Hans Wilsdorf

Profession: Watchmaker and Entrepreneur

Biography: Hans Wilsdorf was a German watchmaker and entrepreneur, best known as the founder of Rolex and Tudor. He revolutionized the watchmaking industry through his innovations in wristwatch design and his marketing strategies.

Wilsdorf overcame early challenges, including being orphaned at age 12, and brought Rolex to prominence with notable products like the waterproof Rolex Oyster and the Rolex Perpetual with its automatic winding mechanism.

After gaining early experience in the pearl industry, Wilsdorf transitioned to Swiss watchmaking. In 1905, he founded Wilsdorf & Davis in London with his brother-in-law Alfred Davis. Their goal was to create high-quality, affordable timepieces.

Wilsdorf understood the potential of wristwatches and in 1908, he would further register the name Rolex. He then entered into a partnership with Hermann Aegler for the production of wristwatch movements.

During World War I, Wilsdorf changed the company name to The Rolex Watch Company Ltd and later moved the headquarters to Switzerland. The Rolex Oyster was launched in 1927, celebrated for its waterproof case.

Clever marketing strategies were employed, like Mercedes Gleitze swimming across the English Channel wearing a Rolex. Wilsdorf introduced the brand ambassador concept, partnering with figures like Sir Malcolm Campbell.

In 1931, Rolex released the Rolex Perpetual, pioneering the self-winding watch. Wilsdorf's support of Allied POWs in World War II with replacement watches enhanced Rolex's reputation.

After the war, he founded the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation in 1945, marking the start of Rolex's philanthropic activities.

His contributions to watchmaking continued with the founding of Tudor in 1946 and the introduction of iconic models such as the Rolex Submariner (1953) and the Rolex GMT-Master (1954). These innovations were aimed at professional divers and pilots.

Born: March 22, 1881
Birthplace: Kulmbach, Bavaria, Germany
Star Sign: Aries

Died: July 6, 1960 (aged 79)