Rolex has lots of history and heritage, which explains why we’re going to talk about their history lessons in parts. So let’s get into it; Quick History Lesson About Rolex 1960-2000.
In 1963, Rolex introduced a model which became one of their most popular watches by ease: Cosmograph Daytona. It was originally meant for race drivers. You may be wondering, what is a Cosmograph? A Cosmograph is a chronograph with a tachymeter bezel used to calculate the speed of the driver, and a chronograph to time the laps. An interesting part of the Rolex Daytona history was how Rolex challenged Omega’s Speedmaster for the title of ‘Moonwatch’ from NASA. Unfortunately for Rolex, the Speedmaster was the one to survive NASA’s tests of withstanding space conditions. However, the Rolex Daytona now has became the far more popular watch.
In 1967, Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller. A stronger version of the Submariner that can withstand harsher conditions and goes deeper into the sea. A couple of ages after in 1985, Rolex started using 904L steel for the first time in watchmaking history for its steel watches instead of the 316L steel. Rolex called it ‘Oystersteel’.
In 1992, Rolex has introduced two more models to their arsenal of watches: The Rolex Yacht-Master and the Pearlmaster. The Pearlmaster was a ladies version for the Datejust, and it used a bracelet made just for it called the Pearlmaster as well. The Yacht-Master? it was made for people who enjoyed sailing. Using the same aesthetics of the Submariner, Rolex used a different bezel for it made from either 18ct gold or Oystersteel. Just like so, Rolex became a sponsor for lots of yachting/sailing events.
In 2000, Rolex upgraded their Daytona by giving it a new movement that has only 290 components, which is far fewer than the average chronograph making it more simplistic.
That’s the history lesson about Rolex for you. Tell me, which part of the Rolex history did you find the most fascinating?
Refrences:
- https://m.rolex.com/about-rolex-watches/rolex-history/1953-1967.html
- https://m.rolex.com/about-rolex-watches/rolex-history/1971-1992.html
