I dont know if I agree with rolex not having any horological significance. Almost all of the models have some big significance to horology. The sub is the gold standard of all dive watches and arguably the most copied watch in all of history. Other dive watches may have come before it, but without the sub, the dive watch would not be a big seller for any brand from omega to patek.
Rolex's oyster perceptual was the first waterproof mechanical watch with a date. Almost every watch from timex to AP can thank rolex for this innovation.
The day date has historical significance from famous presidents to dictators wearing it while making crucial decisions that decided the fate of the world.
The date just is arguably the most iconic watch of all time. From the simplicity to the instantly recognizable fluted bezel.
Who made the first chrono is highly debated, from breitling to seiko, but no one can deny rolex was a huge player in possibly making the first.
Rolex is the only brand to make all their precious metals in house (via their own foundry) as well as have their own jewelers for precious stones.
The milgauss (one of personal favorites), was one of the first watches to offer a movement inside a faradays cage for engineers and scientists. I also cant think of any other high end watch to have a colour to their sapphire.
Rolex is the first company to have a quickset date function. The presidential and jubilee bracelets are the most iconic bracelets of all time.
There are many firsts in the watch world that rolex has pioneered and a reason why they are one of the most iconic brands in history. Without the success of rolex, many high end watch brands today would not exist.
Yes, Lange, JLC, AP, Patek all have their place as historical giants, but I like to think of it this way. Mercedes has contributed a lot more to car culture then a rolls royce, bugatti, bentley etc. Rolex is the mercedes of the watch world, not as prestigious as those other cars but has given the watch world much more than any other brand and what they have done has been able to trickle down to almost every other watch on the planet.
Take for example Patek. They have some firsts, such as a perpetual calendar (im sure some other grand complications). Dont get me wrong, they are a horological juggernaut, but they havent had nearly the same impact on the watch world that Rolex has had. I can buy a $500 hamilton watch and there is something in there that rolex has innovated. I love my datejust because I know I am wearing a piece of history and knowing that almost every watch on the planet (whether a $40 weekender or a $400k richard mille) has taken something from this watch.