Today, Rolex is a recognizable name praised the world over. But few know about the man behind Rolex: Hans Wilsdorf. Wilsdorf's attention to detail and sheer drive made the brand what it is today.

Read on to learn more about the founder of Rolex.

Early Life

Hans Wilsdorf was born in 1881 to Protestand parents in Kulmbach, Germany. His birth name was Hans Eberhard Wilhelm Wilsdorf.

Wilsdorf's mother died at a young age, and his father followed shortly after that. By the age of 12, Hans was an orphan. His uncle sold his family's business, using the funds to send Hans and his siblings to boarding school.

At the turn of the century, Wilsdorf moved to La Chaux-de-Fonds. There, he started his career in Swiss watchmaking. He perfected skills that made Rolex famous. Even today, many of the techniques he learned are visible in preowned luxury wristwatches. To buy preowned luxury wristwatches, visit this watch store website.

The Birth of Rolex

In 1903, Wilsdorf moved to London and started working for another watchmaker. However, that tenure was short-lived. In 1905, he partnered with Alfred Davis to launch Wilsdorf & Davis. This company focused on creating high-quality watches at affordable prices. Many of the first models made went to other jewelers who stamped their names onto the products.

The name "Rolex" came to Wilsdorf in 1908. He used it for a line of watches by Wilsdorf and Davis. In 1913, the company officially changed its name to Rolex Watch Co. Ltd.

Switzerland and Two World Wars

Wilsdorf moved to Switzerland during World War I due to tax increases on luxury imports. He eventually moved the Rolex company to Geneva in 1919.

Rolex continued to prosper. Wilsdorf patented one of the first commercially viable waterproof watched, dubbed the Rolex Oyster. The brand invested a lot into advertising, helping its image flourish.

By the second World War, Rolex was so famous that members of the Royal Air Force purchased them to replace standard-issue watches. Wilsdorf personally launched and managed a unique replacement program. He offered replacement watches for POWs who had their Rolex confiscated.

Later Life and Commitment to Charity

Rolex is famous for its premium price tag. However, Hans Wilsdorf had a solid commitment to charity.

Upon the death of his wife in 1944, he established the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation. He left all of his shares of Rolex to this foundation, ensuring that a small amount of Rolex's revenue would go to charity. The foundation exists to this day.

Hans Wilsdorf died in 1960, but his legacy persists. He built a brand that continues to captivate. Even preowned luxury wristwatches from Rolex are in high demand from collectors, keeping his memory alive.

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