Rolex has long been synonymous with extraordinary luxury, but another side of Rolex also shares close ties with some of the greatest adventures of exploration. Over the past hundred years, numerous explorers have turned to Rolex for watches that stand through the toughest conditions in nature. Each watch, each wearer, and each adventure comes with its own remarkable story. And now, for the first time ever, the public will be able to get to know Rolex on a far deeper, more intimate level, through the special exhibition ‘A Watch Born to Explore’, which is set to take place in Malaysia.

During the 1930s, Rolex began to take its craft to a higher, more challenging level. They put the Rolex Oyster Perpetual to the test the best and most accurate way they could, using explorers venturing into the most hostile terrain on earth. Subjecting the watches to harsh weather conditions on these high-altitude expeditions allowed them to gather valuable feedback, ultimately helping Rolex the most precise, reliable tool watches.

Then in 1953, explorers set out on what would be the first successful ascent of Mount Everest, all equipped with the Rolex Oyster Perpetual watches. In honour of the historical moment, Rolex unveiled the first official edition of the Explorer, with the Oyster Perpetual II launched in 1971 that has since become the coveted timepiece of speleologist, volcanologists, and explorers globally.

Rolex’s passion for exploration continues on under the banner of Perpetual Planet, a commitment to preserve the environment. The brand has joined forces with key individuals and organisations working to promote exploration whilst protecting nature.

This story first appeared on Prestige Online Malaysia, by Diandra Soliano.