In the world of sport, there are partnerships—and then there are icons that evolve together. Wimbledon, the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world, and Rolex, the epitome of fine Swiss watchmaking, have shared a quiet yet powerful bond for nearly five decades.
Their relationship isn’t built on logos or loud sponsorships. Instead, it's a reflection of shared values: timeless elegance, heritage, and an uncompromising pursuit of excellence. It’s no coincidence that in moments of history on Centre Court, Rolex has always been ticking in the background—discreet, dependable, and deeply woven into the fabric of the event.
The Beginning: 1978 and the Birth of a Legacy
Rolex became the Official Timekeeper of Wimbledon in 1978, marking a watershed moment for both institutions.
At the time, Rolex had been deeply rooted in the worlds of sailing, motorsport, and exploration—domains where precision could mean survival. But tennis offered something more nuanced: an arena where discipline, composure, and timing collided in a display of both mental and physical perfection.
Wimbledon was the ideal stage. Unlike any other Grand Slam, The Championships are governed by tradition—from the strict all-white dress code to the immaculately maintained grass courts of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club. It was an environment that mirrored Rolex’s own ethos.
Rolex at Wimbledon: Beyond the Scoreboard
Since 1978, Rolex clocks have become a fixture across Wimbledon’s show courts—from Centre Court to No.1 Court, and throughout the grounds. Yet Rolex’s presence goes deeper than just timekeeping:
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It sponsors elite players—past and present—including Björn Borg, Roger Federer, Carlos Alcaraz, and Iga Świątek.
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It supports the tournament’s digital innovation with precision time data, live scoring, and match analytics.
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It underlines the subtle prestige of the tournament through minimalist branding that reinforces quality over quantity.
Over the years, Rolex has remained intentionally understated at Wimbledon. No over-the-top advertising. No gaudy placement. Just timeless alignment.
And it works.
Wimbledon is where Roger Federer lifted his first Grand Slam trophy. It’s where legends are made, and moments are etched into history with every swing of a racquet. Through it all, Rolex has kept time—measuring not just seconds, but legacies.
A Partnership of Enduring Excellence
What makes the Rolex–Wimbledon relationship so unique is that it never needed to change. Both institutions embrace evolution without ever chasing trends.
Rolex continually refines its horological mastery, introducing watches that subtly evolve in design and functionality, while Wimbledon modernizes its facilities and embraces technology—all without compromising the soul of the tournament.
This partnership has become a case study in brand synergy. It’s not just about sponsorship—it’s about two global entities moving in unison, upholding the values of:
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Heritage & consistency
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Craftsmanship & performance
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Restraint & refinement
The Modern Collector: Protecting Icons
Luxury watches, like those worn courtside by players and attendees alike, are more than accessories. They’re symbols of precision, history, and personal achievement. Just as Wimbledon safeguards its grass courts with unmatched care, so too should watch owners protect their timepieces from scratches, scuffs, and daily wear.
Brands like The Watch Protect Company have made it possible to preserve the pristine condition of your watch with invisible protection kits that align with the same values Rolex and Wimbledon champion: precision, performance, and longevity. From scratch-resistant films to cleaning solutions designed for luxury timepieces, it's never been easier to maintain your watch’s brilliance—on and off the court.
Time, Elegance, and the Art of Preservation
As Wimbledon continues to write tennis history and Rolex continues to define what it means to measure time beautifully, their partnership reminds us of the power of legacy done right.
Together, they embody a philosophy that transcends trends: take care of what matters, do it well, and do it quietly.
And in a world where luxury is increasingly defined by longevity and subtlety, that message is as relevant as ever—whether you're watching the final from Centre Court or glancing down at your watch between sets.
Because greatness doesn’t scream. It ticks.
Photo by Shep McAllister on Unsplash
