The awards programme were set up in 1976 by André J. Heiniger, then Chief Executive Officer of Rolex, to mark the 50th anniversary of the first waterproof wristwatch produced by Rolex, the Oyster. Intended to be a once-only celebration, the Awards drew so much international interest that Rolex transformed them into an ongoing programme that has, in the years since, supported 165 Laureates whose endeavours have made a significant contribution worldwide to improving life and protecting our planet.