I don’t know about you, but as someone who isn’t exactly into watches, Rolex is like the ultimate status symbol—having one means you’re wealthy and belongs to the upper class.
And at least for most of us, we know Rolex is expensive—but other than that, what else do you know about it?
Here’re ten facts for you to digest so that next time if you want to sound and look more atas, this information will come in handy.
There’re no official records of the origin of the name
Well, there might be: According to a biography of the brand, the name was just made up for no reason. However, it is said that “Rolex” sounds like a watch being wound. That, to me, sounds even more bizarre.
There’s also no official record of the origin of the logo
The Rolex logo has become synonymous with the brand, and once again, the origin is unclear. One interesting theory is that each matchstick refers to each letter of the word “Rolex”. Whatever it is, for a luxury brand whereby the logo has no meaning whatsoever, it sure makes it even more exclusive.
The brand was founded in 1905
We all know it’s old, but how old? At 111 years old, it’s older than many brands in the world. The name Rolex was, however, only registered in 1915.
Rolex isn’t exactly a company
Here’s when things get a little complicated: a company’s objective is to earn as much money as possible, so any extra profits can be given to the shareholders.
Rolex isn’t a company: it’s a private trust and owned not by shareholders but by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. Rumours have it that they used its profits, if any, for R&D or charity through the foundation.
It’s a Swiss company although it originated from the UK
The company moved its operation from the UK to Switzerland in 1919 due to the high taxes in England back then. The name Rolex SA was also established in Switzerland instead of the UK.
Rolex isn’t the brand that invents automatic watches
Contrary to popular belief, Rolex didn’t invent self-winding watches—the first self-winding watch was invented by John Harwood in 1923. However, Rolex improved the design in 1930, allowing a fully wound watch to run for 35 hours instead of the previous 12 hours.
The strap itself could cost hundreds of dollar
It’s a Rolex, what do you expect?
You can verify the authentication of your Rolex watch in Rolex Centre in Singapore
The official Rolex Centre in Singapore will not service or repair a fake Rolex; so if you want to verify the authentication of your Rolex, simply service it there and the documents of it being serviced will show that it’s not a fake. Alternatively, you can get them, or any other watch shop, to verify it at a price of around $35 to $100.
Most of the service centres or retailers are in town
There’re no retailers in the west and north at all, while there’re two in the east: in Changi Airport. So, if you want to feel rich, remember to hang out in town or in Changi Airport.
There’s a Japanese brand called Relax
Relax, take a look. At least its logo seems to tell a story, eh?
