Did you know whre the name ROLEX came from?

[Rolexwatch]

I didn't. This might be true:

In 1906 Henry Royce was advertising his cars that he had partnered with Charles Rolls announcing that they were so quiet that at 40 mph people may be able to hear a watch ticking. At an after performance party at the London Brixton theater and Opera house,
Davis, owner of a Rolls Royce, joked with the car makers telling them they were able to hear a watch ticking inside of their cars but not one of his. Davis came up with the idea to use part of the Rolls Royce name, symbol of class, elegance and reliability.
His partner was against removing his initial but Davis matched the Timex and Rolls Royce name, ROLLSROYCETIMEX and this name was more acceptable to Wilsdorf and Rolex became the brand we love today.

Source:A movement in time with Breitling & Rolex by Mark A. Cooper

[shofzr]

Timex brand appeared about 1950, Rolex was first used about 1907.

[Mystro]

Rolex was a made up name like Haagen dazs. Rolex was also founded in London, then moved to Switzerland.

[77T]

Fraudulent if the author Cooper actually published such a story...

[springer]

Originally Posted by shofzr

Timex brand appeared about 1950, Rolex was first used about 1907.

Correct! The Timex brand originated in 1950, though the name was first used on a small trial shipment of nurses' watches in 1945.

[themast]

Originally Posted by 77T

Fraudulent if the author Cooper actually published such a story...

I agree. I do not know the details but I think Wikipidia does a good job on the topic:

"In 1908, Wilsdorf registered the trademark "Rolex" and opened an office in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.[3] The company name "Rolex" was registered on 15 November 1915. The book The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History by Jeffrey P. Hess and James Dowling says that the name was just made up.[4] One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, is that the name came from the French phrase horlogerie exquise, meaning "exquisite clockwork"[5] or as a contraction of "horological excellence". Wilsdorf was said to want his watch brand's name to be easily pronounceable in any language.[6] He also thought that the name "Rolex" was onomatopoeic, sounding like a watch being wound. It is easily pronounceable in many languages and, as all letters have the same size, allows to be written symmetrically. It was also short enough to fit on the face of a watch.[6]"

[DesertRobusto]

"Mr Wilsdorf wanted a name that was: ' ... short, yet significant, not cumbersome on the dial (thus leaving room enough for the inscription of the English traders name) and above all a word easy enough to memorise, with a pleasant sound and have its pronunciation unchanged whatever European language it is spoken' "

I think this is the only solid information out there regarding the name.

[wristybusiness]

The author of the story has an interesting imagination

[JohnBoy]

I have a lady friend who always calls my watches 'Rolodex' - something is catchy about it anyway!

[GradyPhilpott]

Well, now we know not to buy this waste of lumber.

http://www.amazon.com/Movement-Time-.../dp/0741441683

[padi56]

The name Rolex came from the phrase “Horologies D Excellence” meaning “watch making of excellence.” The name Rolex was easy to pronounce in any European language and was short enough to fit on the dial of the watch.

[MonBK]

Originally Posted by themast

I agree. I do not know the details but I think Wikipidia does a good job on the topic:

"In 1908, Wilsdorf registered the trademark "Rolex" and opened an office in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.[3] The company name "Rolex" was registered on 15 November 1915. The book The Best of Time: Rolex Wristwatches: An Unauthorized History by Jeffrey P. Hess and James Dowling says that the name was just made up.[4] One story, never confirmed by Wilsdorf, is that the name came from the French phrase horlogerie exquise, meaning "exquisite clockwork"[5] or as a contraction of "horological excellence". Wilsdorf was said to want his watch brand's name to be easily pronounceable in any language.[6] He also thought that the name "Rolex" was onomatopoeic, sounding like a watch being wound. It is easily pronounceable in many languages and, as all letters have the same size, allows to be written symmetrically. It was also short enough to fit on the face of a watch.[6]"

This.

[Flyjet601]

I think Hans named it after his dog........."sit Rolex, roll over"

[leica]

Originally Posted by Flyjet601

I think Hans named it after his dog........."sit Rolex, roll over"

[Vincent65]

Rolex... Durex... Rolodex... Duralex...

[Armyguy03]

Google "Jakes World of Rolex" and click on the history of Rolex. It's a lengthy read and taken from books published by HW himself. He states that while riding on a stage coach "a genie whispered in his ear "Rolex" and he found it to be a perfect name. This phenomenon is not uncommon, as when people find themselves deeply involved in the creative process, ideas come and go. As others have stated, Rolex is simple and easy to pronounce in any language.

[gpfps]

I read in Watchtime mag. special issue on Rolex years back. What "Padi " wrote is correct.

[robk215k]

The book "the Rolex report" is a great tool for us to have. IT has a lot about the history of the company and the name.

One interesting fact about this is that they wanted an easy, 2 syllable word. Consonant, vowel, consonant, vowel, consonant. It flowed easily. Many other brands after have copied that concept. they've followed the Alternating consonant-vowel idea with 5 letters. Think about some big brands formed in the first half of the 1900's. Kodak & Xerox to name a few.

[GreatCircle]

Thats an easy one.

Logo = Crown = Royal

Very exclusive watches

ROyaL EXclusive

there ya go !