Rolex Watches have a long and significant history. Here are eight facts you should know about the watchmaker.
1. The Most Expensive Rolex Sold for $17.75 Million
Known for its Hollywood pedigree, the 1968 Reference 6239 Daytona is one of the most iconic Rolex models of all time. But of all of the models, Paul Newman’s was among the most significant. This watch sold for $17.75 million in October 2017 at Phillips’ inaugural watch auction in New York City.
2. Rolex Boasts the First Ever Waterproof Wrist Watch Case
Today, Rolex watches are entirely waterproof up to 100 meters below the surface. However, the Oyster Case was the first of its kind when it was first introduced in 1926. Rolex’s patented system ensures that the case back, bezel and crown are firmly affixed to the middle case, ensuring that the timepiece is fully protected from water. Subsequently, in 1927, a swimmer crossed the English Channel to prove the Oyster’s capabilities. As expected, the watch remained perfectly functional once the swimmer emerged on the other side of the channel, after a grueling 10-hour swim.
3. Although Rolex is a Swiss Company, the Company Was Originally Founded in London
While the company is based in Switzerland today, the company was originally founded in 1905 in London. However, in it wasn’t until 1919 that the watchmaker moved to Geneva.
4. Rolex is Estimated to Produce 2,000 Time Pieces Each Day
The watch manufacturer makes their watches from start to finish exclusively in their factories in Geneva, Switzerland but sells watches in over 100 countries worldwide.
5. The Way You Leave Your Watch at Night Can Make It Run a Few Seconds Fast or a Few Seconds Slow
According to Rolex, leaving your watch face up at night can cause the watch to gain a few seconds during the day while storing your watch face down can lead the watch to lose a few seconds each day. Rolex recommends keeping an eye on your watch to make sure it hasn’t lost time. Your watch should be wound about once per month. Make sure the movement is well-oiled and that the crown is in good condition before storing your watch for an extended period of time.
6. The Day-Date Was the First Watch to Feature Both the Day of the Week and the Day of the Month on the Same Dial
The Day-Date originated in 1956. When it debuted, the watch was the first self-winding, waterproof wristwatch to feature both the day of the week and the date on its face. Rolex has continued to innovate the watch. Today, the Day-Date has 14 patents.
7. Nobody Knows What Rolex Actually Means
Historically, watchmakers have assumed the name comes from the French term horlogerie exquise, meaning exquisite clockwork.
However, Rolex Founder, Hans Wilsdorf, admitted the name was picked because he wanted a word that was short enough to look good on a watch face. Moreover, the ease of pronouncing the name in a number of languages also played a key role in the adoption of the Rolex name. Additionally, Wilsdorf thought the name sounded like the noise a watch made when it was being wound.
8. There Has Never Been a Better Time to Sell Your Rolex
The resale value of Rolex watches is at an all-time high. Consequently, there has never been a better time to sell your old timepiece.
Even though we may never know what the name, Rolex means, Diamond Banc’s team of experts can easily tell you the value of your Rolex. Are you curious to know the value of your Rolex? Then, get started with an easy, risk-free offer. Visit Diamond Banc’s website and complete the simple online form to get started. The more information you submit, the better we can assist you. One of our expert watch professionals will reach out to you within one business day to provide an initial quote.
Diamond Banc is the best place in Tampa Florida to sell or get a loan on your Rolex.