Expanding knowledge
1971
Rolex presented the Explorer II, dedicated to polar explorers, speleologists, and all those pushing the boundaries of exploration. The watch featured a distinctive 24-hour hand, an invaluable aid around the poles and beneath ground when you can't tell night from day.
Discover the Explorer II1971
A preferential relationship was established between Rolex and the Compagnie Maritime d’Expertises (Comex), whose divers wore Rolex Sea-Dweller watches while working at great depths. The company, headed by Henri-Germain Delauze, played a pioneering role in deep-sea diving and remains a world-renowned specialist in hyperbaric engineering and underwater work.
The relationship between Rolex and Comex is as strong as ever today, as demonstrated by the hyperbaric tank developed specially by the Marseille company to test the Rolex deep-sea divers’ watches.
1976
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Oyster, the Rolex Awards for Enterprise were launched to honour extraordinary individuals who possess the courage and conviction to take on major challenges.
Each Rolex Award for Enterprise is given for a new ongoing project anywhere in the world – one that deserves support for its capacity to improve lives, protect the world’s natural and cultural heritage. These projects have touched all aspects of humanity by expanding knowledge or improving life on the planet.
Learn more on Rolex.org
1978
Rolex launched the Sea-Dweller 4000, waterproof to a depth of 1,220 metres (4,000 feet).
Discover the Sea-Dweller
1985
Specially developed for the brand, Oystersteel belongs to the 904L steel family, alloys most commonly used in advanced-technology fields such as the aerospace and chemical industries. Oystersteel is particularly corrosion-resistant, offers an exceptional sheen and maintains its lustre even in the harshest environments. In 1985, Rolex became the first watchmaking brand to use this steel from the 904L family for its cases.
Discover more about Oystersteel
1992
Rolex is the proud sponsor of some of the world’s most renowned offshore races.
Learn more about Rolex and yachting
1992
The year 1992 heralded the arrival of the Yacht-Master. This new model reinforced the ties between Rolex and the sailing world.
Discover the Yacht-Master