In the 1940s, Rolex supplied watches to English prisoners of war on credit

Rolex is known for being a popular watch brand during World War II. It is said that the manufacturer delivered over 3,000 timepieces to the Allies.

The most modern models at that time were already water and dustproof and, thanks to their slightly radioactive hands, could be read even in the dark.

Customer service also played a role, as company founder Hans Wilsdorf had come up with a special feature for British soldiers.

When it became known that the Germans were stealing the watches of prisoners of war, he ordered that one would only have to pay for a Rolex when one returned from the war with it.

If it was lost, the company accepted the loss

When it became known that German officers were confiscating Rolex watches from British prisoners of war during World War II , Wilsdorf ordered that any British soldier who wanted to purchase such a watch would have to pay for it only after returning from the war.

This was especially true for prisoners of war, whose orders Rolex even confirmed and delivered in prison camps