A history of the world''s most famous wristwatch manufacturer, known as the "watch with crown." The brand with the crown is recognized worldwide as an invaluable sports implement and luxury product. In little more than one hundred years, it has become one of the most successful and innovative watch brands on the planet.From the beginning, the sponsorship of statesmen, movie stars, and athletes has driven its success, but the company has expanded to include more than just the rich and famous. Rolex manufactures more than a half a million wristwatches per year while maintaining an outstanding reputation and near-perfect quality.The Rolex Oyster became the first watch to defy the elements when, in 1927, Mercedes Gleitze wore one while she swam the English Channel. In 1933, the company patented the first automatic winding mechanism. Browse images and historical and technical details of the most reliable Rolex models, including the Submariner, Cosmograph, and Yachtmaster, which divers, auto