These days, we don’t need a separate handwatch to keep track of time. A smartphone can do the job perfectly well. Yet, people continue to wear wristwatches, and they come in a wide price range, from as low as BDT 20 to costing millions of dollars. Among luxury watch brands, Rolex stands out as a global favorite.
The Rolex brand’s soaring prices can be attributed to several factors, and it all started with a man named Hans Wilsdorf, who had a deep passion for watchmaking. His dedication eventually led to the establishment of the Rolex brand, which has now become an iconic institution in the world of horology.
Rolex is a company with a brand value of a staggering 8 billion US dollars. One key reason for the high prices of Rolex watches is the use of 904L grade steel, known for its exceptional durability. This choice of material not only enhances the watch’s longevity but also contributes to the comfortable feel of a Rolex watch when worn on the wrist.
Additionally, Rolex offers some models crafted from precious metals like gold, although many of these are custom-made to the specifications of wealthy individuals.
Rolex takes great pride in the craftsmanship that goes into creating its watch dials and bezels. Skilled artisans meticulously finish each watch with the utmost care and precision. Remarkably, Rolex manufactures its watches entirely by hand, eschewing the use of machines or robots in the process.
This commitment to craftsmanship and quality is backed by rigorous testing. Rolex watches undergo extensive examination to ensure they meet the highest standards, resulting in nearly all watches passing the tests without defects.
One remarkable testament to Rolex’s reputation in the luxury watch market is the sale of its most expensive watch in 2017, which fetched a staggering $17.8 million.
For those seeking a Rolex timepiece, the Oyster Perpetual is the most affordable option on the market, priced at 5 lakh 45 thousand rupees. Rolex takes pride in making all its watchmaking tools in-house, reflecting its dedication to precision craftsmanship.
Furthermore, Rolex invests substantially in research and development, making its research team well-funded and capable of driving innovation in watchmaking.
