How much do you know about the Rolex Oyster Case?

Why did Rolex introduce the Oyster Case in 1926? Why is it called Oyster Case, and what's so special about it? What makes a Rolex Oyster Case guaranteed waterproof up to 100 metres? How does the Rolex in-house Stringent Test ensure quality control?

How much do you know about the Rolex Oyster Case?

• Why did Rolex introduce the Oyster Case?

• What's so special about the Rolex Oyster Case?

• Why is it called Oyster Case?

• What makes a Rolex Oyster Case guaranteed waterproof up to 100 metres?

• The Rolex in-house Stringent Test

Why did Rolex introduce the Oyster Case?

Men began to wear watches on their wrists in the early 1900s. Hans Wilsdorf was an early believer in the potential of the wristwatch and made it his mission in life to popularise them.

The challenges for the early wristwatches were fragile. The dust and debris were able to seep inside. The moisture clogs up the oils and corrodes the delicate components of the internal movements.

Hans Wilsdorf believed that waterproof wristwatches were the replacement for pocket watches.

What's so special about the Rolex Oyster Case?

Rolex introduced the first Oyster Case in 1926. The Rolex Oyster Case with a screw-down bezel, case back and winding crown offered optimal protection for the movement. The hermetically-sealed case kept out damaging moisture and dust.

Why is it called Oyster Case?

Hans Wilsdorf came up with the name at a dinner party. He was trying to pry open an oyster shell with a utensil. The hermetically-sealed case that Rolex invented also requires a set of special tools to open.

Hans Wilsdorf registered Oyster as a Rolex trademark on July 29th 1926.

What makes a Rolex Oyster Case guaranteed waterproof up to 100 metres?

Rolex forged the Oyster Case from a solid block of 904L steel, 18k gold or 950 platinum, making it a robust backbone to which the other parts are affixed. The winding crown with sealed zones delivers waterproof security. The sapphire crystal is mounted on a gasket and fitted against the flange of the case. It is then clamped tight by the bezel or a sealing ring.

The Rolex in-house Stringent Test

All Rolex watches undergo stringent testing in-house before sending out to dealers. The pressure reading must be 10 per cent greater than the pressure found at the guaranteed depth. The test ensures quality control.