The First Waterproof Watch
In 1926, Rolex created the first waterproof and dust proof wristwatch which was a huge step in the evolution of watchmaking. Named the "Oyster", this watch featured a hermetically sealed case providing optimum protection. To prove its performance the Rolex Oyster crossed the English channel, worn by English swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze. The swim lasted 10 hours and the watch ticked like new at the end.
World's first self-winding mechanism
Not to rest on their laurels, Rolex went another step further in the evolution of their innovation and created the first patented self-winding mechanism with the Perpetual rotor in 1931. This marvel is still at the heart of every modern automatic watch today.
First to fly over Everest in 1933
It seems every luxury watch comes from a sense of adventure and Rolex is no different. The first expedition to fly over Everest was equipped with Rolex Oysters. It's reported that the crew were highly satisfied with the performance of the watches.
Need for speed!
In 1935 Sir Malcolm Campbell at the wheel of Bluebird and wearing a Rolex set a land speed record of over 300 miles per hour (approx. 485 KM/h) at Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. Sir Malcolm broke the world speed record 9 times between 1924 and 1935, including 5 times at Daytona Beach in Florida!
Another First
In 1945 Rolex was first again, this time with the birth of Datejust, the first self-winding chronometer to indicate the date in the window on the dial.
Iconic, this watch is distinct with its Jubilee bracelet created especially for it and the fluted bezel, which have made it instantly recognisable as a Rolex. This is the pillar of the Oyster collection.