Every Rolex Tells a Story: Yundi

Yundi became the first Chinese person - and the first person in fifteen years - to be given the gold medal in the International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition in 2002. After that, he decided it was time for a well earned gift, so he made his first Rolex purchase.

The watch he chose was the sporty, black dial stainless steel Rolex Daytona 116500LN - an interesting choice considering that he is a classical pianist. However, the watchmaker intended for this watch to measure speed as well as time, so Yundi surely puts it to use when his fingers match the speed Mozart intended for his eleventh sonata.

The Daytona went on to accompany Yundi as he traveled the world, appearing in front of cheering crowds of piano-lovers. Some would argue that wearing a watch while playing the piano is too distracting, but it’s also important to note that Yundi sees this watch not as an accessory but as a witness. For many Rolex owners, their watches represent significant accomplishment and remind them of what they are capable of.

When it came time to give his father a birthday present, Yundi gave him a Rolex watch of his own and now they share in that success together. To learn more about Yundi’s contribution to the ongoing “Every Rolex Tells a Story” series, visit the watchmaker’s official website at rolex.com.