Rolex-Sponsored 'Surprise Me' TED App (photo: TED)

Rolex's emphasis on innovation goes beyond the production of their wristwatches. Since 2007, Rolex has partnered with TED to provide an innovative approach to help people discover ideas worth spreading. The "Surprise Me" feature on TED's iOS application is the result of this partnership.

TED is a nonprofit that began in 1984 as a conference where topics pertaining to technology, entertainment and design were discussed. Today, their talks range in topics and languages, with the only caveat being that they run no longer than 18 minutes. They have also spawned independent events, known as TEDx events, that take place across the globe.

The "Suprise Me" app allows you to enter what type of talks you would like to listen to, from inspiring to funny, beautiful to courageous. You then select how much time you have to watch or listen, a feature that ties in an element of Rolex's brand. The time limit is also ideal for people who have busy lives as well, something common amongst the watchmaker's customer base.

While this is a low-key partnership for Rolex, especially considering that they just sponsored the 89th Academy Awards, it represents the company's interest in promoting global citizenship. To check out the app and learn more about TED, visit ted.com.

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Teatro Alla Scala, Milan (photo: Rolex/Ambroise Tézenas)

Antonio Salieri's Europa riconosciuta was the first performance in La Scala, which has hosted 'la prima' of many famous operas in its lifetime, including Verdi's Otella and Falsta, Bellini's Norma and Puccini's Madama Butterfly. The audience at this venue is known as one of the most vocal and critical in the world.

Rolex Testimonee Plácido Domingo's Otello made for one of the greatest seasons in the opera's history. Gustavo Dudamel conducted his first Don Giovanni here and Cecilia Bartoli returned to La Scala after many years absence. Rolex became their official timepiece in 2006.

The Metropolitan Opera in New York City (photo: Rolex/Ambroise Tézenas)

The original building, or 'Old Met' as it is often called, was located on 39th and Broadway. It wasn't until 1966 that The Metropolitan Opera House moved to its current location at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. The Met presents up to 27 performances in a season featuring classical works from the 18th and 19th centuries as well as more modern and minimalist presentations. Many of the greatest opera singers have performed on their stage, including Maria Callas, Luciano Pavarotti and Jonas Kaufmann.

In September of 1999, Rolex Testimonee Plácido Domingo set the record for the most opening night performances with his 18th appearance on the stage. The tenor, baritone and conductor has been an Arts Testimonee since 1982. Rolex has been the official timepiece of The Metropolitan Opera since August of 2011.

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Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, 2014 (photo: Rolex/Daniel Forster)

Rolex's partnership with the annual yacht race began in 2002. The race starts on Boxing Day, December 26, and ends on January 1st, sending participants across 628 nautical miles in one of the toughest tests of seamanship in sailing.

'It's not just a race. It's really a human endeavor,' says Sean Langman, a 25 time participant. The race attracts the top sailing talent of the world, as well as top businessmen, politicians and sports stars. Captain John Illingworth won the inaugural race in his first venture south of Sydney. In 2012, Wild Oats XI set the current record for the race, reaching Hobart in 1 day, 18 hours, 23 minutes and 12 seconds under skipper Mark Richards.

Check out highlights of the 2015 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race in the video below.

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