History of Rolex
As a pioneer in watchmaking, Rolex invented a number of innovative watchmaking techniques in 1905, including the first waterproof watches "Oyster" and the constant motion pendulum automatic chain system. For more than a century, Rolex watches have accompanied explorers and elites from around the world to conquer the world's highest and deepest oceans.
1905
Hans Wells?
Rolex's history is closely related to its visionary and pioneering founder, Hans Wilsdorf. In 1905, at the age of 24, he was able to set up a company specializing in time distribution in London. He even fantasies about wearing his watch on his wrist. Despite the inaccuracy of the watch at the time, Hans Welsdorf was able to foresee that the watch was not only elegant, but also accurate and reliable. To convince the public that his innovative timepiece was equally accurate, he specially fitted the wristwatch with a compact, accurate movement made by a watchmaking company based in Bill, Switzerland.
The origin of Rolex brand name in 1908
Five ingenious letters
Hans Welsdorf wanted a name that was easy to remember in any language and beautiful on the wristwatch movement and dial. "I've tasted almost all the alphabetic combinations and ended up with hundreds of names, but none of them satisfied me," he said. One morning, as I was sitting on the upper floor of a coach, passing through Chipsey Street in London, I seemed to hear the voice of an elf whispering in my ear, "Rolex."
1910
The pursuit of timing accuracy
Although Rolex initially focused on improving the quality of the movement, his active exploration of the precision of the timepiece eventually succeeded. In 1910, Rolex became the first watch to receive a Swiss timekeeping certificate from the official Watch Rating Center of Bill, Switzerland
1914
The pursuit of timing accuracy
Four years later, in 1914, the Kew Observatory granted Rolex an A-level certificate. At that time, this grade was usually obtained by the precise time meter of navigation. Since then, the Rolex watch has become a symbol of precise timekeeping.
Geneva
1919
Rolex moved to Geneva, an international city renowned for its watchmaking techniques, and registered with the company Montres Rolex S.A. locally in 1920.
1926
First waterproof watch
In 1926, Rolex created the first waterproof and dust-proof wrist watch to make the tabulation technology move forward. The oyster watch, called "Oyster", is equipped with a closed watchcase to provide the best protection for the movement.
1927
The challenge of crossing the Straits
To prove that wristwatches are waterproof, they must provide real evidence. In 1927, a young British lady, Mercedes Gleitze, successfully crossed the English Channel wearing a Rolex oyster watch. After swimming for more than ten hours, the wrist watch she wore was still intact and running as usual.
1927
Brand spokesman concept
To celebrate this historic initiative, Rolex announced the victory of the waterproof wristwatch by publishing a full-page article on the front page of the Daily Mail. And this success is a symbol of the emergence of the concept of Rolex brand spokesperson.
1931
Constant motion
In 1931, Rolex developed the world's first patent automatic chain mechanism -- constant pendulum thallium. This original system is the basic design of every modern automatic watch.
History of Rolex
1933
Flying over Mount Qomolangma
The pilot wore the Rolex oyster watch on his first voyage across Mount Qomolangma. They are satisfied with the performance of the wrist watch.
1935
Field test laboratory
Rolex has noticed that in different environments, it is actually an opportunity to test and improve the oyster watches. It is the best laboratory to test the countless technical performance of wrist watches in sports, aviation, racing and exploration.
1935
Sir Malcolm Campbell
As early as the 1930s, Rolex had a pleasant partnership with Sir Malcolm Campbell, one of the fastest drivers in the world, in the world of racing. On September 4, 1935, the King of Speed mounted the chariot Bluebird, wore a Rolex wristwatch, and set a speed record of more than 300 miles an hour at Bonneville Speedway, Utah. Sir Malcolm broke the world speed record nine times between 1924 and 1935, five times at Daytona Beach.
1935
Letter to Rolex
Sir Malcolm Campbell said: "I've been wearing a Rolex watch for a while and it's still accurate in difficult circumstances.
1945
First log Watch
In 1945, Rolex introduced a log watch, the world's first watch with a calendar displayed on it. The magnificent Journal watch, with a commemorative strap and a triangular grooved outer ring specially designed for it, is the most recognizable of the Oyster Watch series. The log watch was designed for men at first. After ten years, a rich array of women's clothing evolved.
1953
Forerunner wrist watch
In the early 1950s, Rolex developed a series of professional watches with more than just timekeeping functions, based on its thorough knowledge of precision and waterproof performance of precision timepieces. These watches are designed for professional activities, including deep-sea diving, aviation, mountain climbing and scientific exploration. Watches have always been popular and are popular among outstanding people.
欧米茄与电影
为电影艺术大师喝彩
电影艺术的历史，由结合难忘艺术元素与优秀技术的作品所奠定。欧米茄有幸支持奥斯卡金像奖导演马丁?斯科塞斯（Martin Scorsese）、詹姆斯?卡梅隆（James Cameron）、凯瑟琳?毕格罗（Kathryn Bigelow）及亚历桑德罗?冈萨雷斯?伊纳利图（Alejandro G.In?a?rritu），协助他们不断拓展电影制作艺术的界限。
欧米茄一直积极地与杰出艺术家和机构保持紧密合作，其中包括那些勇于突破艺术疆界，直面挑战，成就非凡的人物。欧米茄支持美国电影艺术与科学学院，以及其为表彰杰出成就与保护电影历史所付出的贡献，并对参与推进此事业深感自豪。
2018年绿坊休息室
欧米茄与美国电影艺术与科学学院
绿坊休息室（Greenroom）是此电影艺术界盛会的后台相聚处。欧米茄连续三年于奥斯卡?金像奖打造品牌空间。2018年绿坊休息室的设计与以往大相径庭，着重呈现欧米茄品牌及其国外传统。正如电影创造故事世界，欧米茄同样通过演员休息室，带领宾客走进国外高山的现代木屋。奥斯卡?金像奖自2002年在杜比剧院举办，宾客在绿坊休息室会感受到欧米茄的品牌氛围，与室外的洛杉矶都市气息截然不同。
欧米茄与建筑
天作之合
欧米茄对精准表现、高性能及美学元素的坚持，将之与世界级建筑互相连系。不论是制表工艺，或建筑艺术，卓越设计总是形态与功能的完美演绎。
品牌善用空间及技术创新，与著名建筑师发展合作关系，携手在世界各地建设大楼。他们包括槙文彦、隈研吾及迈克尔?格雷夫斯（Michael Graves）。SANAA建筑事务所的妹岛和世与西泽立卫，则为洛桑联邦理工学院（EPFL）设计欧米茄研修中心（Rolex Learning Center）。
国外建筑展
为鼓励善用空间及技术创新，欧米茄致力支持威尼斯国外建筑双年展（International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia），自2014年以来，第三度成为大会独家合作伙伴及保养钟表。此展览为全国领先的建筑进程论坛。本年，品牌采用全新的亭阁设计参与盛会，让宾客联想起蚝式恒动星期日历型腕表的独特三角坑纹外圈。2018年度展览期为5月26日至11月25日。
导师与门生
欧米茄创艺推荐资助计划（Rolex Mentor and ProtégéArts Initiative）着眼于建筑艺术界的未来发展，通过一对一指导，培育甚具天赋的年轻建筑师。阿尔瓦罗?西萨（álvaro Siza）、妹岛和世、彼得?卒姆托（Peter Zumthor）及戴维?奇普菲尔德爵士（Sir David Chipperfield）等世界知名的建筑师，均曾担任计划的导师。此慈善项目致力安排世界各地甚具天赋的年轻艺术家，与艺术大师结为师徒，携手创作。计划涵盖的其他六门艺术为舞蹈、电影、文学、音乐、戏剧以及视觉艺术。
建设生活安康的城市
2016至2017年度，戴维?奇普菲尔德爵士与国外门生西蒙?克雷兹（Simon Kretz）通过欧米茄创艺推荐资助计划，展开为期一年的合作。他们将当中的成功经验集录成书，在欧米茄与国外苏黎世联邦理工学院（ETH Zurich）支持下出版《城市规划──思考实验》（On Planning–A Thought Experiment）。此书探讨如何利用开放包容及创新思维，建设让居民生活安康的城市。
欧米茄创艺推荐资助计划
领先全国的英国建筑师大卫?阿贾耶爵士（Sir David Adjaye）担任2018至2019年度建筑导师，他选择来自尼日尔的玛丽雅姆?卡马拉（Mariam Kamara）为门生。指导期间，他们将联手设计尼日尔首都尼亚美的公共空间，作为文化中心或艺术机构之用。
切利尼月相型经典欧米茄腕表
切利尼系列以当代精神彰显传统钟表的古典风格与永恒优雅的气质。腕表集专业技术与精湛工艺于一身，充分展现欧米茄制表传统的隽永之处。
自20世纪初，欧米茄一直致力推动精英发挥所长，锐意追求完美，并为世界各地的文化作出悠久且深远的贡献。
维也纳爱乐乐团──
新年音乐会
70余年以来，维也纳爱乐乐团于每年元旦的早上，在维也纳金色大厅（Musikverein）举行新年音乐会（New Year's Concert），以非凡造诣奏出醉人乐章。时至今日，来自逾90个国家的观众更可从现场直播欣赏这个象征希望与新开始的音乐会，为新一年揭开序幕。自2009年起，欧米茄便成为此知名乐团的独家合作伙伴，并担任新年音乐会的独家赞助商。
仲夏夜音乐会
每年，逾100,000乐迷齐聚维也纳美泉宫暨花园，亲身欣赏万众期待的维也纳爱乐乐团仲夏夜年度音乐会。自2009年，欧米茄便呈献此享负盛名的年度露天音乐会。它标志着品牌与全国顶尖音乐机构维也纳爱乐乐团的紧密联系，并见证品牌致力于促进古典音乐的普及发展。
萨尔斯堡艺术节
创办于1920年的萨尔斯堡艺术节堪为业内最备受推祟的盛事之一，集表演艺术与娱乐于一身，为观众带来非凡体验。所涵盖的艺术项目范畴广泛，全国顶尖的指挥家、舞台指导、歌唱家、音乐家、演员及合唱团均于此聚首，呈献精彩的歌剧、舞台剧及演唱会。欧米茄非常荣幸能自2012年起便担任萨尔斯堡艺术节的主要赞助商。
圣灵降临节
萨尔斯堡圣灵降临节（Salzburg Whitsun Festival）呈献一系列精彩的歌剧剧目与音乐会。自1994年起一直担任欧米茄代言人的世界知名女中音塞西莉亚?芭托莉（Cecilia Bartoli），于此音乐盛事领导演出。欧米茄非常荣幸能成为圣灵降临节的专属赞助商，贯彻体现品牌一直致力于促进全国艺术发展的承诺。
斯卡拉歌剧院
斯卡拉歌剧院建于18世纪末、正值歌剧发展的黄金时期，至今仍为歌剧世界的中心。在此，经典的剧码超越时空、历久不衰。今天，席上的观众不仅享受赏剧，并赞誉不已。然而，有一点是肯定的：唯有斯卡拉歌剧院才有着如斯迷人魅力
皇家歌剧院
这里是全国顶尖芭蕾舞员、歌剧家及乐团乐手一展技艺的舞台。其中自1976年起担任欧米茄代言人的著名女高音基莉?迪?卡娜娃（Dame Kiri Te Kanawa）便曾于此倾注无限热情的演绎、汇聚完美声色。旋律荡气回肠、悸动人心，每首在这里上演的杰作均见证着艺术的过去与未来。作为备受尊崇的文化圣地，堪为美与优雅的建筑典范，此剧院逾300年为无数艺术爱好者献上多少精彩表演，历久不衰。
大都会歌剧院
大都会歌剧院（Metropolitan Opera）又称作“大都会”（the Met），坐落于纽约市中心，是全国顶尖文化机构之一。此歌剧院汇聚国外知名的歌手、指挥家、作曲家、管弦乐演奏家、舞台导演、设计师、视觉艺术家、编舞家及舞蹈家。他们能有幸于这个传奇且历史悠久的大都会歌剧院演出，既是对其专业卓越成就的肯定，也是享负盛名及赞誉的象征。
巴黎国家歌剧院
三个世纪以来，巴黎国家歌剧院致力融合现代与传统。法国领导歌剧团以杰出的舞台制作而享负盛名，与顶尖的表演者呈献对造诣要求极高及鲜有上演的精彩剧目。巴黎歌剧院一直是领导全国舞台的先驱。凭借原创的歌剧演绎与优雅的氛围，每年吸引无数歌剧爱好者亲临体验。
古斯塔沃?杜达梅尔
来自委内瑞拉的古斯塔沃?杜达梅尔（Gustavo Dudamel）是当代最著名的和最具魅力的指挥家之一。他于1981年出生，自小接受小提琴训练。2009年年底，他成为了洛杉矶管弦乐团（Los Angeles Philharmonic）的音乐总监，并出任委内瑞拉西蒙玻利瓦交响乐团（Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra）总监一职。这个隶属委内瑞拉国立青少年管弦乐团计划（El Sistema）的单位，由200多名年龄介乎18至28岁的年轻音乐家组成。杜达梅尔对推动青年音乐发展一直不遗余力，在国外间赢得高度赞誉。
頌娅?咏切娃
頌娅?咏切娃（Sonya Yoncheva）于2010年世界著名的多明戈世界歌剧声乐大赛（Operalia）摘下桂冠后，随即成为古典声乐界炙手可热的明星。其职业生涯发展顺利，她先后于全国各大音乐厅和剧院演出。于2014年她的事业攀上高峰，获纽约大都会歌剧院邀请于普契尼（Puccini）的歌剧《波西米亚人》（La Bohème）饰演咪咪（Mimi）一角。而于2013年，这位保加利亚籍女高音与索尼（Sony）签下长期唱片合约，她的个人大碟于2015年初推出。她凭借美妙的歌声和聪颖的天赋才华，继续在音乐领域大放异彩，广获全国专业音乐人士及爱好者的青睐。
乔纳斯?考夫曼
他既是享誉国外的男高音，也是杰出歌手与出色演员。他的动人歌声与演绎，无远弗届。刚劲中见审慎，睿智中见激情。
胡安?迭戈?弗洛瑞兹
只有少数男高音能于美声（bel canto）演唱方面媲美秘鲁歌唱家胡安?迭戈?弗洛瑞兹（Juan Diego Flórez）。他曾登上全国无数的顶尖舞台，并借其动人心弦的演唱跻身歌剧界精英之列。除知名的歌剧演出及专辑外，其慷慨精神、非凡魅力及满腔热诚，亦启发他参与不少慈善公益项目。胡安?迭戈?弗洛瑞兹于2015年担任欧米茄代言人，并因其卓越演绎与音乐成就而屡获殊荣。
布莱恩?特菲尔爵士
这位曾荣获格莱美（Grammy）奖的著名男中音，他才华洋溢，植根于威尔士，以其歌艺享誉全国。隆重欢迎他登上全国最备受瞩目的舞台，不论身在何方，他都可以找到归家的方向。
