{"id":42432,"date":"2018-07-09T09:52:55","date_gmt":"2018-07-09T08:52:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.watchpro.com\/?p=42432"},"modified":"2018-07-09T09:52:55","modified_gmt":"2018-07-09T08:52:55","slug":"game-set-watch-rolex-recalls-40-years-working-tennis-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.watchpro.com\/game-set-watch-rolex-recalls-40-years-working-tennis-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"Game, set and watch; Rolex recalls 40 years of working with tennis industry"},"content":{"rendered":"
The roots of Rolex\u2019s affinity for sports and human achievement can be traced back to the pioneering origins of the company. In 1927, the year after Rolex founder Hans Wilsdorf developed the world\u2019s first waterproof wristwatch, the Rolex Oyster, he equipped a young sportswoman, Mercedes Gleitze, with the innovative wristwatch to swim the English Channel. At the end of her arduous swim, after more than 10 hours in the water, the watch emerged in perfect working order. Mercedes Gleitze was effectively the first Rolex Testimonee, a witness to the uncompromised performance of the Oyster who also demonstrated its real-life qualities, the Swiss watchmaker describes in a briefing celebrating 40 years of working with the tennis industry and its leading players.<\/strong><\/p>\n Since then, Rolex has accompanied many of humanity\u2019s greatest feats, defying the elements and exploring the globe\u2019s most forbidding frontiers. This support for passionate athletes, artists and brave explorers in their attempts to push back the boundaries of human endeavour, has in turn provided a demanding proving ground for the Oyster wristwatch, as a robust, reliable and practical timepiece in any circumstance. By fostering the noblest pursuits, Rolex continues to perpetuate the foundations of renewed and enduring excellence, ever committed to contributing to the community and inspiring younger generations to greatness.<\/p>\n It was thus a natural progression for the brand to partner with the sport of tennis, which reflects these same qualities.<\/p>\n The relationship with tennis started in 1978 when the brand became the Official Timekeeper of The Championships, Wimbledon, the world\u2019s first lawn tennis championship, and the oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Wimbledon has succeeded in making significant improvements to its grounds as well as the sport, while preserving its unique image and character. Finding balance between tradition and innovation has been a priority for both Wimbledon and Rolex, forming one of the pillars for the lasting alliance between these two classics.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n