The History of Water Resistance in Rolex Watches

When Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1905, he could never have imagined the extent to which his watches would one day be able to withstand water. In the early days of watchmaking, watches were delicate timepieces that were not designed to be worn in the water. However, as people began to lead more active lifestyles, the demand for water-resistant watches grew.

In 1926, Rolex introduced the Oyster case, which was the first waterproof watch case. The Oyster case was designed with a screw-down crown, a screw-down case back, and a hermetically sealed case to keep water out. The Oyster was a revolution in watchmaking, and it paved the way for Rolex to become the leader in water-resistant watches.

Over the years, Rolex has continued to innovate and improve its water-resistant technology. In 1953, Rolex introduced the Submariner, the first watch designed for diving. The Submariner was water-resistant to 100 meters, and it was equipped with a rotating bezel to track dive time. This watch was a game-changer in the world of diving and it set the standard for all dive watches to come.

In the 1960s, Rolex introduced the Sea-Dweller, a watch designed for professional deep-sea divers. The Sea-Dweller was water-resistant to a depth of 610 meters, and it was designed to withstand the extreme pressure of deep-sea diving. This watch was a testament to Rolex's commitment to quality and durability, and it remains one of the most sought-after dive watches to this day.

Today, Rolex continues to push the boundaries of water resistance. Its latest models, such as the Deepsea, are water-resistant to a depth of 3,900 meters. These watches are not only designed to withstand the pressure of deep-sea diving, but they are also equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure their accuracy and reliability.

In conclusion, the history of water resistance in Rolex watches is a story of innovation, ingenuity, and a commitment to quality. From the early days of the Oyster case to the latest models that can withstand the pressure of deep-sea diving, Rolex has set the standard for water-resistant watches. Whether you are a professional diver or simply someone who loves the outdoors, a Rolex watch is the perfect companion for all of your adventures.

Photo credit : https://www.wired.co.uk/article/rolex-dive-watch-testing