Rolex has always maintained close ties with the world of cinema. Its watches have played their own role on the wrists of legendary characters. And today, by its support of artistic and technical excellence in filmmaking, Rolex itself has become an active participant in its own right.

Rolex encourages the preservation and transmission of the cinematic arts, promotes excellence and celebrates progress by accompanying living legends as well as young talents through its Testimonees (Martin Scorsese and James Cameron), its partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the institution, the awards and the Academy Museum in Los Angeles), Martin Scorsese’s The Film Foundation and the Rolex Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative.

A TEMPLE TO CINEMA
Inaugurated in September 2021 in Los Angeles, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures this year celebrates its third anniversary.

A must-see institution for all passionate about film, it is the largest museum dedicated to filmmaking in the United States.  Located on Los Angeles’ Miracle Mile, the museum is immediately recognizable by its glass dome, designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Renzo Piano who also fully renovated the 28,000-square metre building. Inside are over 4,500 square metres of gallery space for temporary and permanent exhibitions, two film theatres including the 1,000-seat David Geffen Theater, an educational studio along with areas for public events and ceremonies.

ROLEX: A FOUNDING SUPPORTER AND OFFICIAL WATCH OF THE ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES
As a Founding Supporter and Official Watch of the museum, Rolex reaffirms its commitment to spotlighting talent, fostering excellence, safeguarding legacy and ensuring that knowledge and skills are passed on to future generations.

By shining a light on the past, present and future of film, the museum plunges visitors into the unique world of cinema, through original exhibitions, screenings, publications, educational programmes and exceptional collections.

The museum displays a vast selection of objects relating to film production and film technology, presenting the diverse, international and complex stories of moviemakers and the works they create. Among the hundreds of objects on display are the sole surviving shark from the filming of Jaws (made from the original mould) and items evoking luminaries from Pedro Almodóvar to Agnès Varda..

THE ROLEX GALLERY
On the museum’s third floor, the modular exhibitions inside the Rolex Gallery are designed as singular journeys through different moments in film history. Visitors are propelled into the work and world of directors from around the globe. Installations in the Stories of Cinema core exhibition reveal the many aspects of moviemaking – animation techniques, special effects, artists, history and social impact – through diverse voices that convey the magic of the big screen. The space also features an immersive multimedia installation specially created for the museum by legendary Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar.
In Inventing Worlds and Characters, visitors learn how artists and technicians develop elements that go into creating a film, from the initial idea to the final production. Models, costumes and animation celluloids are among the many objects on display.

THE ACADEMY MUSEUM GALA
Presented and supported by Rolex, the Gala raises significant support for the Academy Museum’s exhibitions, screenings, and education and community programmes.
The third annual Academy Museum Gala in December 2023 honoured Meryl Streep, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey and Sofia Coppola.

ROLEX AND HOLLYWOOD
In 2017, Rolex sealed its partnership with the film industry’s highest authority, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Rolex became the Exclusive Watch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Proud Sponsor of the Oscars® and Exclusive Sponsor of the Governors Awards. The brand is also a Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

Rolex accordingly promotes excellence, the perpetuation of knowledge, the conservation of the art and rise of new talent. The Academy’s mission is to celebrate all aspects of the film industry, preserve its legacy for future generations, spark inspiration, and connect global audiences through their passion for cinema. Hence, it is the convergence of values between Rolex and the Academy that is underscored through this long-term partnership.


PERPETUAL ARTS INITIATIVE
For more than a half a century, Rolex has partnered some of the world’s most talented artists and leading cultural institutions to celebrate excellence and contribute to perpetuating artistic heritage, creating a link between the past, present and future.

Through the Rolex Perpetual Arts Initiative, a broad portfolio of arts that extends through music, architecture, cinema and the Rolex mentoring programme, the brand confirms its long-term commitment to global culture.

In all these endeavours, Rolex supports artistic excellence and the transmission of knowledge to future generations, who in turn pass on the world’s cultural legacy.


ABOUT ROLEX
AN UNRIVALLED REPUTATION FOR QUALITY AND EXPERTISE
Rolex is an integrated and independent Swiss watch manufacture. Headquartered in Geneva, the brand is recognized the world over for its expertise and the quality of its products – symbols of excellence, elegance and prestige. The movements of its Oyster Perpetual and Perpetual watches are certified by COSC, then tested in-house for their precision, performance and reliability. The Superlative Chronometer certification, symbolized by the green seal, confirms that each watch has successfully undergone tests conducted by Rolex in its own laboratories according to its own criteria. These are periodically validated by an independent external organization.

The word ‘Perpetual’ is inscribed on every Rolex Oyster watch. But more than just a word on a dial, it is a philosophy that embodies the company’s vision and values. Hans Wilsdorf, the founder of the company, instilled a notion of perpetual excellence that would drive the company forward. This led Rolex to pioneer the development of the wristwatch and numerous major watchmaking innovations, such as the Oyster, the first waterproof wristwatch, launched in 1926, and the Perpetual rotor self-winding mechanism, invented in 1931. In the course of its history, Rolex has registered over 600 patents. At its four sites in Switzerland, the brand designs, develops and produces the majority of its watch components, from the casting of the gold alloys to the machining, crafting, assembly and finishing of the movement, case, dial and bracelet. Furthermore, the brand is actively involved in supporting the arts and culture, sport and exploration, as well as those who are devising solutions to preserve the planet.