A TASTE OF 100 YEARS OF ROLEX

1908:
Hans Wilsdorf creates the name Rolex. After his death the place at the head of the company is taken by André Heiniger in 1963. In 1992 Patrick Heiniger succeeds his father André as Rolex CEO.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 5

1926:
Rolex creates the first really waterproof case in the world. The famous OYSTER is born. The Oyster watch combines an extremely sturdy case, with a case back and a winding crown, all absolutely waterproof. The
patented TWINLOCK winding crown is wound against the case and makes this generally very vulnerable point of the watch, extremely resistant. One year later, Mercedes Gleitze, swims across the icy waters of the English Channel wearing a ROLEX OYSTER PRECISION on her wrist. The watch, produced in 1926, made from 9 ct gold with octagonal case (31x27 mm), still worked perfectly after the 15 hours and 15 minutes swim.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 6/7

1928:
The Rolex PRINCE, also nicknamed “Doctor watch”, was introduced for the first time.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 8/9

30’s:
The first chronographs with “push-back case” appear. Different models are advertised: from the single button chronographs (refs. 2022-2023-2303) to the chronograph ref. 2508, equipped with two buttons on both sides of the winding crown.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 10/11

1931:
A new chapter in watch history: the ROLEX OYSTER PERPETUAL is born, the first waterproof selfwinding watch. The automatic movement is mainly identified with a type of watch which attracts the attention of the whole collectors’ world, it is a model which made watch history: the “BUBBLE BACK”, an Oyster usually called “OVETTO” in Italy.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 14/16

1938:
The first watches requested by the Italian Navy and designed by G. Panerai & Figlio Company in Florence are ready for delivery. The crown, case and movement are signed Rolex.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 24/25

1942:
Rolex creates the ref. 4113: the “split-seconds
chronograph” that was produced only in stainless steel and in 12 examples. Today this reference still represents the world record for a Rolex watch sold at auction: sold at 738,500 CHF. (about
475,000 Euros) at the 2006 auction Mondani’s collection.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 38

1945:
Rolex realizes the “DATEJUST”, the first chronometer with an automatic calendar.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 39

1947:
Rolex launches the references 4767 and 4768: two new chronographs with register and calendar, better known as “DATO-COMPAX”.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 42/43

1950:
Rolex produces the ref. 6062, the apex for the most important collections: moon phases and date, manufactured between 1950 and 1953 in 350 examples in yellow gold, 50 in pink gold and in a limited number in stainless steel.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 53

1953:
- Rolex creates the first wristwatch, only in stainless steel, for great depths, the SUBMARINER with the references 6204 followed by the 6205, 6536 and 6536/1 (called “James Bond” by the collectors)
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 62/63

- Launch of the EXPLORER I followed by the first Milgauss (ref. 6543)
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 65/67

1954:
- The TURN-O-GRAPH with reference 6202 and the GMT – MASTER, which indicates the exact time simultaneously in two chosen different time zones (ref. 6542), were born.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 68/71

- Another three SUBMARINER models in stainless steel enter production: the references 6200 - 6538 - 6538 A (the rarest reference among all Submariner models). Guaranteed waterproof to 200 m depth and equipped with “Mercedes” hands, they are nicknamed “CORONCIONE” for the new 8 mm winding crown. Sean Connery wore the models Submariner CORONCIONI in the movies “Dt. No” and “Goldfinger”. One model with ref. 6200 at a Christie’s auction at CHF 176,200.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 72

1956:
The DAY-DATE is born. It indicates the date and the day of day week which change automatically at 00.00.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 77

1957:
- This is the year of the reference 5500, which will be marketed until 1990. This reference was launched with different names: “AIR-KING”, “METROPOLITAN”, “EXPLORER”, “EVEREST” and now it’s known as AIR – KING.

- Rolex creates the last Submariner without guards to the 6 mm winding crown: the reference 5508, also called “James Bond” by the collectors.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 80/82

1959:
Rolex produces the first GMT and Submariner with protection crown guards: ref. 1675/0 for the GMT and 5512 for the Submariner.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 89/92

1960:
A special Rolex Oyster (the Deep Sea Special) fixed to the outside of Professor Jacques Piccard’s bathyscaphe “Trieste”, traveled to a depth of 11 km, subject to a pressure of one ton per square centimeter. The watch worked perfectly and was not harmed by this experience.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 93

1962:
- Rolex introduces a new chronograph in stainless steel, 14 and 18 carat gold versions: the ref. 6238, known by everybody as “Pre -Daytona ”. A “Pre-Daytona” in gold 14K with black dial was sold at a Christie’s auction at CHF 180,000.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 105/107

- Rolex launches the Submariner , available only in stainless steel, with reference 5513 which will remain in production for 28 years.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 108/109

1963:
Rolex starts producing the first COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA chronograph with ref. 6239, marketed only after the first years of production with the writing Daytona on the dial and mainly in English language countries.
A myth was born. A Cosmograph Daytona in gold 18K with Newman dial was sold at Sotheby’s auction at CHF 175,000.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 114/117

1965:
Rolex produces the ref. 6240, considered a prototype of the Daytona with screw down buttons.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 118/119

1966:
Rolex produces, only in stainless steel, the MILGAUSS with ref. 1019, which remains in production until 1990.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 120/124

1967:
Rolex starts the production, only in stainless steel and even if still at the experimental stage, of the reference 1665, the most professional underwater watch of the period: the SEA-DWELLER, guaranteed to 500 meters.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 129/130

1969:
The first SUBMARINER DATE with ref. 1680 was born and Rolex manufactures for the Comex Company, a French company carrying out deep sea diving operations, a stainless steel Submariner with a valve located in the case and positioned at 9 o’clock, allowing helium and other gases to escape, thus guaranteeing the protection of the movement during the decompression stage (refs. 5513-5514).
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 131/133

1970/1971:
Rolex presents 4 new models of Cosmograph Daytona: the ref. 6262 and 6264 with push-down buttons (1970), 6263 and 6265 with screw down buttons.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 139/141 – 149/158

1971:
The EXPLORER II is born, equipped with a fixed 24 hour graduated bezel and the corresponding supplementary hour hand.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 145/147, 159

1978:
Rolex launches the SEA-DWELLER 4000, ref. 16660, guaranteed waterproof to 1,220 meters (4,000 feet), exactly twice as much as the previous series (ref. 1665).
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 172

1979:
Rolex launches the GMT-MASTER in stainless steel with the quick date change (ref. 16750); immediately followed by the steel/gold model, ref. 16753, and the model ref. 16758 only in 18 ct gold.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 175

1983:
- The new Explorer II, ref. 16550 comes out: “Oyster Perpetual Chronometer in stainless steel available with white, black or “cream” dial (the most desired version).
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 185/188

- Rolex produces the GMT-MASTER II which allows one to know the time in three different time zones (ref. 16760 in stainless steel).
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 189

1984:
Rolex produces very few examples of two Oyster COSMOGRAPH models with screw down waterproof buttons, references 6269 and 6270, featuring an 18 carat gold case with diamond set dial and bezel.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 191

1988:
- Rolex creates the new caliber 3135 and markets the SUBMARINER DATE models: ref. 16610 in stainless steel, 16613 steel/gold and 16618 in 18 ct gold, as well as the SEA-DWELLER with ref. 16600 in stainless steel.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 196/203

- After the discontinued production of the manual winding Cosmograph, Rolex launches the first references of the selfwinding chronograph with sapphire crystal on the market:16520, 16523, 16528.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 204/213

1989:
- Rolex produces the GMT – MASTER new references: 16710 in stainless steel, 16713 in stanless steel and gold and 16718 in gold 18K.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 214/219

- Rolex launches the last GMT – MASTER I model, an Oyster Perpetual Date with ref. 16700.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 230/231

1990:
Rolex creates the new caliber 3000, selfwinding plus center seconds, and markets the new ref. 14060 (SUBMARINER without date).
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 240/241

1991:
The new ref. 14270 appears in the Rolex catalogues: an Oyster Perpetual EXPLORER with 36 mm diameter.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 242/243

1992:
- Rolex introduces two new AIR-KING models with 34 mm diameter in stainless steel: the references 14000 (polished bezel) and 14010 with engine-turned bezel with hour divisions.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 246/247
- Launch of the Cosmograph DAYTONA, ref. 16518, in 18 ct. yellow gold with tachometer scale engraved on the bezel and leather strap with gold safety lock.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 248/249

- Rolex creates a chronometer YACHT – MASTER (ref. 16628) in yellow gold with graduated rotating bezel, case with protection guards to the “TRIPLOCK” winding crown, and waterproof to 100 meters.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 250/251

1997:
Rolex introduces five new Cosmograph DAYTONA models at the Baselworld Exhibition: the ref. 16519 in 18 ct white gold, with engraved tachometer bezel and leather strap; the ref. 16589 in the three different versions SAPH, RUBI and BRIL.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 252/254

1999:
- Rolex creates the YACHT-MASTER ROLESIUM: a blend of stainless steel and platinum.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 260/263

- Rolex gathers in one catalogue, all the models created for those people who love watches/jewelry: the “ROLEXCROWN COLLECTION”.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 266/268

2000:
Rolex introduces the new Cosmograph DAYTONA models with chronograph movement entirely manufactured by Rolex: the ref. 116520 in stainless steel, 116523 in stainless steel and gold and the ref. 116528 in 18 carat gold. These Daytona models bear the caliber 4130.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 275/278

2003:
The SUBMARINER celebrates its first fifty years and for that occasion Rolex introduces the new model in stainless steel with green bezel and “maxi” indexes in white gold: ref. 16610LV.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 282/283

2004:
At Baselworld Rolex launches the Cosmograph DAYTONA in yellow gold “fancy” version: the ref. 116598 SACO.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 288

2005:
- Rolex introduces the new PRINCE (references: 5441/9, 5440/8, 5442/5 and 5443/9)
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 299

- At Baselworld, Rolex introduces a new version of the GMT-MASTER II, the ref. 116718, created to celebrate its 50th year on the market. There are two dial versions with enlarged indexes: GREEN DIAL and BLACK DIAL (which highlights the arm of the 24 hour hand and the calendar numerals in green)
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 302

2007:
- Rolex introduces the new generation of the MILGAUSS model born in the 50’s: the reference 116400 with white or black dial and the 116400 GV with black dial and a green sapphire crystal which represents the “anniversary version”.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 306

- Rolex launches the YACHT-MASTER II on the market: the regatta chronograph.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 310

- At the Baselworld, Rolex introduces the new GMT- MASTER II, ref. 116710 in stainless steel, writing GMT – MASTER II and arm of the 24 hours hand in green.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 311

2008:
- At Baselworld Exhibition, Rolex introduces the SEA-DWELLER DEEPSEA, ref. 116660 waterproof up to a depth of 12,800 feet - 3,900 meters: the new generation Oyster diver’s watch.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 312/313

- Rolex presents the new SUBMARINER DATE with the ref. 116618, yellow gold and black dial and ref. 116619, white gold and blue bezel; both of them are waterproof until 300 meters.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 314/315

- The chronograph DAYTONA is presented in 18 carat Everose gold (ref. 116505) for the first time.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 319

- Presentation of the Day – Date: white, yellow and pink gold, and platinum with mm. 41 case, mm. 5 more than the old versions.
Further information on “1908-2008:100 years of Rolex ”, pg. 316/317