The false legend of a Rolex military watch that supposedly stopped a bullet

The story of a Rolex watch saving a soldier's life in World War I is an often-told, semi-legendary anecdote that didn't actually happen that way—but there are related stories involving Rolex watches, particularly in World War II, that are better documented.

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Fact: Rolex did not exist in its current form during the First World War

• Rolex was founded in 1905 by Hans Wilsdorf in London (then: “Wilsdorf & Davis”)

• The brand “Rolex” was only registered in 1908, and the company initially specialized in wristwatches with Swiss movements

• During the First World War (1914–1918), Rolex watches were still relatively new and rare

• The first legendary models such as the “Oyster” (1926) or “Perpetual” (1931) came later

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Related anecdote from the First World War: Wristwatch saves lives

There are stories from the First World War about a soldier (not necessarily wearing a Rolex) carrying a pocket watch or wristwatch in his breast pocket that stopped a bullet – similar to:

🕰️ "The bullet hit the clock—and stayed there. If it hadn't been for the clock, it would have pierced the heart."

These stories are:

• Not Rolex-specific

• Partly handed down with brands such as Omega, Longines or Elgin

• Dramatic, but difficult to verify

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Proven: Rolex saved soldiers in World War II

During World War II, there are well-documented cases in which Rolex watches “saved” soldiers not physically, but morally or practically:

Example: Prisoners of war in Stalag Luft III (1943–1945)

• Rolex delivered watches to German camps at the request of prisoners of war

• Hans Wilsdorf personally allowed British officers to order on account – payment only after the end of the war

• The watches were used, for example, during the "Great Escape" to time the escape route, changing of the guard, etc. Rolex thus demonstrated exceptional loyalty and trust in the Allied soldiers.

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Conclusion

• No documented Rolex rescue in World War I by bullet interception

• Such anecdotes are more likely to come from other brands or generic watches

• Rolex was just established at this time

• But in World War II, Rolex actually saved lives indirectly – through moral support, practical help and expressions of trust

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The story of "the Rolex that stopped a bullet" is one of the most popular watch anecdotes, often told but rarely well-documented. It's a kind of modern legend, but one based on true incidents, albeit sometimes exaggerated.