Rolex SA
Rolex SA is the private holding company that oversees Rolex and Tudor, two of the world's most respected watch brands. Founded by Hans Wilsdorf in London in 1905 and later relocated to Geneva, it operates as one of the most secretive and successful luxury companies in the world. Structured as a charitable foundation (the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation) since 1960, Rolex SA maintains complete independence, allowing for long-term strategic decisions without shareholder pressure. This unique structure has enabled consistent investment in manufacturing facilities, quality control, and vertical integration, and allowed Rolex to become among the most successful brands in history.
Brands summary:
Rolex is the world's most recognized luxury watch brand, renowned for mechanical excellence, reliability, and value. Founded on principles of precision and durability, Rolex pioneered innovations including the first waterproof wristwatch (Oyster, 1926) and automatic winding (Perpetual, 1931). The brand offers a focused collection of iconic models including the Submariner, Datejust, GMT-Master, and Daytona, all characterized by incremental evolution rather than radical redesigns. Tudor was established by Wilsdorf in 1926 as a more accessible alternative to Rolex and continues to offer similar reliability and durability at lower price points. After decades of living in Rolex's shadow, Tudor underwent a dramatic revitalization beginning in 2010, developing a distinct identity focused on vintage-inspired designs with modern technical specifications. The Black Bay collection has spearheaded Tudor's renaissance, with the brand now recognized for offering exceptional value, in-house movements, and designs that balance heritage elements with contemporary styling.
