A FORUM OF LEGENDS
Three legendary figures from the world of racing discuss their passion for motor sports and their appreciation for Rolex watches
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN Rolex and motor sport go back decades, with the watch brand being the title sponsor of Rolex 24 At DAYTONA and official timekeeper of both FIA Formula One and the 24 Hours of Le Mans motor race. Naturally, quite a few notable racers have become Testimonees for Rolex, including Sir Jackie Stewart, a Formula 1 legend and a Rolex Testimonee since 1968.
Now, not too long ago, Sir Jackie was joined by two fellow Rolex Testimonees—2016 Formula One World Champion Nico Rosberg and Australian racing legend Mark Webber—for a roundtable discussion about motor sports, Rolex watches and how the two have always been intertwined.
Rolex’s partnerships with high-quality events and legends of the track dates back to the 1930s. “I think that clearly innovation and pushing the boundaries unites Rolex with motor sport — they’re both synonymous with world-class products,” Mark Webber offered. “In motor sport, you can never rest on your laurels—the only easy day was probably yesterday, you never know what is around the corner. When Rolex is designing and
developing watches, the company is constantly pushing the boundaries of the products’ capabilities.”
“Beyond that too, Rolex has always associated itself with excellence, it goes back a long way,” Sir Jackie added. “This is demonstrated by the brand’s association with Sir Malcolm Campbell, who broke the World Land Speed Record on Daytona Beach in the 1930s wearing a Rolex watch. When Edmund Hillary climbed Everest in 1953 he was again wearing a Rolex. And when Mercedes Gleitze, the first ever Rolex Testimonee, crossed the Channel in 1927 she wore a Rolex Oyster.”
Nico Rosberg, a relatively recent addition to the line-up, expressed his appreciation for Rolex’s time-tested tradition which allowed him to stand alongside those he looks up to. “I was honoured to become a Rolex Testimonee last year. It’s a privilege to represent the brand, alongside other international sportsmen and women, like yourselves,” he told Sir Jackie, your legacy in Formula 1 truly speaks for itself — it is testament to you and the brand that your partnership started over 50 years ago.”
With three bona fide motor sport legends on board, Rolex naturally looks to inspire future racers and record breakers. And on that note, it seems that both Nico and Mark are in agreement about who inspires who. “The legacy of Sir Jackie— whether it was on track or his pioneering stance on safety—he was totally before his time,” Mark pointed out. “Sir Jackie was my Dad’s hero and that rubbed off on me, I went on to have posters on my bedroom wall of my generation—Senna, Prost, Mansell, Piquet. Legends of the sport help fuel the next generation and the role of inspiring future athletes is never taken for granted.”
Sir Jackie himself graciously called attention to those supporting him. “During my professional sporting career, I was a strong believer that I always needed help – I wanted to have counsel. Nowadays, with the sport’s advanced telemetry and technology, in addition to the complex simulators, there is even greater benefit to be had from listening to others and bouncing ideas around.” he exclaimed, before adding: “Of course, timing is always essential, but being in the right place at the right time usually happens when you have good people around you.”
“Attitude is very important, also. For us to remain humble with what we have achieved, and to help the next generation understand how special motor sport is – to really make them appreciate our sport and what we’re able to do out there.” Nico then summed up.
Of course, it didn’t take too long for the conversation to veer towards choice of watch, owning different timepieces for different occasions and—most importantly—how watches are often tied to important personal moments. “Each Rolex I own is special to me in its own unique way; every watch holds a personal story. When I won my first Grand Prix in 2009, at the Nürburgring in Germany, I bought a GMT-Master II, a present to myself to mark the occasion.” Mark began.
“I did the same in Monaco, after my first win there,” Nico replied. “On the Monday morning—the day after the race—I went straight to the shop. I bought my wife her wedding gift—because we were getting married the following year—and myself the green Submariner to celebrate my first Monaco win.”
“See then, in that case, all three of us bought a watch because we had won something, long before we were personally associated with Rolex,” Sir Jackie said. “In 1966 I went to Indianapolis and qualified well. And so, I went and bought an 18-carat gold Day-Date with president bracelet; I had always dreamed of having a Rolex.”
The connection between Rolex and motor sport has always seemed so natural. At one point, Mark compared the vision of Rolex watchmakers and the designers of Formula One cars, while Sir Jackie mentioned the standards of precision and engineering excellence upheld by both. But beyond the furore and frenzy of the race tracks, the connection between Rolex and personal achievement remains timeless. Perhaps Mark Webber said it best: “Watches are so incredibly personal, aren’t they? And I think that’s because it represents something in your life which you’ll never, ever forget – like those key moments that we just spoke about. A Rolex watch will certainly be a lifetime gift to yourself. For my Dad’s 70th birthday, I bought him a Rolex, it was a very special moment for both him and myself.”