The making of a status symbol

A business history of Rolex

By: Pierre-Yves Donze

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Hardcover | 3 June 2025

At a Glance

Hardcover
274 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
21.6 x 13.8 x 1.5

Hardcover

RRP $214.49

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'Reads like a thriller. An essential epic for anyone interested in Swiss economic history.' Le Temps

Discover the fascinating story behind Rolex, the world's most iconic luxury watch brand. In The making of a status symbol, acclaimed business historian Pierre-Yves Donze offers a captivating and deeply researched exploration of how a small Swiss watch company transformed itself into a global emblem of success, wealth and prestige.

Challenging the myth that Rolex's dominance is solely due to superior craftsmanship, Donze reveals the brand's strategic partnership with an American advertising agency and its genius for storytelling, which allowed it to turn a simple timepiece into a powerful status symbol. Spanning the twentieth century, this book provides a compelling case study of how creative industries have shaped consumer culture and the global luxury market.

This book is a must-read for anyone fascinated by fashion and luxury, the evolution of consumer culture or the power of branding. Whether you're a scholar, student or general reader intrigued by the enduring allure of Rolex, The making of a status symbol offers an engaging and insightful journey through the history of a brand that has become synonymous with excellence and success.

Industry Reviews

'Reads like a thriller. An essential epic for anyone interested in Swiss economic history.'
Le Temps

'Offers a unique perspective on the evolution of Rolex over the decades.'
Passion Horlog¨re

'Spanning more than 120 years, "The Making of a Status Symbol" offers a detailed look at the business strategies, leadership decisions and branding choices that helped Rolex become one of the most recognized names in the luxury world.'
Coronet

'The book is a vital work in compiling and conveying historical archive materials charting the path of the most important institution in the watch industry.'
Hodinkee

'What sets Donz©'s book apart is its scholarly rigor. Drawing on extensive primary sources from the Mus©e international d'horlogerie and Swiss Federal Archives, the author situates Rolex's story within the larger context of 20th-century business evolution and luxury branding.'
MrWatchMaster

CHOICE Recommended: Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals.

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