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Why Rolex watches are so prestigious

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#watch #watches #watchaddict #timepiece
Published
02/28/2023

For some people, a watch is just a practical accessory – a means to tell the time and a way to ensure that we can keep track of our daily schedule. But for others, a watch is so much more than that. It can hold sentimental value, especially if it’s been passed down through generations of a family.

It can also act as a real fashion statement – the perfect accompaniment to a certain outfit or a piece that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go. It may also be an indicator of status, and there are few watch brands that embody that concept more clearly than Rolex.

But what is the history of this famous manufacturer? How did it become renowned the world over? And why are Rolex watches so expensive? Read on to find out more.

The history of Rolex

Rolex was initially founded in 1905 in London under the name Wilsdorf and Davis by two brothers-in-law, Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis. The former was the real driving force behind the company, and it was he who came up with the brand name. Wilsdorf wanted it to be short enough to fit on a watch face as well as easy to say in any language. Shortly after the first World War, Rolex was moved to Geneva, a city synonymous with horology.

Throughout the 20th century, Rolex was intrinsically linked to a series of ground-breaking moments of achievement. The first waterproof watch survived a 10-hour crossing of the English Channel by Mercedes Gleitze in 1927, while the Oyster was part of the first flight over Mount Everest in 1933 as well as Malcom Campbell’s land speed record two years later.
 

Why are Rolex watches so expensive?

There’s no denying that a Rolex comes at a higher price point than your average timepiece, which is what leads many owners to consider jewellery insurance as extra protection for a prized watch.

And there are a number of reasons why a Rolex tends to cost more. For example, the brand commits a lot of resources into the research and development of its pieces, which are all crafted from the highest-quality materials. This all comes at an additional expense, which is passed onto the paying customer.

Furthermore, there is much to be said about the value of having a Rolex watch (depending on the model) as an investment to protect one's wealth from inflation; or even, in some cases, outperform traditional assets such as stocks, gold and real estate. Having said this, it’s important to do your own due diligence and seek expert advice to avoid making mistakes.

A Rolex watch is handcrafted, which means that every piece is unique, while offering high-level functionality. This extends beyond simply telling the time with ultimate precision and includes remarkable water-resistance capabilities – up to thousands of metres below sea level. All of these factors, combined with Rolex’s impeccable reputation as a luxury brand with an illustrious history, put it at the very top of the range.

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