With more than a century of knowledge and expertise in watchmaking, Rolex is driven by tradition and craftsmanship, along with a commitment to innovation and a passion for perfection. These qualities are reflected in the brand’s support of equestrianism. For almost 70 years, Rolex has cultivated an enduring legacy with this elite world and is now a major presence at play behind the finest riders, competitions and institutions.
The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism is based on this heritage, encouraging modernization while respecting the elegance of this prestigious sport. Whether supporting leading athletes, the CHI Geneva or the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping, Rolex has built on a relationship that began in 1957, through an alliance with British show jumper Pat Smythe. A pioneer in equestrianism, she became the brand’s first equestrian Testimonee. Rolex’s perpetual support is highlighted by its affiliation with international events and competitions that represent the pinnacle of the sport, from the equestrian Majors to the shows making up the Rolex Series.
© Rolex/Ashley Neuhof
Rolex has been a committed partner of equestrianism for almost 70 years, dating back to 1957 when pioneering British show jumper Pat Smythe became the sport’s first Testimonee. The brand’s contribution to excellence in equestrianism encourages modernization while respecting the traditions and elegance of the sport, as can be seen as they take their commitment of the sport to the next level with the introduction of the Rolex Series in show jumping.
The Rolex Series unites six of the most respected equestrian shows in the world, each supported by Rolex. These six historic shows are now united under the Rolex Series and all share several distinguishing qualities, with each globally renowned event offering some of the best infrastructures and facilities, age-old traditions, the highest standard of competition, and have been won by the very best riders in the history of the sport.
Each of the shows within the Rolex Series reflect Rolex’s own enduring commitment to excellence, all having a deep-rooted history in equestrianism, harnessing the tradition of the sport while embracing innovation with a continual drive for improvement.
The introduction of the Rolex Series reflects the brand’s continued support of equestrianism and its mission to unite and inspire. By being part of the collective group of shows that make up the Rolex Series, each event will be distinguished as one of the very best competitions in the world whilst also maintaining their unique and historic identities.
Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products - symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization.
The word 'Perpetual' is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company's vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.
Rolex World Headquarters, Geneva © Rolex/Cédric Widmer
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