Rolex Day-Date 36 worn by Tennis Legend Björn Borg (photo: Rolex)

Rolex is the maker of many iconic watches, but none with the legacy of the Day-Date. It is a model steeped in history, having been worn by many successful men, including US Presidents and legendary athletes like Björn Borg. The Ice Man was featured in Rolex’s latest installment of Every Rolex Tells a Story. His model of choice is the 36mm Day-Date in yellow gold with green dial on black leather shown in the photo.

This is the most traditional size for the model, much smaller than today’s popular 40mm model. The original Day-Date introduced the President bracelet in 1956. However, the leather strap configuration is more tied to wristwatch models of that era. The combination of green and yellow gold is a nod to the watchmaker’s corporate colors. An aperture at 12 o’clock displays the day of the week spelled out completely, a design element that also originated on this iconic model.

2017 Yellow Gold Rolex Day-Date 36 (Reference #118138)

The 2017 Rolex Day-Date 36 (Reference #118138) is available in yellow gold with a green dial and either the cognac leather strap shown above or a green leather strap.

2017 Everose Gold Rolex Day-Date 36 (Reference #118135)

Rolex Testimonee Roger Federer Wins 8th Wimbledon Title (photo: Sporting News)

After taking a six month long break from tennis, Roger Federer stepped back into the game with a mastery befitting a champion. In the last few months - much to the amazement of the tennis world - he has won two majors. This past Sunday, he seized his eighth Wimbledon title. As he approached the cameras for his post-victory interview, his Rolex Datejust 41 accompanied him as he kissed his trophy.

Rolex has woven the legacy of its brand into the successes of athletes like Roger Federer for a century with its testimonee concept. Federer is no stranger to luxury items, considering he has won over $97,000,000 in prizes over the span of his career. However, it is his relationship with Rolex that is rather noteworthy because it further reinforces the deep-seated commitment Rolex has with associating itself with excellence.

Like so many other testimonees, Federer’s watches mean significantly more for him for their symbolism than as time-telling devices or display of financial achievement. For him, they are part of his most cherished memories. In 2009, he beat Peter Sampras’ all time Grand Slam record at Wimbledon. The iconic shot of him holding up the trophy also includes a clear shot of his prized Rolex. When asked about his watch collection, Federer says “When I look at the watch, I remember that day very vividly.”

Rolex has done an excellent job of tying their timepieces to grand achievements. For more information on Rolex, The Championships at Wimbledon and the Datejust 41, visit rolex.com.

2017 Rolex Pearlmaster 39 Reference 86409RBR

Originally, watchmakers began using jewels in watches to help decrease metal-on-metal wear and subsequently lengthen the lifespan of the device. Diamonds are harder than metal and Rolex has designed a diamond watch to last the millennia.

The Pearlmaster 39, available in 18ct yellow, white, or Everose gold is a work of art. The diamond paved dial is an impressive accomplishment. The Rolex gem-setters carve a setting for each of the gemstones which are then lodged perfectly and aligned with symphonic symmetry. The dial itself is a triumph, guaranteeing a spectacle for all who glance at its face.

The Reference 86409RBR's bracelet boasts the rounded-five piece link structure introduced with the first Pearlmaster twenty-five years ago. In keeping with that traditional design, the Crownclasp is hidden from view. All that is visible on the bracelet, the dial and the bezel are the brilliant diamonds that almost entirely cover the timepiece.

Perhaps the most impressive feature of the new Pearlmaster 39 is its technology. Rolex takes this part of the job more seriously than its competitors, having developed strict exacting criteria for assessing precision. The watchmaker tests its watches even after they have been tested by the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute. This Pearlmaster comes equipped with a new generation movement, Calibre 3235. Made with nickel-phosphorus, the watch is immune to magnetic interference.

This watch combines elements of jewel art with the reliability of advanced technology, leaving no doubt that Rolex is pioneering the future of the time-telling industry. For more information on the Pearlmaster 39 (Reference #86409RBR) visit rolex.com.

2017 Stainless Steel and Yellow Gold Rolex Datejust 41 (photo: Rolex)

Rolex is the Official Timekeeper of Wimbledon 2017 (photo: Rolex Instagram)

In 1978 The Championships, Wimbledon partnered with Rolex to put together the 92nd tournament of its kind. Since then, Rolex has remained a sponsor and official timekeeper of the Championships. The time-tested partners share a commitment to excellence and passion for the sport.

Today, the tennis world descends in full force on All England Club in Wimbledon, London for the 140th Championship. Rafael Nadal returns after having missed last year’s tournament due to a wrist injury. Nadal has remained fairly out of sight but played plenty of tennis over the last few months only taking last week off in order to rest up.

However, Wimbledon is played on grass and Nadal hasn’t played on grass since the last time he was there. Angelique Kerber is brushing off the pressure, “I have already been number one for so long and I will try to keep it, but I am here to play round by round and focus on my matches, not the numbers.”

This year Rolex has decided to feature the Datejust 41 (Reference # 126303) in association with the 2017 tournament. The green-colored roman numerals and gold crown at 12 o'clock give the dial a quintessentially Rolex look. The smooth bezel and 41mm case size offer something to fans of contemporary sports watches.

Powered by the new generation Calibre 3235 self-winding mechanical movement, the Datejust combines new technology with the iconic model that Rolex is most closely associated with. Its classical aesthetic is the perfect match for an event this institutional.

For more information on Wimbledon 2017, visit the tournament's official website. To check out the Datejust 41, visit rolex.com.

>>BACK TO SPORTS

Rolex Testimonee Brooks Kopeka

Rolex continues to advance their technology and support athletes in their ceaseless pursuit of timely success. Ninety years later, the testimonee tradition lives on. Sponsoring the U.S. Open has cemented Rolex's relationship with golf and on Monday June 19, 2017, Brooks Koepka joined a prestigious group of Rolex Testimonees who have also won a U.S. Open Championship.

The golfer climbed the ranks of the golf world primarily by competing in Europe in rather unconventional minor leagues. The 2017 U.S. Open officially introduced Brooks Koepka as an unexpected yet formidable contender. Koepka has proven himself to be a standard bearer when it comes to driving distance, greens, and regulation. In the longest U.S. Open in history, he kept it together with a gritty and steady performance.

As Hodinkee pointed out, Koepka was wearing his Rolex Daytona 116500LN when he earned his victory and appears to have kept it on for the subsequent celebrations. Rolex congratulated the champion on their Facebook page with a video. Nobody thought Brooks Koepka would win, but he has proven the naysayers wrong. For more information on Rolex and Golf, visit the watchmaker's official website at rolex.com.