A concise, detailed history of Rolex--one of the most coveted brands in the world

With a collection of partly sporty and partly elegant three-hand watches, an iconic chronograph, and some interesting complications, Rolex has been setting the standard for the Swiss watch industry for more than 60 years. This photo-filled and information-packed volume pays tribute to this sought-after brand and what makes Rolex so special: the outstanding features of perfection.

A professional team of authors, led by editor in chief and watch expert Peter Braun, has created a comprehensive and exciting portrait of this coveted luxury brand. From the Rolex company history to an examination of its sports watches, tool watches, and complication watches, this book provides deep insights into the production of the largest Swiss watch manufacturer.

CONTENTS
Introduction 3

The History of the Rolex Brand
At the Sign of the Crown 6

Robust, Waterproof, Self-Winding Automatic
The Long Way to an Elegant Sports Watch 14

Key to Success: Rolex Tool Watches
The New Submariner 22
The History of the Diving Watch 26
Air-King: The King Is Back 30
Sea-Dweller: Pioneering Achievement 32
GMT-Master II: Pepsi for the People 38

Another Hand or Two: Rolex Watches with Complications
Daytona: Perfect Timing 44
Yacht-Master: Countdown for the Advanced 52
Sky-Dweller: For Aviators and High Flyers 56
Cellini: The Moon, at the Sign of the Crown 60

The Inner Workings of Luxury Watch Manufacturer Rolex
The Coronation 64
Headquarters at Geneva's Les Acacias 67
Manufacturing Watch Movements in Biel 70
Cases and Bracelets from Plan-les-Ouates 72
Dials and Ceramics from Chêne-Bourg 74

The Ten Outstanding Features of a Rolex
The Ideal of Perfection 76

The New Generation of Calibers
A New Era in Reckoning Time 86
The Current Self-Winding Movements 90

Catalog
The Most-Beautiful Classic Rolex Models 98
The Models of the Current Rolex Collection 110