How does an orphan with no money or connections build the most famous watch brand in the world? A lot of Rolex's history is shrouded in mystery and secrets, but today, we’re looking deeper into the incredible rags to riches story of Rolex, and answering the question: Why are rolexes really so expensive? Today, they're considered an investment by many, instead of just buying a watch. But, the story of Rolex begins with Hans Wilsdorf, the company’s innovative and mysterious founder. Hans was born in Germany in 1881, to parents Anna and Johan Wilsdorf, and his early childhood was filled with love, laughter and happiness - but that was cut tragically short when at age 12, both his mother and father passed away unexpectedly just a few months apart. Hans suddenly went from having two loving parents to being an orphan, and he had to go live with his uncles, who sent him off to boarding school.