One of the main challenges facing Wilsdorf was to find a way to protect the watches from dust and moisture, which can cause clogging or oxidization if they find their way inside the case. In a letter he wrote in 1914, he spoke of his intentions to Aegler, the firm in Bienne which would later become the Manufacture des Montres Rolex S.A.: “We must find a way to create a waterproof wristwatch.”
Visionary founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, began his quest in the 1900s when telling time was done via pocket watches. He saw how lifestyles were changing and particularly the rise in popularity of sports and outdoor pursuits.
Observing this, Wilsdorf created watches to be worn on the wrist that their owners could count on for reliability and accuracy in their modern, active lives.
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