Rolex

Rolex – the epitome of luxury and elegance

When you think of luxury watch brands, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the name Rolex. And not without reason, after all, the Maison has been delighting since the beginning of the 20th century with its iconic models, their high-quality workmanship and their constant pursuit of perfection. Many special features of Rolex watches, such as the two-tone 24-hour ring, have become the standard for the entire industry worldwide. The excellent quality and timeless designs have contributed to the increasing demand for Rolex timepieces for years. Due to the low availability of the watches, the price of popular models such as the Yacht-Master, the Air-King or the robust yet elegant Rolex Explorer is also rising. It goes without saying that many Rolex models not only make the collector’s heart beat faster, but are also characterized by their excellent value appreciation potential. Are you interested in more information about the legendary watches and would you like to buy a pre-owned Rolex? Then please visit us at our branch in Oldenburg and take the opportunity to take a close look at our watches on site. Whether you’ve been wanting a Daytona for years or want to call a Sky-Dweller your own – SG Watches is your competent expert for buying pre-owned Rolex.

Haute Horlogerie since 1905 – the history of the brand

The history of Rolex is inextricably linked to the pioneering spirit of its founder, Hans Wilsdorf. In 1905, at the age of 24, he founded a company in London that specialized in the sale of the pocket watches that were common at the time. He quickly began to dream of a watch that could be worn on the wrist. But the wristwatches of the time lacked precision. Hans Wilsdorf wanted to change this and equipped his wristwatches with small, highly precise movements, which he obtained from a watch manufacturer in Biel. The Rolex brand was born. In the beginning, the brand’s focus was on the chronometric precision of the movements. A step that paid off, because as early as 1910, a watch from the company received the first officially issued chronometer certificate for a wristwatch. In 1914, the next groundbreaking certification followed, the precision certificate of “Class A”, which had previously only been reserved for marine chronometers. In order to be closer to the heart of the watch industry, the brand moved its headquarters to Geneva in 1919. A year later, the company Montres Rolex S.A. was entered in the city’s commercial register.

The invention of the first waterproof wristwatch

In the years that followed, the Maison regularly delighted with innovations that kept the industry on tenterhooks. In 1926, for example, Rolex introduced the first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch under the name “Oyster”. The Oyster was equipped with a hermetically sealed case, which optimally protected the movement. To prove this fact, the company equipped swimmer Mercedes Gleitze with the Oyster, who swam the English Channel in 1927. Even the ten hours that the crossing took could not harm the watch. The next bang followed in 1931. In that year, the company developed the first self-winding mechanism with a perpetual motor: the Perpetual movement, which is still the heart of every self-winding mechanical watch today. In 1935, Rolex also partnered with Sir Malcolm Campbell, the fastest racing driver in the world at the time. With a Rolex on his wrist, he set a new speed record for land vehicles in the same year.

Rolex stands for an unbroken pioneering spirit

In the early 1950s, the brand focused in particular on the development of functional tool watches that not only showed the time, but rather served as instruments in deep-sea exploration, civil aviation, mountaineering or scientific expeditions. For example, the Swiss Maison equipped the expedition of Sir John Hunt, who wanted to reach the summit of Mount Everest with Sir Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, with Oyster Perpetual watches. Only a few years later, in 1953 to be precise, the Submariner was released, the first diver’s watch that was water-resistant to a depth of 100 meters. To make it possible to read the diving time, Rolex equipped the watch with a rotating bezel. In 1956, the Maison triumphed again with the launch of the Day-Date. It is considered the first wristwatch to have the date and the day of the week written out in full on the dial. Just one year later, the Lady-Datejust was launched, the first women’s version of the chronometer, which also had a date display and a smaller case size. Since 1959, Rolex watches have been found again and again on the legendary race track in Daytona Beach. This was also the namesake for the Chosmograph Daytona, launched in 1963, the ultimate instrument for endurance racing drivers. In 1967, the company set a new milestone with the Sea-Dweller, which was water-resistant to a depth of 610 meters.

What makes a Rolex special

Uncompromising precision. The pursuit of perfection. And an unbroken spirit of innovation. Rolex remains a company of international importance today and has rightly earned its reputation as an industry leader in the luxury segment. For example, the watches are always characterized by first-class workmanship and a noble design, while only the most exclusive materials are used for production. Even when it comes to the fit of the bracelet, the Maison leaves nothing to chance, developing over time a series of iconic straps such as the Oyster bracelet or the Jubilee bracelet, which gently hug any wrist and make it perfect to wear.

Sustainability as a company philosophy

To protect our planet and biodiversity, Rolex has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% before 2030 as part of the Science Based Targets initiative. The company also applies a high social and environmental standard to all steps of its value chain. Due to the excellent workmanship of the watches, they can also be worn for generations and stand the test of time.

Rolex uses only exclusive materials

Only high-quality materials are used to manufacture a Rolex that meet the strictest test criteria. For example, the company has developed its own Oystersteel stainless steel. This is a high-performance steel of grade 904L, which has been used to process a Rolex since 1985. Once polished, the stainless steel alloy is also characterized by the fact that it retains its shine and beauty under all circumstances. For example, the steel is particularly resistant to impact and corrosion and is therefore extremely durable. In addition to the watches made of the special stainless steel, the Maison also offers versions made of Rolesor, a combination of steel and gold that was developed as early as the 1930s. Those who opt for a gold watch can look forward to material excellence. This is because the 18-carat yellow gold is cast exclusively for the company at the Plan-les-Ouates site in Geneva and is only used in the luxury watches of the Swiss Maison.

How much does a Rolex cost?

The prices for a watch from the Swiss luxury maison vary greatly depending on the version and collection. For example, you can get some non-limited vintage models such as the Precision Super-Balance for a low price, while you usually have to dig deeper into your pocket for new and particularly iconic models, especially if you buy the watch on the open market and without years of waiting. Watches made of platinum can hardly be described as bargains either, but are in the higher price segment. However, one thing is certain: A Rolex is a very stable investment, which in many cases can even be sold at a profit. Thus, increases in value of between 5 and 15% are not unrealistic. Some species, such as the already discontinued Milgauss, have even recorded an increase in value of up to 40% in the past. A worthwhile investment!

Popular models of the luxury maison

Over the years, the Maison has launched numerous iconic collections, some of which are still in production today and have not lost their luster. In the following, we present you with information on some of the most famous series, which are always a highlight of any collection.

Rolex Submariner: pioneer of diving watches

The Submariner is one of the most popular classics in the manufactory’s range and has been produced in this way since 1953. The design of the watches has changed only minimally. The watch is still characterized by a rotating bezel with a diving timescale and a dial with round, luminescent indices and the triangle at 12. The current type of watch bears the ref. 124060 (without date) and the ref. 126610LN (with date). If you like it more exclusive, you can also get the series in yellow gold and white gold or as a two-tone version.

Rolex Daytona: the icon among chronographs

The Rolex Daytona is also one of the popular watches in the Maison’s range and was first introduced in 1963. As usual with the Geneva-based manufactory, the design of the watch has hardly changed. The dial of the wristwatch is still dominated by three totalizers at 3, 6 and 9. Hands and indices are provided with luminous material to make it easy to read the time even in the dark. The watch is also characterized by a fixed bezel with a tachymeter scale. As part of Watches and Wonders 2024, the Maison expanded the iconic collection with more watches, including a watch with a bezel adorned with 36 diamonds.

Rolex GMT-Master and GMT-Master II

Once developed for the pilots of Pan Am, the Rolex GMT-Master is now a true icon of the Maison and its successor, the GMT-Master II, continues to enjoy popularity. Characteristic of the series is the 24-hour bezel, which is usually two-tone, which makes it easier to distinguish between day and night hours. Colour combinations such as the “Pepsi” (red and blue) or the “Batman” (blue and black) are common here. In addition, the watches of this type have an additional central GMT hand, which, together with the bezel, indicates a second time zone. Since 2023, the iconic watch has been available in two new variants: For example, you can opt for the Ref. 126718GRNR in gold or a two-tone version with the reference 126713GRNR.

Rolex Datejust: Dress watch for men and women

If you prefer it more elegant, the Rolex Datejust is the best choice. Part of the Maison’s range since 1945, it is the epitome of a sporty dress watch. For example, the Datejust is characterized by its narrow bezel, the slim baton hands and the date including the date magnifier at 3. While the original version had a case of 36 mm, the watch is now also available in other sizes, for example with diameters of 26, 31, 34 or 41 mm.

Rolex Day-Date: a milestone in history

Since 1956, the Rolex Day-Date, or more precisely the Oyster Perpetual Day-Date, has also been part of the Maison’s standard range. It is also known as the “President” and was the first wristwatch that could display the date and the day of the week written out in full at the same time. While the date magnifying glass can be found at 3, the day of the week can be read in a window at 12, directly above the famous crown. To underline the special significance of these Rolex watches, the manufacture gave the collection its own three-piece bracelet, the President bracelet. To this day, the Date is available in platinum in addition to a gold version.

Where to buy Rolex watches?

Are you interested in new 2024 models or an automatic watch from the legendary Maison? If you want to buy a Rolex, you can do so either on the open market, for example at a jeweller, or contact a concessionaire. In this case, however, you have to expect waiting lists, some of which are very long. Another way to get a new dream watch faster is to buy a pre-owned watch, like the ones we have available at SG Watches. Because with us you will find a carefully selected range of pre-owned watches from the traditional Swiss brand for immediate availability.

Personal advice when buying a pre-owned Rolex

Would you like more information about an automatic transmission from the Swiss manufacturer? Or would you like to learn more about special designs such as the “Sigma Dial”? Then please feel free to make an appointment at our branch in Oldenburg and let our experienced experts advise you personally. We would be happy to present you with our selection of pre-owned watches from the luxury manufacturer and find your new dream watch together with you. Alternatively, you are of course welcome to take a look around our online shop and benefit from services such as insured shipping.

Care and maintenance of your luxury watch

Even after the purchase of a watch with the iconic crown, we are happy to be there for you. Our watchmakers have years of experience in the repair and care of luxury watches and are able to replace a dial or maintain the watch regularly if desired. So you can be sure that these generations will last and will not lose any of their beauty and functionality even after years.