Greenwich2000 - Time - Watchmakers - Rolex
| TIME ZONE |
| INTERNATIONAL EDITION |
| Greenwich 2000 |
Time - Watchmakers & their watches
A brief history...with some interesting facts thrown in
|
Hans Wilsdorf, a bavarian orphaned at 12, at 24 decided to set-up his own watch-making business having worked in London and La Chaux-de-Fonds. Wisdorf & Davies as founded in 1905 in London. Concentrated on the wrist-watch in a era when the pocket watch was king. Originally ébauches where sourced in Switzerland and sold as 'wristlet' watches in the far outposts of the British Empire.
The expanding bracelet started life in 1906. Wilsdorf wanted a short easily pronounceable and memorable name and came up with the name Rolex. It was not until 24 November 1927 that the world famous Oyster watch range was launched. The whole of the front page of the Daily Mail carried an advertisement to launch the product. Each Oyster watch bears the legend 'Superlative Chronometer Officially Certified' and is accompanied by the Rolex red seal. Watches are tested by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (C.O.S.C.).
-
A Rolex Oyster accompanied Sir Edmond Hillary to the summit of Everest in 1953. 25 years later Reinhold Messner conquered the same mountain without oxygen carrying the famous watch.
-
One of the most sort after watches in the world.
-
Its founder died in 1960.
TIME | FAQs | UK Time | Watch-makers | Quotes | GMT today | Time Tracks
"Greenwich Means Time" to the World
If you buy or sell time-pieces why not advertise here?
email: [email protected]
Thank you for visiting!
We welcome your feedback and comments. Please fill in our Visitors Book
or email: [email protected]
Can't find what you're looking for?
Let us know, email: [email protected]
INTERNATIONAL EDITION
We rated with
developed this web-site & can develop yours - Awards and media coverage
Please read our legal page and our thanks page.© 1996 and 1997 - Greenwich2000™ - Page last updated : 13/05/97 15:01 GMT
