History of Rolex // Surprising Early Influencers (Part 2)

In Part 2 of his Rolex History, Michael dives into how Rolex put themselves on the map. Mercedes Gleitze, for example, swam across the English Channel in 1927 with a Rolex strapped around her neck, helping to cement to the world the water resistance of a Rolex watch long before the Submariner became even a concept drawing. Then, in 1933, Douglas Hamilton and Colonel Stewart Blackard flew a bi-plane over Mount Everest while wearing Rolexes. Much of the 1920s and 30s was filled with this kind of high achievement in human experience while wearing a Rolex, and this transferred itself into World War II as well, where pilots whose watches had been confiscated would be sent Rolexes directly by Hans Wilsdorf.

One such example of this was the famous “Great Escape,” in which a Rolex Oyster 3525 was ordered by Corporal Clive James Nutting for what was assumed to be used in timing the guards of the prison camp and managing the escape. By being at all of these major historical events, Rolex has managed an association with all manner of adventure and achievement, an association that is present to this day.

To catch part 1 click here!

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