About Rolex
From London to Geneva
Rolex was founded in London in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis, initially as Wilsdorf & Davis. The Rolex name was registered in 1908, and after the First World War the company moved to Geneva, where it is still based. Three inventions still define how a Rolex works: the waterproof Oyster case (1926), the self-winding Perpetual rotor (1931) and the date that changes at midnight, first seen in the Datejust of 1945. The professional models followed in the 1950s: the Submariner and the Explorer in 1953, the GMT-Master in 1955 and, in 1963, the Cosmograph Daytona.
What we check on a Rolex
The inspection starts with the match between watch and papers. The reference and serial number are engraved on the case, between the lugs or on the rehaut, the inner ring beneath the crystal, depending on the year, and they must agree with each other, with the model and with the guarantee card. Then come the dial, hands and luminous material, the Cyclops lens over the date, the bezel and insert, the finishing of case and bracelet, and the codes on clasp and links. We test the movement: winding, setting the time and date, and the power reserve. Whatever we find is stated in the description, including signs of polishing or an incomplete set. A guarantee card helps, but proves nothing on its own: the watch must match the paper.
Models we offer and look for
Most enquiries concern the sports models: the Submariner Date and the Submariner without date, the GMT-Master II with a blue and red or blue and black bezel, and the Cosmograph Daytona. We also offer classic models such as the Datejust 41, the Datejust 31, the Oyster Perpetual and the Explorer, and complications such as the Sky-Dweller. Previous generations, such as the 116610LN and the 116500LN, remain in demand. If the reference you are after is not online, we can search for it.
Buying, selling and trading in
You buy a Rolex from us through a request without obligation. We confirm availability personally, then send an invoice and ship insured once payment by bank transfer has arrived; collection by appointment is also possible. If you want to sell a Rolex, you can choose between an outright sale, consignment and a trade-in against another watch. Every request is assessed by hand; a proposal only follows afterwards and is never guaranteed in advance. What the assessment depends on and what to prepare is explained in our guide to selling. The Aequator Collection is an independent dealer and not an authorised Rolex retailer.