The Making of a Status Symbol

A Business History of Rolex

Pierre-Yves Donzé (Professor of Business History)

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Hardback

Forthcoming
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English

Manchester University Press
03 June 2025

History of fashion

'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.

By: Pierre-Yves Donzé (Professor of Business History)
Imprint: Manchester University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 216mm, Width: 138mm,
ISBN: 9781526183262
ISBN 10: 1526183269
Pages: 272
Publication Date: 03 June 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Professional and scholarly , General/trade , Primary , Undergraduate
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Pierre-Yves Donze is Professor in Business History at the Graduate School of Economics, Osaka University and a visiting professor at the Department of History, University of Fribourg.

Reviews for The Making of a Status Symbol: A Business History of Rolex

'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 Horlogère '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 -- .