ROLEX

The Rolex GMT Master was originally designed in collaboration with Pan Am Airlines, because pilots were starting to fly longer distances in the 1940s and 50s and, therefore, cross many different time zones.

As with every Rolex, the Cosmograph Daytona has an incredible story to tell – a story driven by speed.

The Submariner was the first watch to be waterproof to 100 metres and was created to be both practical as a dive watch without scrimping on aesthetic appeal. Rolex wanted a watch that worked as perfectly underwater as it looked at the surface.

When Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Everest on 29 May 1953, Norgay was wearing an Explorer on his wrist – cementing the timepiece’s importance in the world of exploration.

The idea for the Sea Dweller came about as many divers found that their watch crystal would break and fall out of their Submariners as they went through the decompression process. So, Rolex decided to fix the problem.

Air King - Still in production today, the Rolex Air-King is one of the longest continuously produced models in the company’s history and its vintage references are highly prized amongst collectors.

The Cellini was first designed for the artistically minded, paying homage to Benvenuto Cellini, a famous and highly-respected artist from the 1500s. It is also considered Rolex’s ‘dress watch’.

Milgauss - A timepiece specifically designed for scientists.

Oyster - Next time you go swimming with your waterproof watch strapped to your wrist, say a little thank you to Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf and his revolutionary Oyster.