Feature: 3 times Rolex proved why it’s King
Many of the top Swiss watchmakers have a few accolades to their name, from Omega putting the first watch on the moon to the Zenith that was worn during the highest free-fall jump ever—that’s from the edge of space, back down to Earth! That said, there probably aren’t many watch brands that have provided timepieces to as many explorers and adventurers as the mighty Rolex. So, let’s take a look at three of the brand’s most impressive feats that prove why it is deserving of that famous crown logo.
The Mariana Trench
Ten years ago in March 2012, James Cameron stunned the world with his record-breaking solo dive that reached depths of 10,908 metres below the surface of the Pacific Ocean. The Deepsea Challenge expedition reached the world’s deepest edge—the Mariana Trench. Rolex’s Deepsea Challenge was worn by Cameron during the dive, and two years later Rolex released the Sea-Dweller Deepsea James Cameron to commemorate this achievement. Featuring a blue-to-black dial, the model reflects the challenging, dark depths of the ocean.
The Sound Barrier
In October 1947 a certain 34mm Rolex Oyster was worn on the wrist of pilot Chuck Yeager during his mission onboard the fixed-winged aeroplane that he flew to try and break the sound barrier. The former World War II pilot succeeded in his incredible attempt, with the Rolex on his wrist going on to inspire Rolex’s GMT-Master II collection, whereas Yeager himself inspired a whole new generation of pilots the world over.
Mount Everest
The first successful climb of the world’s largest mountain is well documented, but what may not be such common knowledge is that a couple of Rolex watches were also present. Helping mountaineers Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay navigate the difficult terrain of Mount Everest, the Explorer—which is what these luxury watches went on to be known as—has become a watch synonymous with explorations from scaling mountains to caving and polar expeditions.
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