Rolex: History, Icons and Record-Breaking Models

by Mara Cappelletti, Osvaldo Patrizzi

The history of Rolex is inextricably linked to its founder Hans Wilsdorf, who took the first steps in the world of Swiss watchmaking as he dreamed about a timepiece that could be worn around the wrist. This experimental research led Rolex to achieve its highest goals in both technological innovation and in the use of the finest materials alone. Its models have been photographed on the wrists of political leaders, sports champions, and film and fashion celebrities, transforming each rolex into a fully-fledged status symbol, a synonym of elegance and precision.

Including essays with a historical and technical slant, in-depth descriptions of the most representative pieces and a brief glossary, the pages in this book sparkle with golden hands, diamond-studded dials and patent leather watchbands, illustrated in period photographs and macro-detail. The volume ends with a chapter dedicated to the most amazing auctions that saw the sale of the Geneva-based company's vintage watches.

152 pages, Hardcover

First published April 30, 2015

Reviews

[Sverre · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Accuracy, reliability, practicality" - these are the 'golden rules' that the Rolex strategy revolves around.

This beautifully illustrated and aesthetically pleasing book lays out the ongoing story of one of the world's most recognizable and iconic Swiss watch brands. The visionary and resilient watch entrepeneur Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1908 and accomplished an impressive feat of milestones since. Some are well-known, like the launch of iconic models such as the Daydate, the Submariner, and the GMT-Master. Others, less so, like the launch of the affordable Air-King model favored by British RAF pilots during WWII, as well as the limited production of "Prisoner Watches" which were brought to British POWs by the Red Cross.

Overall, this is a great coffee table book recommended to horology enthusiasts and watch collectors alike.

[Monthly Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can be summed up as a beautiful coffee-table book containing a good wrap-up of the company‘s history, its most important models and some technological background. For people already familiar with the brand and watches in general, most of it is not news but I can still recommend them to read it as a relaxed lecture on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The somewhat sub-par editing and writing style is more than compensated by the beautiful illustrations throughout.