Deliberate Talks (Table For One): ROLEX - Crafting precision beyond the crown

[00:00:00] This is the Table For One edition of the Deliberate Talks podcast and I am Dakshin Adyantaya

[00:00:04] And today we talk about the narrative of a brand that stands as a timeless symbol of luxury

[00:00:10] A brand that we call ROLEX

[00:00:12] But before that, here's a quick intro

[00:00:18] This is the Deliberate Talks Weekly Podcast

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[00:00:30] In the year 1905, at the age of 24, Hans Wilsdorf founded a company in London that specialized in distribution of timepieces

[00:00:39] His audacious idea to create a wristwatch that was not just a fashion accessory but also precise and reliable

[00:00:46] Something unheard of at that point because pocket watches were more standard

[00:00:51] Wilsdorf envisioned a wristwatch as both a style statement and a functional tool

[00:00:56] And that's how ROLEX came to life in 1908

[00:01:00] But did you know the name ROLEX doesn't have a specific meaning?

[00:01:03] In fact, it's a combination of letters that were shot easy to pronounce in any language and look good on watch movements and dials

[00:01:11] However, one of the brand's first challenges was to prove the reliability of the wristwatch

[00:01:17] Addressing this, ROLEX became the first watch to receive the Swiss certificate of chronometric precision in 1910

[00:01:25] awarded by the official watch rating centre

[00:01:29] Over the years, the brand's commitment to precision and innovation deepened with the launch of Oyster

[00:01:34] The world's first waterproof and dustproof watch

[00:01:38] In fact, in 1927 to demonstrate the Oyster's capabilities

[00:01:42] British swimmer Mercedes Gleitz wore it during her nearly 10-hour swim across the English Channel

[00:01:49] The watch emerged in perfect working order, dramatically boosting ROLEX's public image and solidifying its reputation for durable and reliable watch

[00:02:00] It was also said that the watch was worn by Sir Edmund Hilary and Tenzing Norge during their first historic climb of the Mount Everest in 1953

[00:02:09] ROLEX watches since then have ventured into the deepest points of the ocean and have been trusted companions for pilots and divers around the world

[00:02:18] Through the decade, ROLEX has introduced numerous innovations that have set industry standards

[00:02:25] Like the ROLEX date just in 1945, which is the first watch to feature an automatically changing date on the dial

[00:02:31] and the ROLEX GMT master in 1954, the first watch to show two time zones simultaneously

[00:02:38] Speaking of ROLEX GMT, did you know, the ROLEX GMT master II Ice holds the title for the most expensive ROLEX sold directly through retail channels?

[00:02:49] This model is distinguished by its lavish use of diamonds and white gold, making it a high-luxury item

[00:02:56] It's set to retail for approximately $485,000

[00:03:02] Moreover, at auctions, vintage and rare ROLEX watches can fetch much higher prices

[00:03:07] For instance, the Paul Newman Daytona ROLEX set a record when it was auctioned for over $17.75 million in 2017

[00:03:18] Such watches are highly priced for their historical significance and rarity, pushing their prices well beyond the typical retail range

[00:03:26] And given the fact that ROLEX has been in operation since 1905, the total number of watches produced in sale over the years is likely in tens of millions

[00:03:36] So not just being an exceptional product but an eternal representation of opulence, that's the story of ROLEX for today

[00:03:45] That's it for today. Don't forget to subscribe to all the audio and video channels of the Deliberate Talks podcast

[00:03:52] Join me next week for a Table for Two edition. Until then, be curious, be adventurous and never stop learning. Cheers