Rolex Ladies White Gold Diamond Wristwatch, 1924 – Sold For $12,685

• Foundation (1905): Hans Wilsdorf, along with his brother-in-law Alfred Davis, founded the company in London under the name “Wilsdorf & Davis.” They initially imported Swiss movements and placed them in high-quality watch cases.
• Trademark “Rolex” (1908): Wilsdorf registered the trademark “Rolex” in 1908. The exact origin of the name is not entirely clear, but it’s believed to be a fusion of the words “horological excellence” and “luxury.”
• Move to Switzerland (1919): In 1919, Wilsdorf moved the company to Geneva, Switzerland, due to wartime taxes and duties on luxury imports. This move solidified Rolex’s association with Swiss watchmaking excellence.
• Rolex Oyster (1926): In 1926, Rolex introduced the revolutionary Rolex Oyster, the world’s first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch. This innovation was achieved through a hermetically sealed case, marking a significant milestone in watchmaking history.
• Rolex Submariner (1953): The Rolex Submariner, introduced in 1953, was the first wristwatch designed specifically for diving. It featured a rotating bezel for measuring elapsed time underwater and was water-resistant up to 100 meters (330 feet). The Submariner quickly became an icon among professional divers and enthusiasts alike.
• Rolex GMT-Master (1955): Developed in collaboration with Pan American World Airways, the Rolex GMT-Master was designed for pilots and became the official watch of the airline. It featured a fourth hand and a rotating bezel, allowing pilots to track multiple time zones simultaneously.
• Rolex Day-Date (1956): The Rolex Day-Date, often referred to as the “President” due to its popularity among world leaders and dignitaries, was introduced in 1956. It was the first wristwatch to display both the day of the week and the date spelled out in full.
• Rolex Daytona (1963): The Rolex Daytona, named after the famous Daytona International Speedway, was introduced in 1963 as a chronograph specifically designed for racing drivers. It gained legendary status and became highly sought after by collectors.
• Rolex Explorer II (1971): The Rolex Explorer II was introduced in 1971 as a tool watch for spelunkers and cave explorers. It featured a distinctive 24-hour hand and a fixed 24-hour bezel, allowing wearers to distinguish between day and night underground.
• Continued Innovation: Over the years, Rolex has continued to innovate, introducing new materials, technologies, and designs while maintaining its commitment to excellence and precision. Today, Rolex remains one of the most prestigious and sought-after luxury watch brands in the world, synonymous with timeless elegance and exceptional quality.

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