There have been many entrepreneurs over the course of human history, but very few of them ever get to walk among its hallowed halls. It is very rare that a person comes along and permanently alters the course of an entire field of business, but Hans Wilsdorf managed to do just that.
Though you may not immediately recognize Hans Wilsdorf’s name, you certainly know the name of the company he founded in 1908 – Rolex. Wilsdorf would also go on to found Tudor watches as well, as a cost-friendly alternative to Rolex, but it is through Rolex that Hans Wilsdorf permanently placed himself among the titans of his industry.
In order to honor his legacy, Rubber B has decided to honor Mr. Wilsdorf by briefly going into his history, as well as the history of his company and how they would forever change how luxury timepieces are manufactured.
Who Was Hans Wilsdorf?
Hans Wilsdorf was born into rather inauspicious beginnings in 1881 in Bavaria, or what we now know as Germany. His mother died when he was just a young boy, and by the time Hans was 12, he would lose his father as well, rendering him and his brother and sister orphans in the process.
Hans and his brother were placed in the care of their wealthy uncles, who sold their rather prosperous family business and sent Hans and his brother to boarding school, thereby making sure they would receive an excellent education. In his autobiography, entitled Rolex Jubilee Vade Mecum, Wilsdorf is quoted as stating the following:
“Our uncles were not indifferent to our fate; nevertheless, the way in which they made me become self-reliant very early in life made me acquire the habit of looking after my possessions and, looking back, I believe that it is to this that much of my success is due.”
This education would prove vital to Hans’s later success in life. He would later become an apprentice for an international pearl exporting company, and in 1900, he would begin his career in Swiss watchmaking. He would eventually found Rolex in 1908, along with his brother in law, and change the watchmaking world forever as a result.
What Kind of Historical Milestones Has Rolex Achieved?
Though many people, even those who do not collect luxury timepieces, are familiar with the Rolex name, they are likely unaware of why, and how, the brand became so famous in the first place. Below, we have assembled an abridged timeline of notable events in the history of Rolex1910 – 1914 – first Rolex watches submitted for testing to be declared chronographers
— 1926 – Rolex released their first Oyster Case, thereby introducing the general public to waterproof/dustproof watches
— 1931 – Rolex patents the world’s first perpetual automatic caliber for watches
— 1945 – Rolex introduces the Datejust, which is the first watch to display the date as well as the time
— 1953 – Submariner and Explorer watches released, making them the world’s first diving watches
— 1955 – Rolex released the GMT Master, which is the first watch to indicate two different time zones on the dial
These are far from the only innovations Rolex has made to the world of luxury timepieces, but they are among some of the most notable.
Hans Wilsdorf would pass away in Geneva, Switzerland in July of 1960, at the age of 79. Today, the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, which also manages his estate, oversees Rolex and continues to ensure that the company continues his legacy of innovation and dedication to quality manufacturing in the world of horology.
Want to Customize Your Rolex? Purchase Custom Rubber Watch Straps From Rubber B Today
Rubber B is proud to offer a wide variety of custom rubber watch straps for several luxury timepiece manufacturers, including Rolex. You can see our complete line of products for Rolex and other brands at our website, which is located here.
Just like Rolex, all of Rubber B’s custom watch straps are made 100% in Switzerland and are comprised solely of vulcanized rubber. They are tested for durability and are certified compliant by both the FDA and the BGVV, making them both waterproof and dustproof.
We regularly update our product catalog, so be sure to frequently check in with us at our website to see what we’ve been up to as of late!
