The Rolex Legacy The history of Rolex through 120 seminal and rare watches

The most detailed history of this iconic brand told through 120 watches from James Dowling, aka 'Mr Rolex'.

In celebration of 120 years, this book offers a unique decade-by-decade journey through the legacy of Rolex, featuring 12 chapters that tell the story of the brand and the exceptional watches that cemented its fame and prestige.

Explore 120 meticulously photographed Rolex timepieces, showcasing the diversity of models, styles, and finishes - from the legendary Submariner series and Daytona to the elusive Rolex Unicorn and the iconic 'Paul Newman' Daytona. Accompanying these extraordinary watches is the most extensive collection of Rolex ephemera ever assembled, tracing the company's history and influence with unparalleled detail.

James Dowling ('Mr Rolex'), the lead dealer of Rolexes in Europe, uncovers hundreds of images from never-before-seen archives and specially commissioned photoshoots from around the globe, sharing personal encounters and stories from his quest to discover these remarkable pieces.

James is an avid collector with a passion for horology, his fascination with watches began more than four decades ago, sparking a journey that led him into the world of timepiece collecting and trading, earning him the sobriquet 'Mr Rolex'.  Over the years, his interest in watches evolved from a mere curiosity into an active involvement in buying, selling and collecting these horological treasures.  

This deep dive into the intricacies of timepieces not only honed his discerning eye for quality and craftsmanship, but also fostered a profound appreciation for the creativity and innovation inherent in watchmaking and in its history. With each acquisition and transaction, James's knowledge and expertise in the realm of watches grew, solidifying his reputation as a seasoned collector and connoisseur in the horological community, with a passion for research and a dedication to spreading the results of his research as widely as possible.

His areas of interest are vintage and military timepieces and he is acknowledged as an authority on Rolex within the industry. He has been a moderator of several online watch forums and has written on watches and collecting for magazines and newspapers on every continent except South America and Antarctica. He gave the 1999 Dingwall Beloe, Worshipful Company of Clockmakers Lecture at the British Museum, he is a Member of the Academy of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève and a member of the committee of the 2023/24 Louis Vuitton Prize for Independent Watchmaking.