Montres Rolex S.A. · Geneva Switzerland

Standing the test of time, Montres Rolex makes watches recognized worldwide as accurate, durable, expensive, and often-imitated. Founded by Hans Wilsdorf in 1905, the Swiss company is credited with making the wristwatch popular. Rolex -- the first to create a waterproof, airtight, and dustproof watch -- makes men's and women's watches, stopwatches, pocket watches, and clocks. Its brands include Explorer II, Day-Date, Yacht-Master, GMT-Master II, Cosmograph Daytona, Submariner, and others. Its gold, bronze, and stainless steel watches are available with diamonds or other precious stones. Rolex watches are only sold through authorized Rolex dealers. The company named finance director Bruno Meier CEO in late 2008. To read the full description, subscribe now.