I’ve heard the Brits have a long kinship with Rolex for a couple reasons. Hans Wildorf was based in London for a prolonged period of time, for one.
Second is the goodwill they received during and after WW2 - apparently many Brits POWs had their watches stolen by their captors. Rolex heard about this and offered, via Red Cross parcel delivery, to sell a watch to any POW, with payment to be made on their honour - I.e. after the war, once they had the means.
Always thought that was really noble on the part of Hans Wildorf/Rolex, and have heard it engendered a great deal of positive sentiments towards the brand in the UK - I worked in Lloyd’s of London for a time and Rolex was definitely the brand of choice.