Five Iconic Rolex Models

Time to Look at Rolex up close

A list claiming the five most iconic Rolex models will almost certainly spark a bit of debate. But here at Edinburgh Asset Finance, we thought we’d spend a bit of time compiling our contribution.

First, though, a short history lesson

Rolex: starting the watch

Founded in London – not Switzerland – in 1905 by the 24-year-old Hans Wilsdorf and his brother-in-law, Alfred Davis, the Rolex name is a byword for luxury, quality and craftsmanship.

But where did that illustrious name actually come from?

To quote Wilsdorf himself “a genie whispered ‘Rolex’ in my ear.”

It’s an engaging answer, but the truth is that the young Wilsdorf had spent a long time wrestling with the alphabet prior to coining the Rolex name. And when it emerged, it was perfect. Short and snappy. Easy to pronounce. An ideal fit for a watch face. In Wilsdorf’s view, it was even a word that, when said out loud, recalled the sound made when winding a watch.