First wristwatch to earn the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision, from Bienne Observatory

In 1910, a wristwatch manufactured by Rolex became the first of its kind to receive the Swiss Certificate of Chronometric Precision from the Official Watch Rating Centre (Observatoire de Bienne) in Bienne, Switzerland. This certification was historically significant, as it marked the first instance in which a wristwatch—rather than a traditional pocket watch—was recognized for its exceptional accuracy by a formal chronometric authority. The certificate issued by the Bienne Observatory served as an official endorsement of the watch’s superior timekeeping performance under rigorous testing conditions. At the time, precision in horology was primarily associated with pocket watches, which had larger movements and were less susceptible to external disturbances than wristwatches. Wristwatches, which were gaining popularity but still seen largely as fashion accessories, had not yet earned the confidence of horological institutions regarding their mechanical accuracy. Hans Wilsdorf, founder of Rolex, actively pursued this certification to validate his vision of producing wristwatches that combined style with chronometric excellence. The success of this endeavor was pivotal to Rolex’s early reputation and growth. It demonstrated that wristwatches could meet the same stringent standards of performance as pocket watches, challenging prevailing industry norms and public perceptions. The 1910 certification played a key role in shifting market dynamics and laid the foundation for widespread acceptance of wristwatches as reliable instruments of timekeeping. It also established Rolex as a brand committed to precision, a quality that would become central to its identity in subsequent decades. The achievement set a precedent for chronometric testing in the wristwatch industry and encouraged other manufacturers to pursue similar certifications.