Six moments.
One unfolding story.
Use the years below to move through the archive. These are selected milestones, not a complete history.
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An idea takes shape.
Hans Wilsdorf starts a watch business in London. In 1908, he chooses the name Rolex.[1]
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The protective case.
The Oyster introduces a sealed case to help protect its movement from water and dust.[2]
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A test in the water.
Mercedes Gleitze wears an Oyster during an English Channel swim. After many hours in the water, the watch is still working.[2]
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Movement, put to work.
Rolex introduces the Perpetual rotor, a moving weight that helps wind the watch as the wearer moves their wrist.[2]
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The date on the dial.
The Datejust arrives, displaying the date in a small window on its dial.[2]
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A watch for diving.
Rolex introduces the Submariner, designed for diving. The Explorer also arrives in 1953.[3]
When movement
becomes energy.
In 1931, Rolex introduced its Perpetual rotor. The turning weight uses the wearer’s movement to help wind the spring inside the watch. It is a practical connection between the motion of the wrist and the mechanism it powers.[4]
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The movement photograph encourages a different kind of attention: away from the dial, towards the construction beneath it. The technical reference linked below explains the mechanism in more detail.
Details worth noticing.
The same habit of looking closely belongs in a design sketchbook. Where should information sit? How does a case frame the dial? Which details make a watch easier to read? These are questions for Nour’s own exploration, not claims of a manufactured collection.
Explore the design studioThe sources behind the story.
- Rolex history: 1905–1919
- Rolex history: 1926–1945
- Rolex history: 1953–1967
- Rolex: The Perpetual rotor
- Rolex: The Oyster case
History and archive photographs are carried forward from the supplied website and its Rolex references. This independent journal is not affiliated with, authorised by or endorsed by Rolex. Photography remains subject to the rights of its owners. Full image credits and publication notes.