Rolex 740 (A.295)

History: The 740 was introduced in 1945 specifically for the 4467 Datejust model. It is the first Rolex movement with a date feature. According to Rolex the first-ever automatic watch with date capability. For sure it was the first automatic watch with an 'instantaneous date change at midnight' capability. It is also know as Calibre A295. The movement features a rhodium-plated, straight-line lever escapement, Superbalance, self-compensating Breguet balance spring, index regulator. The movement lacks a quickset feature. I do not believe it has hacking either. The date window was located on the right edge at 3:00 o’clock because most wearers have their watch on their left arm and the date window can easily peak out from under a shirt sleeve.

These movements are chronometer certified.

Manufacturer: Rolex SA (/ˈroʊlɛks/) is a Swiss luxury watchmaker. The company and its subsidiary Montres Tudor SA design, manufacture, distribute and service wristwatches sold under the Rolex and Tudor brands. Founded by Hans Wilsdorf and Alfred Davis in London, England in 1905 as Wilsdorf and Davis, Rolex moved its base of operations to Geneva, Switzerland in 1919. Forbes ranked Rolex 64th on its 2016 list of the world's most powerful global brands.[Rolex is the largest single high end watch brand. The company is owned by the Hans Wilsdorf Foundation, a private family trust.

Alfred Davis and his brother-in-law Hans Wilsdorf founded Wilsdorf and Davis, the company that would eventually become Rolex SA, in London, England in 1905. Wilsdorf and Davis' main commercial activity at the time involved importing Hermann Aegler's Swiss movements to England and placing them in high-quality watch cases made by Dennison and others. These early wristwatches were sold to jewellers, who then put their own names on the dial. The earliest watches from Wilsdorf and Davis were usually hallmarked "W&D" inside the caseback.

From Wikipedia