Rolex

History

Founded in London by Hans Wilsdorf and relocated to Geneva in 1919, Rolex pioneered the waterproof Oyster case (1926) and the self-winding Perpetual rotor (1931). It is held by a charitable foundation, which is why no quarterly earnings exist to soften decisions.

Cultural significance

A Rolex is the watch you wear without having to explain. It is the universal grammar of luxury time.