In 1935, Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first person to drive a motor propelled vehicle over 300mph (482.8kph) after a decade of defying physics and Mother Nature. One of the most intriguing telegrams Sir Campbell sent after setting this new speed record was to Rolex. In his message to the watchmaker, he wrote: “The Rolex watch is still keeping perfect time. I was wearing it yesterday when Bluebird exceeded 300mph. Campbell.”
Serendipity is indeed a wonderful thing, since Rolex traces its alliance with motor sport to the very moment Campbell’s ecstatic telegram was received at the brand’s headquarters. It opened the door to the world of motor racing and paved the way to heartfelt, long-term relationships.
In 1959, Rolex’s association with Daytona International Speedway began, and in 1963, the iconic Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph was launched. A few years later, Rolex added the name ‘Daytona’ to the dial of the iconic chronograph, created for racing drivers, to mark its connection with the speedway.
In 1968, Rolex formed a close relationship with one of the sport’s most emblematic figures, three-time FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion Sir Jackie Stewart, an affiliation which continues to this day, 54 years later. Rolex announced its Title Sponsorship of the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA in 1992, and nine years later, in 2001, became the Official Timepiece of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s oldest and most prestigious endurance sports car race.
As its involvement grew, it became the Official Timepiece of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance (1997), the Official Timepiece of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (2001), a partner of the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion (2001), and nine years later, its Title Sponsor.
In 2013, Rolex became the Global Partner and the Official Timepiece of Formula 1. “Few sports have ever been blessed with long-term relationships such as that of Rolex and motor racing. The Swiss watchmaker aligns itself with excellence in every endeavour it supports, and Rolex continues to lead the world in that respect,” shares Stewart, now 83.
Recent years have seen more racing legends join Stewart as Rolex Testimonees. Among them are record nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen; multiple Formula 1 Grand Prix winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion, Mark Webber; and 2009 FIA Formula 1 Drivers’ World Champion, Jenson Button.
Consequently, Rolex has become increasingly ingrained in the universe of motor racing and its multiple facets.
In this regard, the incomparable Stewart sums up the brand’s efforts and impact best: “Throughout Rolex’s history, the quality of the brand’s watches has been proven in the most extreme environments around the world by pioneering individuals, including Sir Malcolm Campbell during his World Land Speed Records in the 1930s.
“Today, Rolex is still at the forefront of motor sport — in Formula 1, endurance racing and classic automotive events — and always at the very highest level. Long-term relationships are at the core of Rolex’s activities, and I feel privileged to still be part of the family over half a century later.”
