, a swimmer attempting to cross the English Channel, by having her wear a Rolex Oyster attached to her necklace. Although she failed to complete the swim, the watch's performance in the water was a successful marketing point, establishing it as the first waterproof wristwatch.

What problem did Hans Wilsdorf solve with the Rolex Datejust in 1945?

In 1945, Hans Wilsdorf launched the Rolex Datejust, the first automatic watch to feature a date display. He later solved the issue of a tiny date window by adding a 2.5x magnifying lens, making the date much easier to read.

What was the significance of the Rolex Deep Sea Special in 1960?

The Rolex Deep Sea Special, launched in 1960, was an experimental watch designed to withstand extreme water pressure. It was successfully tested at a depth of nearly 11,000 meters in the ocean, proving Rolex's ability to create watches that could handle the most extreme conditions on Earth.