Tag: watch fact

Watch Fact of the Day: The ‘Dirty Dozen’: WWII’s Secret Watch Order

During World War II, the British Ministry of Defense commissioned 12 different Swiss watch manufacturers to produce robust, accurate, and waterproof wristwatche

Watch History: Wednesday, July 1, 2026

📅 Wednesday, July 1, 2026

During World War II, the British Ministry of Defense commissioned 12 different Swiss watch manufacturers to produce robust, accurate, and waterproof wristwatches for their soldiers. These watches, known collectively as the ‘Dirty Dozen,’ were built to strict specifications, featuring black dials, Arabic numerals, luminous hands, and a railway track minute marker, becoming highly sought-after collector’s items today.

Category: Watch History

Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to keep these watch facts accurate, but the world of horology is full of myths, disputed stories, and fascinating trivia. Consider these facts a starting point for discovery rather than the final word. If you have corrections or additional insights, let us know—we’re always happy to keep the record ticking in the right direction.

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Watch Fact of the Day: The First Waterproof Watch Wasn’t Rolex, But a Pocket Watch!

While Rolex popularized the waterproof wristwatch with the Oyster in 1926, the very first truly waterproof watch was actually a pocket watch. It was patented in

Watch History: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

📅 Tuesday, June 30, 2026

While Rolex popularized the waterproof wristwatch with the Oyster in 1926, the very first truly waterproof watch was actually a pocket watch. It was patented in 1891 by François Borgel, a Genevan watch case maker, featuring a screw-down bezel and case back, a design principle still used today. This innovation predated Rolex’s famous Oyster case by 35 years, proving that water resistance was a horological pursuit long before wristwatches became dominant.

Category: Watch History

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Watch Fact of the Day: The ‘Waterproof’ Watch That Wasn’t: Early Dive Watch Struggles

Before Rolex perfected the Oyster case in 1926, many early attempts at waterproof watches were far from reliable. One notable example was the ‘Submarine’ watch

Watch History: Monday, June 29, 2026

📅 Monday, June 29, 2026

Before Rolex perfected the Oyster case in 1926, many early attempts at waterproof watches were far from reliable. One notable example was the ‘Submarine’ watch from the early 1900s, which often relied on screw-down bezels and casebacks that were prone to leaking under pressure. It wasn’t until Mercedes Gleitze swam the English Channel in 1927 with a Rolex Oyster that the public truly saw a dependable waterproof wristwatch in action.

Category: Watch History

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★★★★★ 4.7 (1,106 reviews)

$259


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