Rolex becomes first ever Principal Partner of The Royal Opera

The Royal Opera has agreed a new partnership agreement with Rolex for the watchmaker to become its first ever Principal Partner. Building on an existing 18-year partnership as the Official Timepiece of the Royal Opera House, this latest collaboration marks a new era that will see Rolex become the headline partner of The Royal Opera from the 2024/25 Season – the first brand to take on this new role.

A champion of the arts, the support of Rolex enables the Royal Opera House to deliver world-class productions to new and existing audiences around the globe. Already an integral partner of the organisation, Rolex has been working hand in hand with the Royal Opera House to inspire its audiences with its behind-the-scenes 'Insights' series for almost a decade. Looking ahead to this new partnership with The Royal Opera, this relationship will continue to grow, reaching new audiences through storytelling and content activations.

This news comes after the Royal Opera House announced that it would be evolving its name to become the Royal Ballet and Opera from the start of its 2024/25 Season. 

This strategic first with Rolex demonstrates the power of the new Royal Ballet and Opera brand and is one of the first steps the world-class organisation is taking as it looks to increase brand relevance and build financial resilience.

Rolex Director of Communication & Image, Arnaud Boetsch said:“The relationship between Rolex and the Royal Ballet and Opera has just become stronger. Our brand’s history of supporting the world’s leading cultural institutions is long and we proudly participate in fostering the most important cultural traditions existing today. As Principal Partner of The Royal Opera, we are looking forward to our continuing partnership.”

Commercial Director of the Royal Ballet and Opera, Jane Storie, said: “A testament to our committed partnership with Rolex, we are incredibly grateful and delighted to extend this collaboration and explore new ways of engaging with our audiences, focusing on storytelling with a co-created content series, and with increased visibility across the House and via our digital channels. Together we will preserve the heritage of our wonderful institution whilst enabling us to inspire new audiences and support the artistic integrity of The Royal Opera.”

The alliance between Rolex and the arts is an essential feature of the global cultural landscape. The brand partners with prestigious institutions, including leading opera houses such as Milan's Teatro alla Scala, New York's Metropolitan Opera, the Opéra national de Paris, Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires and the Opéra de Monte-Carlo, supporting innovation and excellence in the arts. This extended partnership with The Royal Opera is a global first.