Good things take time. 

Since its formation, Rolex has gone from strength to strength, incorporating the latest in horological technology that has seen their watches travel to the very edges of the world. 

Now used by specialists such as explorers, adventurers - and even astronauts - Rolex understood that innovation was imperative to performance. 

In 1910, they quickly began to outpace rival watchmakers when one of their pieces became the first to receive the Swiss Certificate of Precision. Not content with resting on their laurels, four years later it was awarded a class ‘A’ precision certificate from Kew Observatory - an accolade that was previously selected for bespoke marine chronometers.

Rolex didn’t stop there. Combining new features such as precision milled crystal and a screw-down crown, they pioneered the modern diving watch.

This waterproof timepiece became the world's first waterproof watch, aptly named the Oyster - and was worn by renowned swimmer Mercedes Gleitze when she took on the English Channel in 1927.

From that moment on, Rolex’s popularity began to climb to whole new heights.

The Perpetual, the next iconic entry on Rolex’s roster, created movements that have gone on to power automatic watches since 1931 - featuring a simple yet logical design.

Rolex came in to solve issues in other manufacturers’ designs, where timepieces had repeated stumbles. Where other styles appeared clumsy or sluggish, the Perpetual movement cut through the noise by producing longer power reserves and, most importantly, more accurate timing. 

It did this by relying on a system of complex ratchets and clutches, including an oscillating weight with the incredible ability to rotate a full 360 degrees. 

From here, the Perpetual had the ability to wind itself with the wearer’s movements, leaving the winding of wristwatches a relic of the past. 

But that’s not all. 

Continuing to stay at the edge of innovation, Rolex also went on to invent the self-changing date for its 1945 Datejust. 

Then a self-changing day was added in 1956 to make the Day-Date, two features that have become mainstays on watches to this day.

Rolex watches are not just innovative; they are also tested in the real world.

With a Deepsea Special prototype, Jacques Piccard and Don Walsh travelled 35,814 feet to the bottom of the Mariana Trench. This came seven years after the iconic Submariner watch was launched, with the new prototype strapped to the outside of Piccard’s bathyscaph. 

It survived. 

In a bid to showcase the longevity of these watches, Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay exposed his Rolex Explorer watch to the elements of Everest during his 1953 expedition to conquer the peak.

Not to be outdone, a GMT-Master was even taken to space - namely, the surface of the moon, by John ‘Jack’ Swigert on the Apollo 14 mission.

Of course, Rolex has more ‘practical’ uses. After all, not every watch-wearer is heading out on lunar missions every Tuesday. 

As Pan Am flights flew further across the globe than ever before, the manufacturer developed the twin time zone GMT-Master. 

The next few years introduced more and more developments. 

In 1956, CERN scientists could successfully check the time without it being affected by the electro-magnetic fields in their place of work thanks to the Milgauss, before they turned their attentions to racing drivers with the Cosmograph Daytona and saturation divers with the Sea-Dweller.

Of course, no luxury brand can make a living on exploits alone. 

Style has always been a cornerstone aspect of the Rolex brand, with each release bringing something different to the discerning wearer. 

Using precious materials such as mother of pearl, sturdy metals and even diamonds, stand-out models include: 

• The Pearlmaster 
• The Cellini 
• The Yacht-Master 
• The Sky-Dweller 

Blending functionality and fashion, Rolex knows that beauty goes deeper than their watch facets. 

With incredibly complex mechanisms and gorgeously curated movements, this is a luxury house built on substance.

As such, there’s a reason that Rolex has continued to be worn by all kinds of people. From big names to big brains, this name commands a respect that has never quite been replicated by other manufacturers and watch creators, with Rolex setting the standard for many years to come. 

So when it comes to owning such a thing of prestige, it’s time to turn to SwissTimepieces.

Whether you’re looking for a pre-owned Rolex to add to your own collection or want to find a gift like no other, we only ever list ‘complete’ sets for sale - complete with original box and papers. 

We only ever strive for perfection, after all. 

We offer tracked & insured next day delivery or you are welcome to visit our showroom to collect.

Yes, your watch is 100% insured from the time it leaves our showroom to the time it is delivered to your doorstep. You are fully covered.

We are pleased to confirm we will consider part exchanges from the following brands : Rolex, Tudor, Omega, Breitling & Tag Heuer.

We only offer watches that have the full set, this includes the original box, booklets, manuals, tags and papers.

You are welcome to pay securely via Credit / Debit Card, AMEX or Bank Transfer.

We based in Ulverston, a fine market town in the South of the Lake District, Cumbria, UK.

We try our best to price our watches competively on the market and as such most watches are priced to sell. If you can pay by bank transfer we will always endeavour to provide a discount.