In-depth: portrait of a visionary

Few individuals can be said to have been both of their time and ahead of their time. One of them is certainly Hans Wilsdorf. The prodigious and prolific innovator left an invaluable legacy to watchmaking in general and to Rolex in particular.

He also made Rolex the ultimate reference in fine watchmaking, by consistently upholding the immutable values that defy time. Quality, passion and excellence. That non-stop spirit of enterprise and innovation extended to every conceivable domain, from intellectual property – and the wisdom of coining, registering and protecting, as early as 1908, a resonant brand name such as Rolex – to avant-garde marketing, communication and testimonial advertising strategies. Continuously imagining the future, Hans Wilsdorf created a truly timeless brand, at once classic and contemporary.