We know that Rolex didn’t just invent the water-resistant watch, as its collection and reputation grew, the iconic Swiss watchmaker continued to revolutionize the concept. However, to understand how Rolex revolutionized the waterproof watch, you need to know how it was initially created.
The original replica Rolex Oyster came in 28mm and 32mm models with octagonal or cushion-shaped cases, both taking inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the time. The bezels were even very beautiful, featuring fluting and coin-edge motifs. Initially, the fluting had nothing to do with aesthetics and was purely functional, as it allowed the watchmaker to grip the bezel and screw it to the case in the middle.
Rolex established its reputation as an innovator after Mercedes Gleitze proved the power of the Oyster case to the world. Capitalizing on the success and popularity of the Oyster case, cheap Rolex eventually applied the technology to almost all of its watch collections, from the classic Datejust models to sports models such as the GMT-Master, all of which offer the same outstanding water resistance.
This move demonstrated Rolex’s commitment to making high-quality, long-lasting timepieces and set a new standard in watchmaking, a commitment to making replica watches that, no matter how magnificent and beautiful, could perform in the harshest of environments. It changed the world of watchmaking forever, helping Rolex stay ahead of the curve in an incredibly competitive industry.
Rolex pushed the boundaries of watchmaking by testing and building dive watches using the industry-leading water-resistance of its Oyster cases. Famously, Rolex arranged for a prototype of a particular deep-sea watch to be hung on the side of the Trieste, or “Boat of the Deep,” to dive 11,000 meters in the ocean.
After that success, Rolex continued its deep-sea exploration, expanding its technological innovation by sending another prototype to the bottom of the Marianas Trench with James Cameron, and then introducing some technology in the fake Rolex Deepsea Wing, with an impressive depth rating of 3,900 meters. What makes this watch particularly noteworthy is that Rolex has created a new case construction for the Deepsea Dweller that allows it to withstand the tremendous pressure of the ocean floor. Called the Ringlock system, it supports the crystal and caseback on an ultra-hard inner ring, a highly advanced design that made possible Rolex’s original water-resistant Oyster case.
