Written By: Kaelyn Harding

In London, 1905, the predecessor of Rolex was founded by Hans Wilsdorf. Where the humble company once merely imported watch parts, now they are better known as one of the top 100 brands worldwide. A makers of luxury wrist watches for over a century, Rolex is the name that most think of first when it comes to watch makers of the highest caliber – and for good reason. They invented the first waterproof watch, the first automatically changing day and date displays, and the first watch ever to earn the prestigious name of chronometer. Rolex has truly been on the cutting edge of watch-making science.

Rolex watches are identifiable in several ways – they often play upon similar color schemes, preferring to work in gold and silver for the frames and then blue, white, and black for the clock faces. Rolex rarely works in leather wrist bands, preferring the chain-linked effect that the polished metal gives. Common metals for their work are gold, platinum, and titanium. They do not often stud their bezels with gems, but there are a few that sport diamonds to bring out the shine of the piece. All watches in the brand display their brand name on their faceplate. Most Rolex have circular frames, but some of the women’s models can deviate from the more traditional look of the men’s timepieces.

Unlike most companies that merely donate to a pre-existing charity, Rolex actually created one back in the early 1900’s. The founder of the company, Hans Wilsdorf, created the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, to which a good deal of sales revenue is given.  The foundation was left the founder’s shares in his own company when he dies, so their continued funding is assured until Rolex is no more – given the company’s success, I wouldn’t hold your breath.

Rolex’s three lines, Oyster Perpetual, Professional, and Cellini, can be purchased at a price befitting the reputation and renown that the brand has gathered over the years. One can expect to purchase a Rolex from between $500 to $51,000, depending on the model and the materials used in its creation. Obviously the diamond-studded platinum pieces will be a little more money than the simple gold and crystal bezels. Like all Luxury watches, however, there are copycats that would like to rip investors off – it is important to familiarize yourself with the product you are interested in purchasing and to remember that if you buy a “Rolex” for fifty dollars, it is more than likely only worth fifty dollars.