Reportages, Rolex

Rolex history for you to discover: 100 years ago, in 1914, the Kew Observatory in Great Britain granted a “Class A” certificate to a wristwatch for the very first time.

by
Tags from the story
, , , , , , , ,
Alexander Linz
Written By
More from Alexander Linz
#SIHH 2017: Interview with Angelo Bonati, CEO of Panerai
New materials, new adventures … Panerai is on the move … Angelo...
Read More

You may also like

Omega Seamaster Ploprof Co-Axial Master Chronometer – powered by the new Co-Axial calibre 8912
Baselworld 2013 … The Tudor novelties
Tudor, Rolex´s little sister, is making efforts to get more and more attractive. The plans of the brand are ambitious.
15 replies on “Rolex history for you to discover: 100 years ago, in 1914, the Kew Observatory in Great Britain granted a “Class A” certificate to a wristwatch for the very first time.”
  1. says: Richard Kwok

    Thank you so much for this wonderful article. I am from Hong Kong and I have been a great fan of Rolex since 1980, till now I have collected the Submariner, DateJust, DateDay, Cellini, and Daytona, but your article really makes me more impressed with Rolex, which has always been the most desired brand in the Far East.

  2. says: Martin

    Brief but fascinating, I get the impression here that Rolex have remade all their older models with new in-house movements since 2000, is this true?

  3. says: Paweł

    At the beginning I hated Role watches, I found them tacky and targeted at people wanting to display their wealth. However, as I learned more about the brand I came to appreciate Rolex more and more. Finally this year I got Rolex Datejust, simply beautiful watch. Thank you for the article, it was great to read more about the history of Rolex.

  5. says: NILESH D MISTRY

    Dear,

    Horology cirtification is age old, what presented of 1914,
    is today 100 YEARS.

    Glad to have good picture of Herr Hans.

    Nilesh D Mistry

  6. says: Hugo Maiutto

    Clap, clap, clap por this article. Thank you very much. I will treasure it.
    What a pity. I would have like to see more pictures of the movements.
    Hugo

      1. says: Mark Czentovic

        Extremely interesting article, great research. In the history of the Rolex Kew movement two particularly niche watches come to mind. You can find photos of the Kew A movement by searching them; both were called the KEW A CERTIFICATE, but one was a Speedking, whilst the other was an Observatory Chronometer. Good luck finding the Observatory watch though, only 24 were made:

        The 6210 http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/watches/rolex-a-very-fine-and-rare-18k-5257637-details.aspx

        And 5056 http://www.bonhams.com/auctions/20745/lot/66/

  7. says: Edward Wickham

    Fascinating article on one aspect of the historical and technical significance of Rolex. As a horological newbie, it’s great to learn relevant history, it gives me a much better appreciation of the craftsmanship involved in fine watch making.

  8. says: Guy

    Thank you, Alexander, good piece of history and great photos as usual. I was surprised too by the accuracy of the first Rolex chronometer. I wonder if there is a book out there that reviews Hans Wildorf’s (Rolex) early patents and tries to get into the man’s head. His was a remarkable achievement.
    If there isn’t then I may know people who could write it.

    Best regards,

    Guy

    1. says: Alexander Linz

      A well known journalist has written the most comprehensive Rolex book ever some years ago. It was not for Rolex officially, but for a well known retailer. When Rolex learned about the book, they simply bought the rights and the book never appeared … So Rolex just has to print this oeuvre and we would know much more about the history of the ticking giant with the crown on the dial…

  9. says: Amir

    Amazing that the Rolex was able to achieve +1 second a day, when most modern watches struggle to get close to that today. Nice report!

Comments are closed.