OYSTER STORY

100 YEARS OF ACHIEVEMENTS

“It had all the future and the whole world laid out before it.”

HANS WILSDORF, 1956

The invention of the Oyster in 1926 was a major breakthrough in watchmaking. This completely waterproof and dustproof case – which would lend its name to a wristwatch and then a collection – was the brainchild of Hans Wilsdorf. The founder of Rolex dreamed of adding the wristwatch to the technological innovations transforming society.

A reliable, robust and practical object, the Oyster has spent a century on the wrists of those facing the toughest conditions. A century that saw the Oyster evolve into a family of watches that are now considered definitive references.

One hundred years after revolutionizing the watchmaking world, the Oyster continues its expansion and accompanies each wearer on the path to their own achievements.

A VISIONARY UNDERTAKING
Precision, waterproofness, self-winding. Three major challenges, three  fundamental achievements that would forge the success of a visionary individual and the destiny of a revolutionary watch.

“We make the best wristwatch in the world.”

HANS WILSDORF, 1927

In 1926, Hans Wilsdorf presented his latest creation: the Oyster. A watch destined to completely transform the way we use timepieces and change the face of watchmaking. At that time, pocket watches reigned supreme. Wristwatches, which lacked precision and were more vulnerable to external damage, were still seen as mere jewellery rather than reliable timepieces.

Although compact in size, the Oyster could match the precision of a large marine chronometer. Most importantly, it was Rolex’s first completely waterproof and dustproof wristwatch. A few years later, the invention of the Perpetual rotor, a self-winding system with a free rotor, patented in 1931, provided the Oyster with an inexhaustible source of energy. Wilsdorf's vision had therefore been fully realized, thereby crowning a watchmaking revolution that was already underway.

A LIVING LABORATORY
Exceptional performance and reliability, proven in real-world conditions. Some of the most remarkable records and achievements of the 20th and 21st centuries. Watches that meet the needs of the most demanding of wearers. The legend of the Oyster was forged on the wrists of pioneers and trailblazers who have shaped the modern world.

“Rolex Oysters have flown over Everest... crossed deserts at record speed... withstood the humidity of jungles and resisted the cold of the Arctic – without ever altering the precision of their movement.”

HANS WILSDORF, 1948

In October 1927, the young British swimmer Mercedes Gleitze wore an Oyster while swimming the English Channel. This landmark moment solidified Hans Wilsdorf’s conviction that excellence is demonstrated in the field, over time and under pressure.

Rolex later entrusted Oyster watches to various explorers, scientists, athletes, pilots, seafarers, mountaineers and divers. From the highest peaks to the depths of the oceans, these men and women put Rolex watches to the test in the living laboratory of our world. Their feedback enabled the brand’s engineers to continually develop and improve the timepieces so that, over time, Oyster watches became benchmarks for all those who relentlessly push the limits of their discipline and broaden the horizons of knowledge. Those driven by the will to persevere. 

A COLLECTION SHAPED BY INNOVATION
A case that would lend its name to a wristwatch, and then to a collection. One hundred years after its creation, the Oyster continues to symbolize the unique expertise of Rolex. 

After more than a century of existence, Rolex still has an extraordinary ability to inspire dreams.

From the original innovation – the Oyster case – a line of emblematic watches was born. Not only are all models in the Oyster Perpetual collection fitted with an Oyster case, but they also carry many of the brand’s other groundbreaking developments. Each Rolex watch, down to the smallest detail, reiterates the pledge made in 1926 with the Oyster: to provide a reliable, precise and waterproof timepiece capable of accompanying its wearer in all their activities. Since then, Rolex has never ceased to innovate and perfect every component, making its watches ever more powerful, robust and reliable. This constant drive to excel paves the way for new horological accomplishments.

A COMMITMENT FOR THE FUTURE
A family of inspiring individuals – athletes, artists and conservationists. Men and women who have made their mark on the world. The story of the Oyster is inextricably linked to the many achievements of iconic Rolex wearers.

The word ‘Perpetual’, associated with the Oyster since 1931, underlines a determination to establish Rolex's values for the long term. This philosophy guides the brand in numerous fields and draws on history to gain a better understanding of future challenges.

Rolex supports athletes whose skill, dedication, technical flair and ability to inspire younger generations have helped to shape the history of their sport. The brand continues to demonstrate this commitment by partnering with the most prestigious institutions in the fields of equestrianism, golf, motor sport, tennis and sailing.

This quest for excellence is also what drives the individuals championed by the Perpetual Arts Initiative, whose talent leaves a lasting impression on our global culture. By supporting these masters of emotion, as well as the institutions where they perform, Rolex strives to preserve and pass on the fundamental human values they so cherish.

This commitment to the future is also expressed through the Perpetual Planet Initiative, driven by those who share their expertise in order to tackle the environmental challenges of our time. Today, these changemakers build on the legacy of the early explorers, striving to increase our understanding of the world in order to find ways to protect it.

A NEW ERA IN WATCHMAKING
One hundred years of achievements that have profoundly shaped the world of watchmaking. A human and technical journey that now extends into the future. In 2026, Rolex unveils a new, more demanding certification with strengthened criteria. And continues its quest for extreme precision by drawing on quantum physics to further redefine the measurement of time.

“Rolex must continuously strive to think and act differently from the rest!”

HANS WILSDORF, 1951

In 2026, Rolex is expanding its Superlative Chronometer certification to seven testing criteria. Resistance to magnetism, reliability and sustainability now join precision, waterproofness, self-winding and autonomy. The constant drive for improvement has always been at the heart of Rolex, and this philosophy is reflected in every Oyster.

One of the ways in which the desire to constantly push boundaries is expressed is the brand’s ongoing quest for chronometric precision. This has resulted in the development of pioneering optical atomic clocks, giving the manufacture access to an unprecedented level of timekeeping accuracy. These cutting-edge, innovative tools are the new guardians of time at Rolex and will be incorporated into the international system that establishes Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).