Over 100 years of Expertise

Our Rolex History

In the 1920’s & 1930’s, Rolex’s Oyster was perceived as the ultimate fashion statement, which could also combat the heat and humidity of the tropics. Consequently, compelled by overwhelming demand, Rolex concessionaires started emerging in the dominions of India & SE Asia. It was during this period Cooke & Kelvey and Rolex crossed path to forge a relationship that continues to this day.

The Beginning

Cooke & Kelvey is the Indian sub-continent’s oldest surviving Victorian-era luxury brand – for handcrafted jewellery and sterling silverware. It is also the oldest concessionaire of Rolex watches in India, having forged its bonds with this Swiss major long before Independence. It was way back in the 1920s that Rolex chose Cooke & Kelvey to reach its emblematic timepieces to those who were, by then, eager to wear their class and nobility on their wrist.

First Cooke & Kelvey store in Kolkata, 1858.

A Treasured Relationship

Managing Director Kishori Lal Khemka & managing partner Mr. Deek's personal rapport with Mr. Han's Wilsdorf, built over almost three decades of business dealings ensured a robust & happy continuity in Cooke & Kelvey's association with Rolex SA even after independence. On July 1953, at a meeting set between Mr. Hans Wilsdorf and Mohan Lal, son of Kishori Lal Khemka, Mr. Wildorf gifted a signed portrait of Jawahar Lal Nehru and an acknowledgement letter for the wristwatch gifted by Rolex SA to Prime Minister Nehru, with the request that the same be displayed at Cooke & Kelvey's showroom in India's capital, where it remains proudly.

A Lasting Commitment

With its iconic emporium located at 3 Scindia House, Janpath, New Delhi, Cooke & Kelvey continues to carry forward its 100-year-old commitment to Rolex and Rolex aficionados in India.

Cooke & Kelvey showroom at Scindia House, New Delhi, ca. 1947.

Visit Us in Store

Cooke & Kelvey is proud to be part of the worldwide network of Official Rolex Retailers, trusted with selling and maintaining Rolex Watches. Our experts are at your service to help you choose the Rolex watch that best suits you, within the wide range of Rolex timepieces. All of our showrooms in India are recognised as Official Rolex Retailers - this is your guarantee that we only sell genuine Rolex timepieces.

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