Rolex is people. Who are they?

[rkny]

Watching Peter Jackson’s reworking of the Beatles’ documentary footage from 1969 tonight, it occurred to me…Rolex is the Beatles of wristwatches, at least to its fans.

And yet, while there’s a plethora of information covering the minutiae of nearly every living, breathing moment of the Beatles’ storied rise to fame, from skiffle band mates, to the scone preference of the assistant producer at Abbey Road, there’s scant little information about the people behind one of the world’s most popular watch brands.

We regularly hear that “Rolex did this, Rolex did that” when it comes to innovations and achievements, as if Rolex was a person. We read about the input and influence of professional divers and military brass in Rolex designs.

But we never get names from inside the factory or the design process. Who were the engineers responsible for the trip-lock crown? Who suggested the lume pearl of the 5512? Who decided on the proper taper of the oyster bracelet? Who proposed white gold bezels surrounding each lume plot of the 16610 Sub? Who were the most influential idea men at the table? Did women play a role? If so, who were they? Were there focus groups?

Patek and AP have their Gerald Genta origin stories. Rolex plays their cards so closely that we’ve never been privy to the exact who/what/when/where of a given design or innovation.

I for one would like to know more.

[rambo99]

rolex is a secret charity organization, and that's why people love the brand so much.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by rkny

Watching Peter Jackson’s reworking of the Beatles’ documentary footage from 1969 tonight, it occurred to me…Rolex is the Beatles of wristwatches, at least to its fans.

And yet, while there’s a plethora of information covering the minutiae of nearly every living, breathing moment of the Beatles’ storied rise to fame, from skiffle band mates, to the scone preference of the assistant producer at Abbey Road, there’s scant little information about the people behind one of the world’s most popular watch brands.

We regularly hear that “Rolex did this, Rolex did that” when it comes to innovations and achievements, as if Rolex was a person. We read about the input and influence of professional divers and military brass in Rolex designs.

But we never get names from inside the factory or the design process. Who were the engineers responsible for the trip-lock crown? Who suggested the lume pearl of the 5512? Who decided on the proper taper of the oyster bracelet? Who proposed white gold bezels surrounding each lume plot of the 16610 Sub? Who were the most influential idea men at the table? Did women play a role? If so, who were they? Were there focus groups?

Patek and AP have their Gerald Genta origin stories. Rolex plays their cards so closely that we’ve never been privy to the exact who/what/when/where of a given design or innovation.

I for one would like to know more.

Although Rolex makes some of the best and toughest mechanical watches in this watch world today they did not invent everything.The firstTwinlock crown was not a Rolex invention but a acquired patent. Now the first introduction of the twin lock waterproof screw down crown system by Rolex, was from a Swiss Patent by Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret. They invented twinlock crown and they took out a Swiss patent first in 1925. But Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him and the RWC. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18 1926, shortly after the Rolex Oyster was first born.

Perrelet invented the first self winding mechanism around 1770.Later Breguet improved it and called his winding system perpetuelles,now perhaps this is where Rolex got the idea to call there automatics Perpetual.But John Harwood from the Isle of Man UK around 1923 took out a UK patent for the very first automatic winding watch.Now he went on with backing to produce many thousands of these watches.But mainly owing to the depression in the mid 1920s to 1930s in the UK he went bust.Now old Hans of Rolex being a very clever but very shrewd man bought and took up this patent for the Rolex Watch Company. And in the very early 1930s incorporated it into the Borgel type oyster design case another one of Hans acquired patents.And also with the newly aquired Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret,waterproof screw down crown system a Swiss patent they took out in 1925 .Hans Wilsdorf quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18, 1926. And with the Oyster case and this acquired Harwood patent auto wind mechanism that only then wound around 300 degrees.But Rolex did improved the design by the help of Hans brother in-law,who made it more efficient by winding a full 360 degrees.And a power reserve then of around 36 hours,after the auto watch and the oyster case Rolex really took off the rest is just pure marketing genius by Hans. And the HEV valve used first on watches like the 5513 later on the SD the first HEV was used by Doxa but Rolex and Doxa shared the patent to get into Rolex first production to the public SD.

Wilsdorf came up with the name oyster while he was having a dinner party and having a hard time getting into an oyster. He made a remark to his guests that he hoped the new design of watch case would prove to be as resilient as this oyster mollusk


Paul Perregaux patent screwed stem system 1925,which Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex aquirerd,to make the first oyster cased Rolex.

[joli160]

Originally Posted by padi56

Although Rolex makes some of the best and toughest mechanical watches in this watch world today they did not invent everything.The firstTwinlock crown was not a Rolex invention but a acquired patent. Now the first introduction of the twin lock waterproof screw down crown system by Rolex, was from a Swiss Patent by Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret. They invented twinlock crown and they took out a Swiss patent first in 1925. But Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him and the RWC. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18 1926, shortly after the Rolex Oyster was first born.

Perrelet invented the first self winding mechanism around 1770.Later Breguet improved it and called his winding system perpetuelles,now perhaps this is where Rolex got the idea to call there automatics Perpetual.But John Harwood from the Isle of Man UK around 1923 took out a UK patent for the very first automatic winding watch.Now he went on with backing to produce many thousands of these watches.But mainly owing to the depression in the mid 1920s to 1930s in the UK he went bust.Now old Hans of Rolex being a very clever but very shrewd man bought and took up this patent for the Rolex Watch Company. And in the very early 1930s incorporated it into the Borgel type oyster design case another one of Hans acquired patents.And also with the newly aquired Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret,waterproof screw down crown system a Swiss patent they took out in 1925 .Hans Wilsdorf quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18, 1926. And with the Oyster case and this acquired Harwood patent auto wind mechanism that only then wound around 300 degrees.But Rolex did improved the design by the help of Hans brother in-law,who made it more efficient by winding a full 360 degrees.And a power reserve then of around 36 hours,after the auto watch and the oyster case Rolex really took off the rest is just pure marketing genius by Hans. And the HEV valve used first on watches like the 5513 later on the SD the first HEV was used by Doxa but Rolex and Doxa shared the patent to get into Rolex first production to the public SD.

Wilsdorf came up with the name oyster while he was having a dinner party and having a hard time getting into an oyster. He made a remark to his guests that he hoped the new design of watch case would prove to be as resilient as this oyster mollusk


Paul Perregaux patent screwed stem system 1925,which Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex aquirerd,to make the first oyster cased Rolex.

Thank you for the history lesson, much appreciated

[minute_man]

And that's why many of us are still here...

Thanks for the thread OP and thank you Peter for another enlightening post.

[Little machines]

Thank you Peter for great learning material .

[GoingPlaces]

Originally Posted by padi56

Although Rolex makes some of the best and toughest mechanical watches in this watch world today they did not invent everything.The firstTwinlock crown was not a Rolex invention but a acquired patent. Now the first introduction of the twin lock waterproof screw down crown system by Rolex, was from a Swiss Patent by Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret. They invented twinlock crown and they took out a Swiss patent first in 1925. But Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him and the RWC. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18 1926, shortly after the Rolex Oyster was first born.

Perrelet invented the first self winding mechanism around 1770.Later Breguet improved it and called his winding system perpetuelles,now perhaps this is where Rolex got the idea to call there automatics Perpetual.But John Harwood from the Isle of Man UK around 1923 took out a UK patent for the very first automatic winding watch.Now he went on with backing to produce many thousands of these watches.But mainly owing to the depression in the mid 1920s to 1930s in the UK he went bust.Now old Hans of Rolex being a very clever but very shrewd man bought and took up this patent for the Rolex Watch Company. And in the very early 1930s incorporated it into the Borgel type oyster design case another one of Hans acquired patents.And also with the newly aquired Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret,waterproof screw down crown system a Swiss patent they took out in 1925 .Hans Wilsdorf quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18, 1926. And with the Oyster case and this acquired Harwood patent auto wind mechanism that only then wound around 300 degrees.But Rolex did improved the design by the help of Hans brother in-law,who made it more efficient by winding a full 360 degrees.And a power reserve then of around 36 hours,after the auto watch and the oyster case Rolex really took off the rest is just pure marketing genius by Hans. And the HEV valve used first on watches like the 5513 later on the SD the first HEV was used by Doxa but Rolex and Doxa shared the patent to get into Rolex first production to the public SD.

Wilsdorf came up with the name oyster while he was having a dinner party and having a hard time getting into an oyster. He made a remark to his guests that he hoped the new design of watch case would prove to be as resilient as this oyster mollusk


Paul Perregaux patent screwed stem system 1925,which Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex aquirerd,to make the first oyster cased Rolex.

Your depth of knowledge for the Rolex line and history always impresses. Thank you.

[Dyim]

Peter thanks for the post.

This is the good old TRF I wish it stayed.

[padi56]

Originally Posted by Dyim

Peter thanks for the post.

This is the good old TRF I wish it stayed.

Thanks guys and Amen to above.

[enjoythemusic]

During the Beatles period, there was an ease of reporting and documenting. This was not as 'easy' when Rolex and many pre-1940 companies were formed. Anything pre-1920 is especially tricky.

Like in school concerning history 'facts' about countries, with some timepiece companies it's their PR / publication department that brings their own skewed viewpoint that best suits their 'needs'.

As far as Rolex, they're good. :) Yet some other companies it's obvious they're 'milking' their company's story to what best suits their PR department.

[tyguy74]

Thank you for your breadth of knowledge and sharing it with us, Peter! This is why I came to love this site, please keep it up!

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by padi56

Although Rolex makes some of the best and toughest mechanical watches in this watch world today they did not invent everything.The firstTwinlock crown was not a Rolex invention but a acquired patent. Now the first introduction of the twin lock waterproof screw down crown system by Rolex, was from a Swiss Patent by Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret. They invented twinlock crown and they took out a Swiss patent first in 1925. But Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him and the RWC. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18 1926, shortly after the Rolex Oyster was first born.

Perrelet invented the first self winding mechanism around 1770.Later Breguet improved it and called his winding system perpetuelles,now perhaps this is where Rolex got the idea to call there automatics Perpetual.But John Harwood from the Isle of Man UK around 1923 took out a UK patent for the very first automatic winding watch.Now he went on with backing to produce many thousands of these watches.But mainly owing to the depression in the mid 1920s to 1930s in the UK he went bust.Now old Hans of Rolex being a very clever but very shrewd man bought and took up this patent for the Rolex Watch Company. And in the very early 1930s incorporated it into the Borgel type oyster design case another one of Hans acquired patents.And also with the newly aquired Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret,waterproof screw down crown system a Swiss patent they took out in 1925 .Hans Wilsdorf quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18, 1926. And with the Oyster case and this acquired Harwood patent auto wind mechanism that only then wound around 300 degrees.But Rolex did improved the design by the help of Hans brother in-law,who made it more efficient by winding a full 360 degrees.And a power reserve then of around 36 hours,after the auto watch and the oyster case Rolex really took off the rest is just pure marketing genius by Hans. And the HEV valve used first on watches like the 5513 later on the SD the first HEV was used by Doxa but Rolex and Doxa shared the patent to get into Rolex first production to the public SD.

Wilsdorf came up with the name oyster while he was having a dinner party and having a hard time getting into an oyster. He made a remark to his guests that he hoped the new design of watch case would prove to be as resilient as this oyster mollusk


Paul Perregaux patent screwed stem system 1925,which Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex aquirerd,to make the first oyster cased Rolex.

Brilliant and insightful post Peter. If I may add that the watch we sometimes consider “started it all”, the emblematic submariner, was suspiciously similar to the previously released blancpain 50 fathoms. There’s a long list of similar examples in what later resulted as the “Rolex Range Of Timepieces”

My take on Wilsdorf is that he was a man way before for his time. But not in the horological sense (yes I know that many on here will wish pain on me for that statement ). Rather, Wilsdorf was and Rolex still is a truly brilliant “Marketer”. Rolex was the brand that touted attributes of the wrist watch and some of the intricacies/technicalities of design in the most brilliant way, making people yearn for tech that they’ll probably never use, but seems manly or cool. It’s early alliance’s with publications like Nat Geo, COMEX and the likes of Jacques Cousteau were simply an astounding display of marketing cunning. Few brands if any (maybe Omega who copied the recipe with nasa) understood what Wilsdorf did about marketing products. So, in my humble view, the company is known around the world for its watches, but the extreme brilliance of the company as a groundbreaking early marketer is sadly overlooked.

[e dantes]

Peter, thank you for that information. It is always good to learn about how Rolex became successful. They did a wonderful job bringing together the technological advances.

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by padi56

Although Rolex makes some of the best and toughest mechanical watches in this watch world today they did not invent everything.The firstTwinlock crown was not a Rolex invention but a acquired patent. Now the first introduction of the twin lock waterproof screw down crown system by Rolex, was from a Swiss Patent by Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret. They invented twinlock crown and they took out a Swiss patent first in 1925. But Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him and the RWC. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18 1926, shortly after the Rolex Oyster was first born.

Perrelet invented the first self winding mechanism around 1770.Later Breguet improved it and called his winding system perpetuelles,now perhaps this is where Rolex got the idea to call there automatics Perpetual.But John Harwood from the Isle of Man UK around 1923 took out a UK patent for the very first automatic winding watch.Now he went on with backing to produce many thousands of these watches.But mainly owing to the depression in the mid 1920s to 1930s in the UK he went bust.Now old Hans of Rolex being a very clever but very shrewd man bought and took up this patent for the Rolex Watch Company. And in the very early 1930s incorporated it into the Borgel type oyster design case another one of Hans acquired patents.And also with the newly aquired Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret,waterproof screw down crown system a Swiss patent they took out in 1925 .Hans Wilsdorf quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18, 1926. And with the Oyster case and this acquired Harwood patent auto wind mechanism that only then wound around 300 degrees.But Rolex did improved the design by the help of Hans brother in-law,who made it more efficient by winding a full 360 degrees.And a power reserve then of around 36 hours,after the auto watch and the oyster case Rolex really took off the rest is just pure marketing genius by Hans. And the HEV valve used first on watches like the 5513 later on the SD the first HEV was used by Doxa but Rolex and Doxa shared the patent to get into Rolex first production to the public SD.

Wilsdorf came up with the name oyster while he was having a dinner party and having a hard time getting into an oyster. He made a remark to his guests that he hoped the new design of watch case would prove to be as resilient as this oyster mollusk


Paul Perregaux patent screwed stem system 1925,which Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex aquirerd,to make the first oyster cased Rolex.

Thank you Peter, as always great information.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by padi56

Although Rolex makes some of the best and toughest mechanical watches in this watch world today they did not invent everything.The firstTwinlock crown was not a Rolex invention but a acquired patent. Now the first introduction of the twin lock waterproof screw down crown system by Rolex, was from a Swiss Patent by Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret. They invented twinlock crown and they took out a Swiss patent first in 1925. But Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him and the RWC. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18 1926, shortly after the Rolex Oyster was first born.

Perrelet invented the first self winding mechanism around 1770.Later Breguet improved it and called his winding system perpetuelles,now perhaps this is where Rolex got the idea to call there automatics Perpetual.But John Harwood from the Isle of Man UK around 1923 took out a UK patent for the very first automatic winding watch.Now he went on with backing to produce many thousands of these watches.But mainly owing to the depression in the mid 1920s to 1930s in the UK he went bust.Now old Hans of Rolex being a very clever but very shrewd man bought and took up this patent for the Rolex Watch Company. And in the very early 1930s incorporated it into the Borgel type oyster design case another one of Hans acquired patents.And also with the newly aquired Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret,waterproof screw down crown system a Swiss patent they took out in 1925 .Hans Wilsdorf quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18, 1926. And with the Oyster case and this acquired Harwood patent auto wind mechanism that only then wound around 300 degrees.But Rolex did improved the design by the help of Hans brother in-law,who made it more efficient by winding a full 360 degrees.And a power reserve then of around 36 hours,after the auto watch and the oyster case Rolex really took off the rest is just pure marketing genius by Hans. And the HEV valve used first on watches like the 5513 later on the SD the first HEV was used by Doxa but Rolex and Doxa shared the patent to get into Rolex first production to the public SD.

Wilsdorf came up with the name oyster while he was having a dinner party and having a hard time getting into an oyster. He made a remark to his guests that he hoped the new design of watch case would prove to be as resilient as this oyster mollusk


Paul Perregaux patent screwed stem system 1925,which Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex aquirerd,to make the first oyster cased Rolex.

Thank you for this Peter, stellar information as always

[Tricolore66]

Maybe Rolex is like Starbucks. You see Starbucks on every corner, but have you ever known anyone who works at a Starbucks? Me neither. I think they grow them in labs…

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by inadeje

Brilliant and insightful post Peter. It’s early alliance’s with publications like Nat Geo, COMEX and the likes of Jacques Cousteau were simply an astounding display of marketing cunning.

I agree, Pete has a wealth of knowledge that I wish got shared more around here these days.

As for Nat Geo, I swear I remember looking at Rolex ad’s in them when I was young. However, I buy every vintage National Geographic magazine I can find and when I get home and scour every page have not found a single Rolex ad. Maybe it was a different publication (think rabbit) that I fondly remember these Rolex ad’s.

Anyone know what publications they were in and what years they ran which models?


Sent from my Apple privacy invasion product

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

I agree, Pete has a wealth of knowledge that I wish got shared more around here these days.

As for Nat Geo, I swear I remember looking at Rolex ad’s in them when I was young. However, I buy every vintage National Geographic magazine I can find and when I get home and scour every page have not found a single Rolex ad. Maybe it was a different publication (think rabbit) that I fondly remember these Rolex ad’s.

Anyone know what publications they were in and what years they ran which models?


Sent from my Apple privacy invasion product

I have a few of these old Nat Geo Rolex ads framed in my office in Europe, the next time I’m over there I will post some photos.

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by inadeje

I have a few of these old Nat Geo Rolex ads framed in my office in Europe, the next time I’m over there I will post some photos.

I’m jealous. I’ve got nat geos from the 60’s till the 2000’s and haven’t found a single Rolex ad.


Sent from my Apple privacy invasion product

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by Dyim

Peter thanks for the post.

This is the good old TRF I wish it stayed.

[KBM]

Originally Posted by padi56

Although Rolex makes some of the best and toughest mechanical watches in this watch world today they did not invent everything.The firstTwinlock crown was not a Rolex invention but a acquired patent. Now the first introduction of the twin lock waterproof screw down crown system by Rolex, was from a Swiss Patent by Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret. They invented twinlock crown and they took out a Swiss patent first in 1925. But Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him and the RWC. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18 1926, shortly after the Rolex Oyster was first born.

Perrelet invented the first self winding mechanism around 1770.Later Breguet improved it and called his winding system perpetuelles,now perhaps this is where Rolex got the idea to call there automatics Perpetual.But John Harwood from the Isle of Man UK around 1923 took out a UK patent for the very first automatic winding watch.Now he went on with backing to produce many thousands of these watches.But mainly owing to the depression in the mid 1920s to 1930s in the UK he went bust.Now old Hans of Rolex being a very clever but very shrewd man bought and took up this patent for the Rolex Watch Company. And in the very early 1930s incorporated it into the Borgel type oyster design case another one of Hans acquired patents.And also with the newly aquired Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret,waterproof screw down crown system a Swiss patent they took out in 1925 .Hans Wilsdorf quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18, 1926. And with the Oyster case and this acquired Harwood patent auto wind mechanism that only then wound around 300 degrees.But Rolex did improved the design by the help of Hans brother in-law,who made it more efficient by winding a full 360 degrees.And a power reserve then of around 36 hours,after the auto watch and the oyster case Rolex really took off the rest is just pure marketing genius by Hans. And the HEV valve used first on watches like the 5513 later on the SD the first HEV was used by Doxa but Rolex and Doxa shared the patent to get into Rolex first production to the public SD.

Wilsdorf came up with the name oyster while he was having a dinner party and having a hard time getting into an oyster. He made a remark to his guests that he hoped the new design of watch case would prove to be as resilient as this oyster mollusk


Paul Perregaux patent screwed stem system 1925,which Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex aquirerd,to make the first oyster cased Rolex.

Cheers, my friend, and thank you for yet another history lesson.

[inadeje]

Originally Posted by MrGoat

I’m jealous. I’ve got nat geos from the 60’s till the 2000’s and haven’t found a single Rolex ad.


Sent from my Apple privacy invasion product

Maybe the EU editions were different? No idea

[minute_man]

Originally Posted by Dyim

Peter thanks for the post.

This is the good old TRF I wish it stayed.

A much needed breath of fresh air, in stark contrast to the pungent stench of all those monetary and speculative threads as of late...

To those who can:

Please keep it up.

Thanks again

[Madman37]

Wow I learned a lot in this post. But if Rolex is like the Beatles the I am getting rid of all my Rolex watches. Can’t stand the crappy Beatles

[padi56]

Originally Posted by minute_man

A much needed breath of fresh air, in stark contrast to the pungent stench of all those monetary and speculative threads as of late...

To those who can:

Please keep it up.

Thanks again

Afraid today the history of the brand Rolex is far down the list of priorities now on forum but thanks for your reply.

[Recondope]

Originally Posted by padi56

Although Rolex makes some of the best and toughest mechanical watches in this watch world today they did not invent everything.The firstTwinlock crown was not a Rolex invention but a acquired patent. Now the first introduction of the twin lock waterproof screw down crown system by Rolex, was from a Swiss Patent by Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret. They invented twinlock crown and they took out a Swiss patent first in 1925. But Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him and the RWC. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18 1926, shortly after the Rolex Oyster was first born.

Perrelet invented the first self winding mechanism around 1770.Later Breguet improved it and called his winding system perpetuelles,now perhaps this is where Rolex got the idea to call there automatics Perpetual.But John Harwood from the Isle of Man UK around 1923 took out a UK patent for the very first automatic winding watch.Now he went on with backing to produce many thousands of these watches.But mainly owing to the depression in the mid 1920s to 1930s in the UK he went bust.Now old Hans of Rolex being a very clever but very shrewd man bought and took up this patent for the Rolex Watch Company. And in the very early 1930s incorporated it into the Borgel type oyster design case another one of Hans acquired patents.And also with the newly aquired Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret,waterproof screw down crown system a Swiss patent they took out in 1925 .Hans Wilsdorf quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18, 1926. And with the Oyster case and this acquired Harwood patent auto wind mechanism that only then wound around 300 degrees.But Rolex did improved the design by the help of Hans brother in-law,who made it more efficient by winding a full 360 degrees.And a power reserve then of around 36 hours,after the auto watch and the oyster case Rolex really took off the rest is just pure marketing genius by Hans. And the HEV valve used first on watches like the 5513 later on the SD the first HEV was used by Doxa but Rolex and Doxa shared the patent to get into Rolex first production to the public SD.

Wilsdorf came up with the name oyster while he was having a dinner party and having a hard time getting into an oyster. He made a remark to his guests that he hoped the new design of watch case would prove to be as resilient as this oyster mollusk


Paul Perregaux patent screwed stem system 1925,which Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex aquirerd,to make the first oyster cased Rolex.

That is some interesting history. Thank you for sharing Padi. This is the kind of info I wish were posted more often. Always great to learn something new.

[77T]

A testament to Rolex; Hans had the requisite prescience to buy the best designs (and succeed) when other more inventive minds didn’t leverage their own innovations successfully.

Ant Patek is another who comes to mind as well.

[Timetracker]

Rolex is comprised of international men (and women) of mystery of course.

[JR16]

Originally Posted by joli160

Thank you for the history lesson, much appreciated

It took me 30 minutes on TRF to finally get to the posts that keep me here - thanks Peter. Perhaps you should make a documentary for Disney+ !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[azs.77]

Originally Posted by padi56

Although Rolex makes some of the best and toughest mechanical watches in this watch world today they did not invent everything.The firstTwinlock crown was not a Rolex invention but a acquired patent. Now the first introduction of the twin lock waterproof screw down crown system by Rolex, was from a Swiss Patent by Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret. They invented twinlock crown and they took out a Swiss patent first in 1925. But Hans Wilsdorf from the RWC quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him and the RWC. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18 1926, shortly after the Rolex Oyster was first born.

Perrelet invented the first self winding mechanism around 1770.Later Breguet improved it and called his winding system perpetuelles,now perhaps this is where Rolex got the idea to call there automatics Perpetual.But John Harwood from the Isle of Man UK around 1923 took out a UK patent for the very first automatic winding watch.Now he went on with backing to produce many thousands of these watches.But mainly owing to the depression in the mid 1920s to 1930s in the UK he went bust.Now old Hans of Rolex being a very clever but very shrewd man bought and took up this patent for the Rolex Watch Company. And in the very early 1930s incorporated it into the Borgel type oyster design case another one of Hans acquired patents.And also with the newly aquired Paul Perregaux and Georges Peret,waterproof screw down crown system a Swiss patent they took out in 1925 .Hans Wilsdorf quickly negotiated to have the Perregaux and Peret patent assigned to him. Wilsdorf then obtained a British patent on October 18, 1926. And with the Oyster case and this acquired Harwood patent auto wind mechanism that only then wound around 300 degrees.But Rolex did improved the design by the help of Hans brother in-law,who made it more efficient by winding a full 360 degrees.And a power reserve then of around 36 hours,after the auto watch and the oyster case Rolex really took off the rest is just pure marketing genius by Hans. And the HEV valve used first on watches like the 5513 later on the SD the first HEV was used by Doxa but Rolex and Doxa shared the patent to get into Rolex first production to the public SD.

Wilsdorf came up with the name oyster while he was having a dinner party and having a hard time getting into an oyster. He made a remark to his guests that he hoped the new design of watch case would prove to be as resilient as this oyster mollusk


Paul Perregaux patent screwed stem system 1925,which Hans Wilsdorf of Rolex aquirerd,to make the first oyster cased Rolex.

Ver guy nice read. Thanks for sharing


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