What Did Rolex Look Like 100 Years Ago? First Copy Watches

When we mention Rolex today, the most likely ones to think of are Water Ghost, DD, and Daytona, but these watches were all born after the 1950s. So what did Rolex, founded in 1908, look like in its early eyes?

At first glance at this watch, the design of the pillow-shaped case is very similar to Panerai’s Radiomir.

But in fact, it is not that Rolex is like Panerai, but Panerai is like Rolex. The Panerai brand was initially engaged in watch repair and sales and could not produce watches. Rolex made the early models as an OEM, which were supplied to the Italian Navy with their luminous logo. First copy watches.

At the same time, it cannot be said that Rolex created the design of this pillow-shaped case because, in the early 20th century, it belonged to the stage where pocket watches were transformed into hands. The common practice is to weld thin metal rods on the pocket watch case as the strap connection point.

This design will be more robust, but the disadvantage is that it is more troublesome to replace the strap. You need to cut off the old belt first and then re-sew the new strap, which cannot be returned directly.

The design of the dial is also completely different from today’s Rolex, with curly Arabic numerals + FLEUR DE LYS lily needles, and the style is complicated. This style of hands is rare now, and it is taken from the shape of the French national flower, “Lily.” This pattern represents royal power and high class, used by Rolex and Patek Philippe’s iconic Cara Zhuohua cross. Replica Rolex watches.

The dial is fired with enamel. The unique feature of this process is that it will not age and change color after years. However, you need to be very careful when using it, and the watch cannot be bumped; otherwise, just like this Rolex, there will be cracks under the 6 o’clock position, and the 11 o’clock position will be damaged before repairing.

You can see the triangular pit pattern design on the back or front cover.

The triangular pit pattern here is not used as decoration. Still, it has a practical effect, increasing friction and facilitating the opening and closing of the front and rear covers.

Open the back cover and see a manual winding mechanical movement. It is noted that it has passed the adjustment of 6 positions and is equipped with a bimetallic truncated balance wheel. It was a medium-to-high configuration nearly 100 years ago.

Rolex has such success today that the two most essential and fundamental technologies are the Oyster waterproof case + perpetual movement (we often say self-winding movement). They ensure the stability and practicality of Rolex and establish the essential reputation of the brand.

Therefore, the inside of the back of this early Rolex Oyster case is specially marked with such an inscription. It has 20 world records and has obtained double patent certification from the British Empire and Switzerland.

At the same time, this watch is not a typical steel or nickel-plated copper “semi-steel case” but a 925 silver material stamped with a precious metal stamp. This year, Tudor released the new 1958 diving watch made of 925 silver, which is novel to everyone. But in fact, the big brother of Tudor had already done it nearly 100 years ago.