While luxury watches are rarely top-of-mind when we think of the world of film, Rolex has had a long-standing relationship with cinema spanning over 60 years. Marlon Brando, who played Colonel Kurtz in the epic 1979 war film, Apocalypse Now, donned a Rolex GMT-Master. In 1986, Paul Newman wore a Rolex Datejust as pool hustler, Fast Eddie Felson, in The Color of Money, while in the 1997 blockbuster Titanic, explorer Brock Lovett – played by the late Bill Paxton – led an expedition to the ill-fated ship deep in the Atlantic sporting a Rolex Submariner Date in yellow gold.
It has to be said that Rolex’s watch cameos in countless films were not product placements as one would assume. Rather, they were woven into the film plot or the personal choice of directors ( James Cameron gave the watch to Paxton to wear during the filming of Titanic) to subtly add a tough and courageous edge to their characters, along with a sophisticated sense of style.
In 2017, to further cement its roots in cinema, Rolex became Proud Sponsor of the Oscars, Exclusive Watch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and Founding Supporter of the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures – all of which aim to preserve film history. The latter is a key interest of Rolex, whose values include the importance of nurturing emerging filmmakers through mentorship and contributing to culture by ensuring the transmission of filmmaking knowledge to future generations. Since 2018, Rolex has also been the Sponsor of the Governors Awards that recognise life achievements in film every year. This formal relationship with cinema and support for its creative dynamism underscores the historical nature of the links Rolex has with the art form.
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 2020 edition of Prestige Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ELECTRIC LUXE
Mercedes-Benz combines advanced technology, personalisation and sustainability with its all-electric fleet to transform urban mobility in Singapore.
NO HOLDS BAR
Innovation is rife in Singapore’s competitive cocktail scene.
SADDLE UP
Saut Hermès 2024 puts the French luxury company's fine craftsmanship and savoir faire in its toughest arena yet the competition ring.
RHYTHM OF TIME
Adorned withfairies and ballerinas, these Poetry of Time timepieces by Van Cleef Arpel: mi the passage of the hours, minutes __and seconds, creating a meditative experience. The delicate figures h It of h f skilled work by the h i oe are the result of hours of skilled work by the house’s artisans, including gem-setters, enamellers and engravers. Beyond beauty on ne surface, mechanical movements drive their exceptional horological features, such as jumping hours and retrograde time-indicating hands. i
TRACING TREASURES
The Chanel Patrimoine is a space dedicated to the maison’s most precious fine jewellery and timepieces. Just as priceless are the stories embedded in each creation.
MISSION TO ASTONISH
Tiffany Co CEO ANTHONY LEDRU takes the brand back to its roots by reaffirming its position as a high jewellery heavyweight.
EX MACHINA
Established jewellery maisons continue to introduce technical breakthroughs in their collections while finding middle ground with age-old practices.
DETOX WITH A SIDE OF BOTOX?
Wellness hotels and resorts have always been more about stress relief and sensory indulgence than scans and stem cells, but a growing number are transforming into medical wellness destinations, with science-backed therapies accompanying typical spa offerings.
AMONG THE STARS
THERE'S PLENTY TO IN COUTURE TO CELEBRATE THIS SEASON, WHETHER IT'S HONOURING THE SALON, PAYING TRIBUTE TO PLAY OR HAVING THE BUTTON TAKE THE LEAD.
RISE & SHINE
In an intense sharing session with the high-flying women from SCCCI's Career Women's Group, Prestige uncovers the hidden levers of success.