Pushing Boundaries
2013
In 2013, Rolex introduced an GMT-Master II with a two-colour Cerachrom insert in blue and black ceramic, and a year later, the watch was released with a two-colour Cerachrom insert in red and blue ceramic. Each two-colour combination on a single-piece ceramic component was a world first and a milestone in the use of ceramics in watchmaking.
2014
Rolex unveiled a new calibre 2236 featuring a Syloxi hairspring in silicon developed in-house which offers peerless chronometric performance for a smaller-sized watch. This self- winding mechanical movement, entirely manufactured by Rolex, inaugurates a new generation of calibres.
2014
As part of its desire to rethink space continually and strive for timeless innovation, Rolex also embraces architecture as part of its universe. Rolex is contributing to architectural progress through its support for the International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia as Exclusive Partner and Timepiece of the world’s foremost forum for architectural ideas.
2015
Rolex introduced calibre 3255, a new-generation mechanical movement for the Day-Date 40 that sets new standards of performance in terms of precision, power reserve, reliability, resistance to shocks and magnetism, as well as the ease and convenience of its adjustment. Its power reserve extends to three days (approximately 70 hours), representing an increase of 24 hours (or 50 per cent) compared to that of the previous generation.
2015
Rolex introduced a new and innovative bracelet, the Oysterflex, developed by Rolex and patented. It was first launched on the black and 18 ct Everose gold version of its nautical Yacht-Master. This technical bracelet combines the robustness and reliability of a metal bracelet with the flexibility, comfort and aesthetics of an elastomer strap. At its core lies a superelastic metal blade overmoulded with high-performance black elastomer.
2015
All Rolex watches are covered by the Superlative Chronometer certification redefined by Rolex in 2015. This exclusive designation testifies that the watch has successfully undergone a series of tests conducted by Rolex according to its own criteria. The Superlative Chronometer status is coupled with an international five-year guarantee.
2017
Rolex has for decades had a strong presence as an iconic symbol, appearing in many legendary movies. Rolex became Exclusive Watch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 2017, which has hosted the Academy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles since 1929. Rolex is also Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, aimed at safeguarding the history of cinema.
2019
For several years, Rolex has supported organizations and individuals working for the future of the planet.
In 2019, Rolex grouped them under the banner of the Perpetual Planet Initiative. They include explorers, scientists, entrepreneurs and citizens committed to the common good. By taking concrete action to find solutions to today’s major challenges, they inspire new generations and give our planet a future. Rolex stands alongside them through the Perpetual Planet Initiative.
2019
In 2019, Rolex became a Premium Partner and Official Timekeeper of Roland-Garros, the only Grand Slam® tournament played on clay. The brand continues to strengthen its ties with tennis, which date back to the partnership between the brand and The Championships, Wimbledon, formed in 1978. Rolex has progressively become involved in all the sport’s major events, and today partners the four Grand Slam® tournaments.
2019
The SailGP circuit is redefining the world of competitive sailing with state-of-the-art catamarans that deliver exceptional performance. These veritable flying yachts make up the fastest racing fleet in history. In 2019, Rolex became a founding partner with this circuit that draws the greatest sailing talent, strengthening long-standing ties with yachting dating back almost 70 years.
2020
Calibres 2232 and 3230 are self-winding mechanical movements entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Boasting concentrated technology, these movements have led to several patents. Calibre 2232 features the Syloxi hairspring crafted in silicon. Calibre 3230 includes an optimized version of the blue Parachrom hairspring, made by Rolex in an exclusive niobium and zirconium alloy. Calibre 2232 has a nickel-phosphorus paramagnetic escape wheel. Calibre 3230 incorporates the patented Chronergy escapement made of the same alloy.
2021
In 2021, Rolex renewed its partnership with PGA of America, becoming the Official Partner and Official Timekeeper of the organization and its pre-eminent tournament, the PGA Championship. The brand is associated with all the men’s and women’s Major tournaments and is also a Worldwide Partner of the leading team tournament, The Ryder Cup.
The only Major contested exclusively by professionals, the PGA Championship is played on the most competitive courses in the United States and welcomes the top 100 golfers in the world rankings.
2022
For the first time, Rolex presented a Day-Date 40 in 950 platinum featuring a fluted bezel, fashioned in the same precious metal. Several years of research were required to adapt the guillochage used to create the fluting to the “finest of metals”. This technical feat marks a new step in the development of Rolex’s know-how and the fluted bezel in platinum has become part of the brand’s stylistic heritage.
2022
The Oyster Perpetual Deepsea Challenge is inspired by the experimental watch developed for James Cameron for his historic dive to the bottom of the Mariana Trench on 26 March 2012. It ingeniously synthesizes Rolex’s long experience and know-how in the realm of divers’ watches. Crafted in RLX titanium, equipped with a helium escape valve and the Ringlock system, it can accompany dives of all kinds, whether in open water, a submersible or a hyperbaric chamber. Waterproof to a depth of 11,000 metres (36,090 feet), this new model marks a major milestone in the exploration of the depths.
