Case in Point

The Rolex Oyster celebrates 100 years of iconic excellence

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If you're talking about Rolex’s pioneering spirit, there is no better place to start than the Oyster.

When it was introduced in 1926, the Oyster was groundbreaking for being the world’s first waterproof wristwatch. Its exceptional performance and reliability were further proven a year later, when Mercedes Gleitze wore it while swimming the English Channel.

As the Oyster celebrates its centenary this year, we explore its journey to becoming a legendary name in horology.

VISIONARY IMPACT

As the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf was not only an astute businessman—he was also a visionary. “We must find a way to create a waterproof wristwatch,” said Hans Wilsdorf in 1914.