The year was 1945, and change was taking place across the globe. But in Switzerland, a change of a different kind was emerging as the founder of Rolex, Hans Wilsdorf, celebrated the brand’s 40th anniversary with a watch that would shake the industry up once more.
Just 18 years prior in 1927, the brand presented the first waterproof and dustproof wristwatch, dubbed the Rolex Oyster for its enclosed back that sealed the case completely. Wilsdorf equipped Mercedes Gleitze, a young Englishwoman, with an Oyster watch when she swam the English Channel. After more than 10 hours in the water, the watch emerged in perfect working order.
The Oyster Perpetual Datejust was the successor to the Rolex Oyster. Wilsdorf described the watch as a consummate demonstration of watchmaking techniques. Indeed, it showcased all of the brand’s major accomplishments to that point, with a certified chronometer movement, a
