Introducing “Rolex Family”: The Extraordinary World Of Rolex Testimonees

With a keen eye for the extraordinary, Hans Wilsdorf transformed Mercedes Gleitze's historic English Channel swim in 1927 into a powerful narrative of resilience and precision. Her image, captured for Rolex advertisements, not only celebrated her achievement but also pioneered the concept of the “watch brand ambassador.” This strategic alliance between human triumph and horological excellence became a hallmark of Rolex, a tradition that continued to unfold in the decades that followed. The brand's advertisements became a gallery of heroes: Sir Malcolm Campbell, pushing the boundaries of speed and the Everest expedition, conquering the world's highest peak, each testament to the enduring spirit that Rolex embodied. Today, under the Rolex banner, legendary sporting feats unfold, world leaders command attention and in the realm of arts, creative brilliance blossoms, all measured by the unwavering precision of Rolex timepieces. This seamless weaving of stories, both historical and contemporary, stands as a testament to the enduring prestige that defines Rolex.

The power of endorsements

In a very wise marketing narrative, Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf sought “testimonials” for Rolex timepieces from prominent figures. As the age of exploration unfolded in the 1950s, Hans Wilsdorf perceived a grand opportunity: to transform the world into a ‘living laboratory’ for his horological creations. Explorers and champions, pushing the limits of human endeavor, would become integral partners, their feedback shaping the very essence of Rolex's reliability. Their experiences, their trials, would become the crucible for refining Rolex's reliability. Wilsdorf's vision extended far beyond just borrowed prestige. He cultivated meaningful, lasting alliances, offering unwavering support. The relationships founded on shared aspiration and mutual respect, gave birth to a unique sponsorship model, a legacy that continues till date. More than just those who would test Rolex’s capability in extremes, the brand also focused on advertising the refined sophistication of its timepieces by affiliating with intellectuals. This mix of the intrepid and the sophisticated in the face of 1970s Rolex goes beyond expressing that its watches are perfect for all. These are timepieces untroubled in oceanic exploits as well as in prudent affairs.

With many of the world’s greatest having fallen for the tempt of Rolex, a widespread applaud for the brand’s products continues to perpetuate its resilient tale. This appreciation for the sentiment of quality and practical watchmaking practised at Rolex stands as its best advertisement. Moreover, these testimonees were more than just ordinary, they were achievers in their respective disciplines who set benchmarks in the furthest tangibles of human endeavor. The brand positioned itself favorably with the trends and aspirations of the day and it is an exercise still in practice at Rolex. The expanse and exhaust of those who make the Rolex family, be it individual testimonees or institutions, remains indomitable on every level.

The modern “Rolex Family”

Rolex’s is a world where time is measured not just in seconds, but in moments of triumph, in acts of courage and in strokes of genius. This is the world inhabited by Rolex testimonees. They are not merely faces for a brand, they are living testaments to the pursuit of excellence, each a star in their own right. Rolex, on 17th February 2025, presented a digital gallery - the ‘Rolex Family’ webpage, a debut online space of its kind dedicated to the celebrated figures who embody its spirit. This virtual mosaic, a vibrant tableau of athletes, artists and cultural icons, reflects the brand’s commitment to excellence across diverse fields. The Rolex family spans a breathtakingly diverse range of fields. From the grace of tennis champions to the brilliance of cinematic visionaries and the pioneering spirit of explorers, each image is a brushstroke in a grander portrait. Each image unveils a personal narrative, illuminating their achievements and the symbiotic relationship with the Rolex brand. In an era where digital resonance echoes through consumer consciousness, the “Rolex Family” webpage stands as a testament to the enduring artistry of influence, translating real-world prestige into digital brilliance.

What truly sets Rolex apart is the genuine connection it fosters with its testimonees. It’s not simply a sponsorship - it’s a partnership built on shared values and a mutual respect for excellence. These individuals don’t just wear a Rolex, they live the philosophy making Rolex. Every Rolex timepiece carries a connection with the vibrant legacy of human achievement that tells a vivid tale emanating from Mercedes Gleitze’s trailblazing feat to each of the 20 Grand Slam titles of Roger Federer. Through Rolex watches, time, measured in units of passion and dedication, can be perceived as it becomes a passage of not only mere seconds, minutes and hours, but of extraordinary stories. The “Rolex Family” gallery is an invitation to explore, to dream and to live a life worthy of the moments that define us.

Members of the Rolex family

Although not a family of blood, but of spirit - a constellation of individuals who embody the brand’s unwavering pursuit of excellence makes up the “Rolex Family.” Here, we present a glimpse into the esteemed family, a gathering of testimonees and ambassadors whose lives and achievements illuminate the values at the core of the brand. From the world’s most celebrated athletes to pioneering explorers and visionary artists, each member contributes a unique chapter to the ongoing story of Rolex, a story written in moments of triumph, perseverance and unwavering dedication. In doing so, you'll discover the names and stories that illuminate the enduring partnership between Rolex and those who dare to push boundaries, achieve greatness and inspire generations.

Rolex has expanded its roster of cinema ambassadors with the recent addition of Leonardo DiCaprio. This strategic alignment is particularly salient given Rolex's prominent sponsorship of the Academy Awards, Oscars. DiCaprio's inclusion places him alongside esteemed director Martin Scorsese, with whom he has cultivated a highly regarded collaborative history, exemplified by productions such as “The Departed” (2006), “Shutter Island” (2010) and “The Wolf of Wall Street” (2013) among many. Given the longstanding personal and professional relationship between Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese, it is plausible that Scorsese facilitated Leo’s introduction to Rolex executives.

Leonardo DiCaprio is a known collector of fine timepieces, possessing a selection of rare and historically significant watches, including several Rolex models. Co-incidentally, he was recently spotted wearing a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 116509 “Racing” at a Los Angeles Lakers game in January this year.

Spanning nine distinct disciplines, the “Rolex Family” is more than a mere collection of names. Below you'll discover the fabled members of each of these realms who tell a story of the perpetual pursuit of excellence underpinning every aspect of the brand’s interests.

Tennis:
Ana Ivanovic, Ben Shelton, Björn Borg, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Iga Świątek, Jannik Sinner, João Fonseca, Li Na, Mirra Andreeva, Patrick Rafter, Qinwen Zheng, Rod Laver, Roger Federer, Stéfanos Tsitsipás, Taylor Fritz, Vijay Amritraj and more.

Motorsport:
Jackie Stewart, Jamie Chadwick, Jenson Button, Mark Webber and Tom Kristensen.

Golf:
Adam Scott, Albane Valenzuela, Anirban Lahiri, Anna Nordqvist, Arnold Palmer, Arnold Palmer, Bernhard Langer, Brooke Henderson, Butch Harmon, Claude Harmon, Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, Jeev Milkha Singh, Lydia Ko, Phil Mickelson, Scottie Scheffler, Tiger Woods, Tom Watson and more.

Yachting:
Gary Jobson, Hannah Mills, Martine Grael, Paul Cayard, Robert Scheidt, Sir Ben Ainslie and Tom Slingsby.

Equestrianism:
Bertram Allen, Daniel Deusser, Harry Charles, Isabell Werth, Jeroen Dubbeldam, Kent Farrington, Kevin Staut, Martin Fuchs, Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum, Richard Vogel, Rodrigo Pessoa, Scott Brash, Steve Guerdat and Zara Tindall.

Ski:
Camille Rast, Lara Gut‑Behrami and Lindsey Vonn.

Exploration:
Alain Hubert, Cristina Mittermeier, David Doubilet, Dawa Yangzum Sherpa, Ed Viesturs, Jean Troillet, Paul Nicklen, Sylvia Earle and Titouan Bernicot.

Cinema:
Jia Zhang-Ke, James Cameron, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese.

Music:
Anoushka Shankar, Benjamin Bernheim, Cecilia Bartoli, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Hélène Grimaud, Hélène Grimaud, Jonas Kaufmann, Jorge Viladoms, Juan Diego Flórez, Michael Bublé, Rolando Villazón, Sir Bryn Terfel, Sonya Yoncheva, Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Yuja Wang.