The Mercedes Symbol on a Watch Hand: How it came to Be.
by Will Estell
The use of the Mercedes emblem- perhaps more appropriatly known as the “rising star”-on the hour hand of wrist watches in fact has no connection to the Mercedes automobile brand other than the fact that when Gottleib Daimler and Karl Benz built and received the patent for the first Mercedes Benz (the Mercedes name being derived from the Daimler’s daughter, Mercedes, and his partner’s last name, Benz) in 1885, the two partners chose the same “rising sun” symbol for much the same reason as Rolex did when beginning its use on particular sports models of their watches. That reason being: that the symbol evokes great positive energy, fulfillment and a sense of “rising” or achievement- which both brands saw their product fitting into the category of.
As for the watch side the symbol also is said by Rolex historians to have been chosen in part due to its ability to be seen well on an hour hand, even when partially covered by the minute, second, or sub hands. This was of specific importance in the automobile racing, diving, and adventure aspects that Rolex watches first became, and continue to be, so highly admired in.
It is important to note that the Rolex brand was the first to use this symbol with others following shortly after in many various degree and price ranges of watch. So, though most do not feel that Rolex copied the Mercedes Benz company in the use of this emblem, most other watch makers did in fact copy Rolex, and Mercedes.
Today, the symbol, though more closely related to the automobile, stands as a sort of testament to quality and aristocratic stance of the products that carry it, and the people who believe in and depend upon the services that these products give- whether it be a great automobile or a trust worthy timepiece.
-Will Estell
Publisher 3G Media, LLC.
