Rolex boasts a tradition of partnering with esteemed individuals who have associated themselves with this highly prestigious brand. With Rolex’s innovative watchmaking, commitment to precision, and excellence, it isn’t surprising that Rolex watches are the go-to timepieces for successful personalities and celebrities around the world. It also became the official timekeeper of numerous prestigious sports competitions and historical events. Part of what drives the success of Rolex today is its smart marketing techniques and brand power.
In 1908, German-born Hans Wilsdorf, along with his brother-in-law Alfred Davis, formed the Rolex brand. In 1927, the first woman, Mercedes Gleitze who swam across the English Channel was wearing a Rolex watch around her neck when she did so. In the 1930s, when land speed records were broken repeatedly, racers were smashed with one Rolex watch. In the 1950s, when the first summit of Everest was made successfully, the mountaineers were accompanied by their Rolex. These early pioneers then undertook some most daring feats and were the forerunners, whom we refer to as ‘brand ambassadors’.
In 1927, when Mercedes Gleitz finished her 10-hour channel crossing, the Rolex Oyster featured in a Daily Mail full-page advertorial that addressed the “wonder watch that defines the element”. She wrote to Wilsdorf saying she was amazed that the Oyster watch survived underwater without any damage and still told the correct time. In 1933, Stewart Blacker wrote to Rolex praising the performance of the Oyster. Soon, the testimonial was published to hail the plate of Rolex Oyster to make more history. In 1935, when Sir Malcolm Campbell set his final of nine land speed records in Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, he performed so by wearing an Oyster.
The 1920s and 30’s were all about adventure and speed, while the 40’s and 50’s were all about politics and culture, where people considered punctuality as a significant characteristic in their daily lives.
In 1945, with the end of World War II, Rolex released its most iconic legendary model- the Datejust. When presented with a Datejust in 1945, Churchill became the perfect example of how Rolex was skilled at placing their watches on the wrists of influential people at precisely the right time.
In 1950, Eisenhower was the first American president to wear a Rolex watch, and he wore it on Life Magazine’s cover in 1952, elevating the brand’s prestige yet further. In 1956, Lyndon B. Johnson, the second president, famously sported a Day-Date.
Actor, racing driver, and film director Paul Newman was also pictured with his Cosmograph Daytona. Rolex, from the late 1960s, demonstrated its agility and natural ability to position itself with the fascinations and trends of the day. Dated back to 1968, Rolex wristwatches have been a staple of golf during the era of Gary Player, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer- better referred to as The Big Three. The Swiss watchmaking giant has extended its commitment to golf by sporting tournaments, including top-tier players and major championships. Elvis Presley owned a Rolex King Midas, which is on display at Graceland. Back in 1978, Rolex had a long-lasting relationship with the world of Tennis when the historic watchmaker became the official timekeeper at the Wimbledon Championships. Currently, the brand sponsors all Grand Slam tournaments.
Rolex has positioned itself as the cultural icon that has adorned the wrists of the most celebrated individuals in our modern history. Under the Rolex banner, brand ambassadors perform legendary sporting feats, creative talents in the arts are born under the precision of Rolex watches, and world leaders wear a Rolex. The brand has interwoven the stories of contemporary and historical figures, which is evident from its enduring prestige.
In this article, we will discuss the top Rolex brand ambassadors along with their watches. These prominent figures make the luxury watches more famous and successful on a worldwide basis. The detailed features of their Rolex watches are also mentioned. Keep reading to learn about the Rolex brand ambassadors and their favorite watches.
The Face of Rolex: Celebrating Brand Ambassadors
Rolex Golf Ambassadors
Tiger Woods
We do not think of any greater legend in the game of golf than Tiger Woods. The player, who is now 47, became a professional in 1996, changed the way people think about golf. The three-time U.S. Open champion, four-time PGA Championship winner, three-time British Open champion, and five-time Masters Champion made golf look stylish and inspired youngsters to pursue this sport.
Rolex’s sister company, Tudor, in the late 1990s, signed Tiger Woods as their ambassador, and even the brand launched an array of Oysterdate chronographs bearing the name of the player. In 2003, Tiger Woods united with the family of TAG Heuer, after this pact with Tudor, where for 8 years he served as their spokesperson. In 2011, the Rolex Group finally brought Woods back into the fold and as an ambassador for Rolex this time.
Since then, Tiger Woods has been seen wearing his Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller- the best dive watch of the brand. The watch is water-resistant to 3,900 meters (12,800 feet). Complete with a Cerachrom ceramic bezel, helium escape valve, and a doomed scratch-resistant 5.5mm sapphire crystal. Rolex offers the Deepsea with a particular D-Blue dial. Tiger Woods prefers its classic black dial version. Rolex Sea-Dweller Deepsea is famous with celebrities like Post Malone, Ben Affleck, Stephen Curry, Charlize Theron, Francis Ngannou, Buddy Valastro, Joe Rogan, Dave Navarro, Sylvester Stallone, and James Cameron were spotted wearing it.
- Reference Number: 116660
- Case Size: 44mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Functions: Helium Escape Valve, Date Display, Time with Running Seconds
- Dial: Black with Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: Black Cerachrom Insert with 60-Minute Scale, Unidirectional
- Crystal: Domed Sapphire
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3135
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster Bracelet
Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka won four major championships, including two PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, between 2017 to 2019.
In 2018, he won the U.S. Open again and another major, getting the PGA Tour Player of the Year award. In 2019, he won his fourth major at the PGA Championship, making him the first to defend two major titles.
Brooks Koepka, a chief golf ambassador of Rolex “New Guard” has won numerous enviable Rolex timepieces while holding his well-deserved trophies. We have spotted Brooks wearing the Everose gold Sky-Dweller and the 50th Anniversary Sea-Dweller.
The Rolex watch that he is often seen wearing is Daytona with a reference 116500LN chronograph with a white “panda” dial and black Cerachrom ceramic bezel. The Daytona 116500LN, released in 2016 is one of the most in-demand watches of Rolex and is impossible to purchase virtually.
- Reference Number: 116500LN
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Functions: 12-Hour Chronograph, Time with Running Seconds
- Dial: White with Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: Black Cerachrom with Tachymeter Scale, Fixed
- Crystal: Flat Sapphire
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 4130
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster Bracelet
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm became the foremost Spanish golfer who won the U.S. Open in June 2021. This was his foremost major tournament win. Thanks to Jon’s performance during the 2020-21 PGA Tour, he was awarded the PGA Player of the Year, apart from the Byron Nelson Award and the Vardon Trophy for that season. Being a Rolex ambassador, Jon won several Rolexes, including an 18k white gold GMT-Master II with a red and blue “Pepsi” bezel and a meteorite dial. When he won the trophy at the 121st U.S. Open at Torrey Pines, the wristwatch was a stainless steel Rolex Sky-Dweller with Ref. 326934 with a steel Oyster bracelet and white gold fluted bezel.
The Sky-Dweller of Jon Rahm is a blue-dial version that is solely available on the White Rolesor model and the most famous dial option within the lineup of Sky-Dweller. This Sky-Dweller is one of the most complicated watches of Rolex, boasting a dial that indicates two time zones, month, date, and an annual calendar. This means the watch needs manual adjustments only once a year. Will Smith, Conor McGregor, Michael Jordan, Roger Federer, DJ Khalid, and LeBron James all love Sky-Dweller.
- Reference Number: 326934
- Case Size: 42mm
- Materials: 18k White Gold and Stainless Steel White Rolesor
- Functions: GMT Functionality, Annual Calendar, Month Display, Date Display, Time with Running Seconds
- Dial: Blue with Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: Fluted Style, 18k White Gold, Ring Command
- Crystal: Flat with Cyclops Lens Sapphire
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 9001
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster Bracelet
Justin Thomas
Famous golfer, Justin Thomas at the young age of 24, became the youngest player to ever score a round of under 60. In 2017, he won the PGA Championship, and in March 2021, he shot a four-under-par 68 in the final round to win the 2021 Players Championship.
Now, for a few years, Justin has been a part of the Rolex family, and we have spotted him wearing some fantastic pieces, including platinum and steel Yacht-Master 40, a Sea-Dweller diver, and “Pepsi” GMT Master II, just to name a few. These days, we have noticed him wearing the implausible white gold Daytona with red accents and a bright blue dial, which includes the name of Daytona in red. Rolex Daytona is favored by Victoria Beckham, JayZ, Jonah Hill, Antoine Griezmann, Michael Jordan, John Legend, and more.
- Reference Number: 116509
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: White Gold of 18k
- Functions: 12-Hour Chronograph, Time with Running Seconds
- Dial: Blue with Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: 18k White Gold with Tachymeter Scale, Fixed
- Crystal: Flat Sapphire
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 4130
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster Bracelet
Lexi Thompson
Rolex has many women players on its golf roster too. They are the Official timekeeper of the 5 Majors in women’s professional golf. Lexi became a professional golfer at the at of 15 and she was just 16 when she became the youngest person ever to win the LPGA tournament at the Navistar LPGA Classic in 2011
At the Kraft Nabisco Championship (Chevron Championship) in 2014, she won her first career major.
Rolex ambassador Lexi Thompson, in terms of watches, admires Datejust and has recently been seen wearing two beautiful versions of this timepiece. One is the stainless steel Datejust with ref. 116200 which has an Oyster bracelet, silver dial with Roman numerals, and a smooth bezel. The other Datejust is 36mm, featuring two-tone Everose gold as well as a steel case, two-tone Jubilee bracelet, and a diamond-set bezel. The most notable Date wearers include Daniel Craig, David Beckham, Jennifer Anniston, Bono, and Roger Federer.
- Reference Number: 116200
- Case Size: 36mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Functions: Date Display, Time with Running Seconds
- Dial: Silver with Roman Numeral Markers
- Bezel: Smooth Style, Stainless Steel, Fixed
- Crystal: Flat with Cyclops Lens, Sapphire
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 3135
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster Bracelet
Apart from the players outlined above, there are several other Rolex golfers, and some of them are-
- Rickie Fowler- White Gold Yacht-Master with Ref. 226659
- Jordan Speith- Stainless steel Explorer-II with Ref. 216570
- Phil Mickelson- Everose Gold Yacht-Master with Ref.116655
- Adam Scott- 2-Everose Gold and Steel GMT-Master II with ref. 126711CHNR
- Hideki Matsuyama- Stainless steel and yellow gold Submariner 116613LB
- Lydia Ko- Everose gold Yacht-Master with Ref.268655
- Brooke Henderson- Stainless steel Datejust 36
- Anna Nordqvist- Explorer 214270
- Maria Fassi- Steel Datejust 36
- Justin Thomas- Rolex Daytona Ref.116509 and Rolex ‘Pepsi’ GMT-Master-II
- Arnold Palmer- Rolex Day-Date watches
- Annika Sorenstam- a white gold Daytona “Beach” with Ref. 116519 (matching pink leather strap and a pink mother-of-pearl dial)
Rolex Tennis Ambassadors
Roger Federer
Roger Federer is one great tennis player, holding 20 Grand Slam titles, and has the record for maximum title wins at Wimbledon. As the greatest tennis player and a Rolex brand ambassador, this Swiss-born tennis star has access to any Rolex watch his heart desires. He has been spotted wearing various models from Day-date references and solid gold Rolex Sky-Dweller watches to GMT-Master II and Daytona watches and everything in between. Nevertheless, the favorite Rolex watch of Roger Federer is associated with this stylish Rolex with Ref. 116334 dress watch that’s fitted with a discrete rhodium-colored dial that features blue Arabic numerals. By no means this is his most expensive or flashy timepiece. This was the watch that he wore when he lifted the trophy at his 8th Wimbledon win. His Rolex Datejust II serves as a reminder of cherished moments of his life.
- Reference Number: 116334
- Case Size: 41mm
- Materials: Stainless steel with 18k white gold
- Functions: Date display, Time with running seconds
- Dial: Rhodium-colored dial that features blue Arabic numerals
- Bezel: Fluted style, 18k white gold, Fixed
- Crystal: Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal
- Movement: Caliber 3136
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster Bracelet
Dominic Thiem
Dominic Thiem, an Australian-born tennis player, is another Rolex ambassador holding a Grand Slam title. He has been spotted wearing several Rolex watches, including a yacht-master featuring an Oysterflex bracelet in 18k white gold and a stainless steel Datejust 41 in blue dial. However, the favorite Rolex watch of Dominic Theim, and also the one that we can spot on his wrist in most photos, is the stainless-steel Rolex Daytona with ref. 116500 is fitted with a black dial and a matching black Cerachrom bezel. The Rolex Daytona 116500LN, first released in 2016, is one of the world’s hottest watches, and the model has been sold out completely all over the globe ever since it was announced first, inherently sporty, modern, and highly capable, a ceramic and stainless-steel Daytona is a perfect watch for Dominic.
- Reference Number: 116500LN
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Functions: 12-Hour Chronograph, Time with Running Seconds
- Dial: White with Luminous Hour Markers
- Bezel: Black Cerachrom with Tachymeter Scale, Fixed
- Crystal: Flat Sapphire
- Movement: Rolex Caliber 4130
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster Bracelet
Karen Khachanov
Karen Khachanov is a brand ambassador for Rolex and a professional tennis player. In 2019, this Russian-born tennis star signed one sponsorship agreement with Rolex and has been spotted with Rolex watches since then. She favors the Everose gold and stainless-steel Rolex GMT-Master II with ref. 126711CHNR features a bi-color distinct Cerachrom bezel made out of brown and black ceramic with rose gold numerals. Watch enthusiasts and collectors nickname it “Root Beer”. With its 18k Everose Gold and two-tone finish of the stainless-steel, this is the kind of watch that can be worn all the time, from a formal dinner to the beach, and it will not look out of place, its capability to track multiple time zones makes it a perfect piece for professional athletes. The celebrities with Rolex GMT-Master II are Reece James, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Declan Rice, and Neymar.
- Reference Number: 126711CHNR
- Case Size: 40mm
- Materials: Stainless Steel
- Functions: An arrow-tipped hand circling the dial once in 24 hours, bidirectional rotatable graduated 24-hour bezel
- Dial: Black dial having white luminescent hour markers
- Bezel: Black Brown “Root Beer” Bezel
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal
- Movement: 3285 Caliber
- Bracelet/Strap: Oyster bracelet
Other Rolex Tennis Ambassadors
Carlos Alcaraz
The Spanish professional tennis player Carlos Alcaraz is popular for winning 12 ATP titles and set various records for achieving several milestones at quite a young age. This Rolex ambassador has been sporting one Yellow Gold Rolex Daytona while receiving his trophy after he won the Wimbledon singles 2023.
Ana Ivanovic
Ana Ivanovic is also a tennis player who chose to represent Rolex. In 2008, she partnered with Rolex and she was the first female player who became an ambassador for this brand. She has many Rolex models and her best piece is her Yacht-Master with Oysterflex bracelet.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
Famous for his explosive and flair playstyle, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the former professional French tennis player has made it to the semifinals of many key tournaments since 2008. This includes Australian Open 2010, French Open 2013 and 2015, and Wimbledon 2011, 2012. Often, he was photographed wearing a stainless steel and White Gold Rolex Datejust II.
Eugenie Bouchard
The famous Canadian was among the breakout stars after she reached two grand slam semifinals. Her 2 million Instagram followers are aware of her collection of expensive watches. One among her watches is the precious Yellow-Gold Daytona.
Caroline Wozniacki
As a professional athlete, Caroline Wozniacki has a pretty successful career and is one of the finest female tennis players. He is also a huge fan of this Rolex brand. Caroline acquired a Stainless-Steel Rolex Datejust luxury watch with a black dial.
Rolex President Ambassadors
Dwight D. Eisenhower
A Statesman, Dwight D. Eisenhower, who served as the United States of America’s 34th President from 1953 to 1961, has a Rolex timepiece. A Rolex Datejust was presented to him to celebrate the historical achievement of the Swiss watchmaker. He became the first U.S. president to wear a high-quality piece like this.
Sir Winston Churchill
During the 2nd world War, the Prime Minister of the U.K., Sir Winston Churchill, was among the watch ambassadors for Rolex. He wore one 18K Gold Rolex featuring a personalized coat of arms, a waterproof case, and a self-winding chronometer.
Lydon B. Johnson
Lydon B. Johnson served as the 36th President of the USA from 1961 to 1963. In 1956, he became the 2nd U.S. legendary to wear a Rolex watch on his wrist regularly. He was sported famously in one of the newest Rolexes of that period, the Day-Date.
John F. Kennedy
John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the USA, has quite a great collection of timepieces he received as presents. One of the notable pieces from his watch collection was the one watch that Marilyn Monroe presented to him, the Rolex Day-Date.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden, the current leader of the USA, has a passion for watches and owns a modest collection of watches. One of those was the Rolex Datejust 41 with Ref. 126200 with a Jubilee bracelet and blue dial.
Other Rolex Ambassadors
- Lindsey Vonn- Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date II with Ref. 218398
- David Beckham- Rolex Day-Date 40 with Ref. 116688-0002
- Alain Hubert
- Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union
- Michael Buble- 50th Anniversary Platinum Rolex Daytona
- Jackie Stewart- Yellow Gold Day-Date
Who is the Current Brand Ambassador of Rolex?
Currently, Roger Federer is the brand ambassador of Rolex. He has forged a glorious career in tennis and won 20 Grand Slam Titles as well as 6 ATP Finals crowns, among several others. He exemplifies everything that Rolex stands for. It quantifies beauty, excellence, and durability alongside a high standard of workmanship. His commitment to humanitarianism, outstanding sportsmanship, and character are traits maintained by Rolex. Other notable brand ambassadors are Sandip Soparrkar and Tiger Woods. As a Rolex ambassador, the personality’s role involves the promotion of the watches and embodying the beliefs, mission, and values of the brand.
How Much Does Rolex Pay to Ambassadors?
The average salary for Rolex ambassadors at companies in the USA is around $65,191. However, it can typically range between $54,958 and $73,444. Depending on several factors such as certifications, education, the number of years spent in the profession, and additional skills, salary ranges may widely vary. Being a watch ambassador also means getting free watches from the brand the person is endorsing to promote their timepieces in promotional activities, public gatherings, events, and appearances.
From the Writer
We hope that this guide has offered you insights into the most prominent personalities who have contributed to shaping Rolex into the iconic brand that it is today. In reality, there is no other brand that can claim to have been represented by the most important and notable figures in the 20th and 21st centuries. “Every Rolex Tells a Story” speaks of a watchmaker whose wearers have measured their endeavor and dedication by the precision-engineered hands of a Rolex watch. Every Rolex wearer takes his/her place in the legends of modern history. Interested in owning a Rolex watch? Ponder who has worn one before you.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article was researched and compiled from various sources, including Rolex, Bobs Watches, My Watch Merchant & Watch Centre to provide a comprehensive overview of Rolex Brand Ambassadors. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, if you have any corrections or concerns about the content, please feel free to email us - [email protected].
