Let’s be honest – a Rolex timepiece is, in itself, a piece of art.
With a brand history that spans decades, and a collection that holds some of the most valuable and more recognisable timepieces in the world, Rolex has made a name for itself as a practical, innovative style icon.
But how does the brand connect with the world of art – and how much of the Rolex design is inspired by artistic concepts and influences?
In this blog, we’re taking a look at the design of Rolex watches and how closely linked the brand is with art.
The Birth of Rolex Design
In order to understand the role of design in Rolex, we need to look at how the brand was born.
Originally, the watches produced by Rolex’s founders were crafted using Swiss components and outsourced watch cases – however, these early wristwatches were inaccurate. Under their early name of Wilsdorf and Davis, the two founders sought to create a brand that was underpinned by standard, and that combined their interest in accuracy with impeccable design and a style that would render each piece a work of art.
Rolex as a brand was born in 1910, and ever since has made history with its unique displays of design flair and creative function.
The Most Innovative Rolex Models in Terms of Design
When we talk about innovation within the design of a Rolex watch, we need to acknowledge both the visible features and the aesthetic style of the watch, and the innovation in terms of function and practical usage.
Any Rolex watch is considered in the industry to be a work of art, owing to its use of the finest materials and the most creative, revolutionary design features. A Rolex watch doesn’t just tell the time, but it balances its core function with a host of other features based on the unique model – whether that be enabling the wearer to dive to a depth of 100 m or track their race speed in a F1 car.
Some of the most notable and innovative models that owe their design flair and artistic style to Rolex include:
- The Rolex Submariner, the world’s leading diving wristwatch, which was first launched in 1953.
- The Rolex Daytona, a watch designed for race car drivers, which enables them to tell the time and measure their distance and speed, calculating average speed around a track. This watch was first launched in 1945.
- The Rolex Datejust, a watch of many models and unique designs, which remains at the top of many celebrity collections and buyer wish lists.
- The Rolex GMT-Master, launched in 1954 as a watch that enables the wearer to track the time in two different time zones. Created with pilots in mind, this watch is an excellent example of how style balances with function across every Rolex collection.
What all of these Rolex watches, and the rest of the collection, have in common is an unrivalled sense of quality and status. Every single authentic Rolex that hits the market is met with incredible demand; a demand that is consistently more prominent than the supply, to ensure that Rolex watches remain an exclusive and rare find among buyers.
How Can We Connect Rolex with the World of Art?
To connect Rolex as a luxury watchmaking brand with the world of art, we need to consider specifically how leading collections have changed and adapted in line with trends and styles.
It will come as no surprise to you that any Rolex model, regardless of its age and design, is considered a good investment. After all, that’s largely the reason why authentic Rolex watches are so coveted and in demand, because of the investment potential and the fact that owning a Rolex watch is seen as a sign of wealth and prestige.
But some models are more art-led and design-focussed than others – with colourful watch faces and jewel-encrusted bracelets adding life and vibrance to existing models, often at the request of high-end buyers and collectors.
More than that, Rolex has launched its own initiative to not only embrace the importance of art in its own designs, but to support those artists who – like Rolex – constantly strive for excellence.
In 2002, the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative was launched to support and aid the most promising figures in the world of art – across performance, architecture, behind the scenes, and visual art. This initiative delivers mentorship and support financially and through connectivity, in an effort to inspire art as a whole, by investing in individuals who show promise and determination.
This is, in essence, an embodiment of what Rolex seeks to create through every one of its new models. You need only look at the flair of the Oyster case, or the intricate use of precious stones and quality materials, to see how important art is to the brand – and through the Arts Initiative, Rolex creates a system of mentoring where such influence and inspiration is finetuned and developed.
Rolex as an Investment
What all of this tells us is that Rolex is more than just a watchmaking brand. When you invest in a Rolex timepiece, you invest in and take home a piece of history that is intrinsically linked with art, with innovation, with physical extremes, and with luxury brand history.
Buying a Rolex is a journey to find the perfect match for your wrist and for your lifestyle. And where better to start that journey than in a reputable boutique in one of the world’s most famous and culturally renowned cities.
Likewise, if you are looking to sell an authentic Rolex and would like more advice on valuing your model and securing the best possible price for it, make sure that you visit a boutique that offers a formal valuation and asks for all the proper authentication. This protects your sale – not to mention, it will introduce you to a wealth of new models and luxury accessories that you can roll your investment into.