The First Ever Rolex Watch to Be Sold: A Historic Milestone in Horology
When you think of Rolex, you likely imagine a high-end, precision timepiece that symbolises success, luxury, and timeless craftsmanship. Today, Rolex is one of the most recognised and prestigious watch brands in the world. But like every legendary brand, its story began with a single step—a humble beginning that set the stage for what would become a horological empire.
The first-ever Rolex watch to be sold is a fascinating part of the brand’s history, marking the start of an extraordinary journey that continues to influence the watch industry today. Let’s take a look at the origins of Rolex and the first watch ever sold by the brand.
The Birth of Rolex: A Visionary's Dream
To understand the first Rolex watch ever sold, we must first understand the brand’s inception. Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law Alfred Davis in London. Wilsdorf, a German-born entrepreneur, was only 24 years old at the time. His vision was clear: he wanted to create a timepiece that combined both precision and elegance—qualities that were often missing in mass-produced watches of the time.
In the early 1900s, wristwatches were not as popular or as accurate as pocket watches. Most wristwatches of the era were flimsy and unreliable, often prone to damage and imprecise timekeeping. Wilsdorf set out to change that by building a brand that focused on high-quality, reliable, and stylish wristwatches.
He chose the name "Rolex" in 1908, which is said to be a combination of the words "horological excellence" and "luxury," but also a name that would be easy to pronounce in any language. Wilsdorf and Davis’s commitment to quality, attention to detail, and innovation would eventually lead to Rolex’s rise as the most prestigious watch brand in the world.
The First Rolex Watch Sold: The Model 1905
The first-ever Rolex watch sold wasn’t a specific model that would later become a renowned icon like the Submariner or the Datejust. Instead, it was a modest beginning. According to Rolex’s historical accounts, the first watches sold by the fledgling company were in 1905—Rolex’s early years were marked by the production of pocket watches and wristwatches for men, which were assembled with Swiss-made movements.
However, it wasn’t until 1910 that the world truly began to recognize Rolex as a brand of exceptional quality. Rolex’s first breakthrough came in the form of achieving chronometer certification for its watches—a distinction that, at the time, was extremely rare. The brand’s dedication to precision was further cemented when in 1914, a Rolex wristwatch was awarded a class A precision certificate by the Kew Observatory in England. This certificate marked Rolex as the first wristwatch ever to receive such an honor, setting a precedent for the brand’s commitment to quality and accuracy.
The Rolex “Prince” - A Significant Early Model
While the exact details surrounding the first Rolex watch sold are somewhat elusive, we know that the company’s early offerings were fairly simple, but always engineered with an emphasis on precision. In 1928, one of Rolex’s most important early models—the Rolex Prince—was introduced. This model wasn’t the very first ever sold, but it played an important role in establishing the brand’s reputation.
The Rolex Prince was notable for its rectangular case, and it became popular among both men and women. It featured an advanced movement, and its design marked the beginning of Rolex's focus on making watches that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The Prince was one of the first watches to showcase Rolex’s ability to combine innovation with luxury. The watch also had a significant influence on the design of future models, contributing to the brand’s growing stature in the watch world.
The First Waterproof Rolex: The Oyster
Another significant milestone came in 1926 when Rolex introduced the Oyster, the world’s first truly waterproof wristwatch. The Oyster was a game-changer, not only for Rolex but for the entire watch industry. This model’s groundbreaking waterproof case featured a screw-down caseback and a tightly sealed crown—innovations that remain a hallmark of Rolex watches today. The Oyster was also the first Rolex to feature the brand’s now-iconic name on the dial.
The Oyster was sold to the public shortly after it was introduced, and one of the first examples was famously worn by Mercedes Gleitze, a British swimmer who attempted to swim across the English Channel in 1927. The watch survived the swim without issue, solidifying the Oyster’s reputation for durability and precision. This was a pivotal moment in Rolex’s rise to prominence and helped the brand earn its reputation as a maker of watches built to withstand the most extreme conditions.
The Legacy of Rolex’s First Sale
The first-ever Rolex watch sold may not have been a groundbreaking model that went down in history, but it marked the beginning of what would become a legendary brand. Over time, Rolex’s commitment to quality, precision, and innovation would result in a series of iconic models, from the Submariner to the Daytona, and solidify its place as a leader in the world of luxury watches.
Today, Rolex is known for its consistency in quality and craftsmanship, with each watch being a statement of luxury and reliability. While we may never know exactly which watch was the first one sold, what we do know is that Hans Wilsdorf’s vision for a high-quality, reliable wristwatch has remained true for over a century.
Rolex’s early days were humble, but they set the foundation for what is now one of the most prestigious and sought-after watch brands in the world. And it all started with that first sale, marking the beginning of a legacy that would change the world of horology forever.
In Conclusion
Though the precise details of the very first Rolex watch sold are lost to time, it’s clear that the brand’s journey began with an unwavering commitment to precision and quality. From the early models like the Rolex Prince to the game-changing Oyster, Rolex’s focus on innovation quickly gained it a dedicated following. Today, owning a Rolex is more than just having a watch on your wrist—it’s about owning a piece of horological history that stretches back to the very first Rolex sold, more than a century ago.