PARTNERS IN PRECISION
BY CAROL BESLER
ROLEX STANDS WITH THE WORLD’S GREAT GOLFERS
The connection between Rolex and the world of golf is based on the shared commitment to continuous improvement and unwavering precision.
Rolex Testimonee Jon Rahm celebrates holing the winning putt on the 72nd hole at the 121st U.S. Open
R olex’s enduring relationship with the world of golf began more than 50 years ago when Arnold Palmer became the brand’s first golf Testimonee. He was quickly joined by Testimonees Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. Together they became known as The Big Three, and they changed the face of golf forever. In 1967, Rolex gifted Jack Nicklaus with a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date, Reference 1803, and it became his go-to watch. The Day-
Date was the first waterproof, selfwinding wristwatch to feature a day display fully spelled out on the dial. Its tapered and faceted baton hour markers are reminiscent of golf tees, and its President bracelet is iconic. In 2019, after wearing his Day-Date during 12 of his record 18 professional major championship titles, Nicklaus sold the watch at a Phillips auction, donating the $1.22-million proceeds to the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.
“It was the first watch I ever owned, and the only watch I wore for every professional tournament I’ve won throughout my career,” said Nicklaus. “It has accompanied me at U.S. Opens, The Masters tournaments, PGA Championships, The Open championships, and countless other events for over five decades, and has served me well at every step along the way.”
12 BROWN & CO. JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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