Did You Know?

In doing research for Rolex and its origin, I came across a few fun facts that I found interesting and wanted to share with you.

Alfred Davis and his brother-in-law, Hans Wilsdorf founded Wilsdorf and Davis, the company what would eventually become Rolex S.A., in London, England in 1905.

The earliest watches from Wilsdorf and Davis usually were hallmarked "W&D" inside the caseback.

It was in 1908 that Wilsdorf registered the trademark "Rolex", which would become the brand name of the watches from Wilsdorf and Davis. Wilsdorf was looking for a name that would be easily pronounced and short enough to fit on the face of a watch. He felt that the name "Rolex" sounded like a watch being wound.

One of Wilsdorf's concerns for the watches was the infiltration of dust and moisture under the dial and crown. In 1926 Rolex developed and produced the first waterproof and dust-proof wrist watch, named the "Oyster". The public was more than a little skeptical of a fully waterproof watch, so for public display, Rolex submerged the Oyster models in aquariums in the windows.

I hope this small window of information has been helpful. I will add more fun facts in the future. #Rolex #Oyster