This yr marks an extremely vital yr for Rolex as they rejoice 100 years of the Oyster case. And although the founding of the model dates again to 1905, it’s arguably the invention of the Oyster case that imbued Rolex with a philosophy that’s nonetheless in observe in the present day. Within the final 100 years, Rolex have gone from waterproofing a watch sufficient for a swim throughout the English Channel to having the ability to dive 10,916 metres beneath the ocean. However extra than simply waterproofness in a watch, the Oyster case advanced into the Oyster Perpetual promise, a dedication to innovate and ideal each element of their watches, making them extra highly effective, strong and dependable to accompany its wearer in all their actions.
Precision, waterproofness and self-winding – these had been the three basic achievements that might set Rolex on the trail to revolutionise the wristwatch. Earlier than the Oyster case first appeared, Rolex’s founder, Hans Wilsdorf, centered on establishing chronometric precision. By bettering the standard of actions, a Rolex watch turned the primary on the planet to obtain the Swiss Certificates of Chronometric Precision, granted by the Official Watch Score Centre in Bienne in 1910, and simply 4 years later in 1914, the Kew Observatory in Nice Britain awarded a Rolex wristwatch a category “A” precision certificates, a distinction that, till that time, was reserved for marine chronometers.
Then in 1926, Hans Wilsdorf unveiled the Oyster case to the world. It was Rolex’s first watch that was fully waterproof and dust-proof. Nowadays, waterproofness in any wristwatch is virtually anticipated, however again in 1926, the invention of a watch that would not simply stand up to minor splashes however really be totally submerged in water, at a time when mud was nonetheless thought-about an enemy of watch longevity, was revolutionary. In 1931, Rolex invented and patented the Perpetual rotor, a self-winding system with a free rotor, an ingenious system that’s nonetheless current within the majority of contemporary automated watches. These three innovations would forge the success of a visionary particular person and the future of a revolutionary watch.
What started with the introduction of the Oyster case 100 years in the past would evolve into the Oyster Perpetual we all know in the present day. Rolex have by no means overlooked the core tenets of that watch in 1926 – precision, reliability and waterproofness – as an alternative cementing this philosophy because the cornerstone of their progress. Since then, Rolex haven’t stopped tinkering and innovating with their watches. They ask forward-thinking questions and dedicate the time needed to achieve probably the most apt decision. Due to this, Rolex watches are repeatedly up to date with time every time innovation takes place. From horological accomplishments just like the Parachrom and Syloxi hairsprings to the Chronergy and Dynapulse escapements, their watches are imbued with the most recent in expertise to make sure they continue to be probably the most exact, strong and dependable they are often.
The invention of the Oyster case additionally set about one other precedent at Rolex. In October 1927, a younger British swimmer, Mercedes Gleitze, wore an Oyster whereas swimming the English Channel, placing this newly waterproof watch by means of the harshest of checks. Evidently, each the swimmer and the watch made it to the opposite facet unscathed. This second in historical past cemented Hans Wilsdorf’s conviction that true excellence needs to be demonstrated within the discipline, over time and beneath strain. Since then, Rolex has entrusted their watches to varied explorers, scientists, athletes, pilots, seafarers, mountaineers and divers. These women and men have taken Rolex watches to probably the most demanding areas like the very best peak on the planet, Mount Everest, or the deepest depths within the ocean, the Challenger Deep within the Mariana Trench, and people watches have lived to inform the story.
What started as wearer testimonials after sporting Rolex watches whereas doing unbelievable issues has in the present day changed into the notion of Rolex Testimonees. The core idea is unchanged: The model helps a household of inspiring people, women and men who’ve made their mark on the world. What has modified, nonetheless, is the scope. In the present day, Rolex Testimonees embrace folks from numerous sports activities, those who show technical aptitude and the flexibility to encourage the younger, however extra importantly, additionally they help conservationists and artists. That is all a part of their Perpetual Planet and Perpetual Arts Initiatives to make sure we shield our planet and the tradition of its folks.
From left to proper: Integration of the oscillator within the motion, Waterproofness check: Fathometer
In 100 years, Rolex has debuted numerous achievements which have and proceed to form the world of watchmaking, and so they plan to increase this human and technical journey nicely into the longer term. As their founder as soon as exclaimed, “Rolex should repeatedly try to assume and act otherwise from the remaining!” In 2026, they’re increasing their Superlative Chronometer certification to embody seven testing standards, which embrace resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability, now becoming a member of precision, waterproofness, self-winding and autonomy. With this new addition to their very own inside requirements that outperform the generally used business ones, Rolex are assured that their watches are extra exact and strong than they’ve ever been. What began as a model philosophy 100 years in the past has develop into a mantra for Rolex, pushing them to create higher watches for generations to return.
This story was first seen as a part of the WOW #84 Summer time 2026 difficulty.
For extra on the most recent in luxurious watch reads, click on right here.
