Rolex Datejust wristwatch

Rolex is perhaps the most iconic luxury watch brand in the world, founded by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, England, in 1905. Though it started in the UK, the company moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1919 due to the favorable economic conditions and the renowned Swiss expertise in horology.

The Datejust model, featured in this image, was first introduced in 1945 to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the brand. It was the first self-winding waterproof chronometer wristwatch to display the date in a window on the dial. Every Rolex watch is meticulously manufactured in-house across four distinct sites in Switzerland, ensuring total control over the quality and craftsmanship of every component, from the movements to the gold alloys and bracelets.

Rolex remains a privately held company owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a private family trust. This unique ownership structure allows the brand to maintain long-term independence and focus on quality rather than short-term shareholder profits. Because the foundation is a registered charity in Geneva, a significant portion of the company's profits is donated to social and environmental causes.