Household name Rolex is the world’s leading single watch brand and has been creating high-quality timepieces ever since it was first founded by Alfred Davis and Hans Wilsdorf in London back in 1905. Its headquarters later moved to Geneva, Switzerland, in 1919, where it went on to produce the world’s very first waterproof watch, the Oyster, in 1926 and then continued manufacturing a number of other ‘firsts’ in the ensuing decades.

While these days Rolex watches are mainly known for their luxury branding, hefty price tags and general wow factor, many Rolex timepieces were produced to perform very specific and often challenging functions. Specific models were created to brave the extreme conditions experienced by deep-sea divers and mountaineering teams, and Rolexes were also produced specifically for use in aviation. Meanwhile the Explorer I and Explorer II models were manufactured for use by explorers navigating rough terrain out in the wilderness, such as the brave men ascending the slopes of Mount Everest.

Contemporary stardom

In the 21st century Rolex watches are one of many highly prized symbols of wealth, prestige and status – everyone wants to own one. In 2012 Forbes ranked the watch brand 57th on its list of the most powerful global brands, unsurprising considering the desirability of its watches, their high quality and their cos

There have been many famous fans of the Rolex over the years. A Rolex Submariner famously appeared in 11 James Bond movies over the years and was also worn by Norwegian anthropologist Thor Heyerdal during his Ra II sea expedition in 1970.

The Rolex Daytona seems to be particularly popular with celebrities, with perhaps the most famous of these devoted A-listers being none other than Paul Newman.

Celebrities dedicated to their watches

Singer John Mayer is also a Rolex Daytona fan and collects vintage Rolexes. This penchant for the brand came to the public eye recently when he filed a lawsuit against a former friend for repeatedly selling him Rolex watches which contained some counterfeit parts. Now, while people outside the luxury watch collecting world may not understand the importance of having a vintage Rolex with entirely authentic parts, the fact of the matter is that having authentic parts is highly important to a watch’s value – and in a market where genuine Rolex watches can be sold for $100,000, authenticity becomes a crucial matter. It is supposed that John Mayer spent around $5,000,000 on watches purchased from his former friend – and now he wants to recoup his losses.

Another celebrity who has recently made headlines because of his fondness for Rolex watches was rapper Chris Brown, who somewhat foolishly hurled his $22,000 Rolex into the crowds during a performance at the VMA’s. His bodyguards were sent in to retrieve it and fortunately for Chris an honest fan handed it over and was subsequently rewarded.

If you’re a big fan of the Rolex brand but don’t have a Hollywood budget there is a roaring trade on second hand Rolex watches on the internet.Just be sure to choose a reputable seller.

Other fans of the Rolex include Rob Lowe, Channing Tatum, Bond star Daniel Craig, actress Charlize Theron and martial arts superstar Jet Li.