Rolex’s longstanding alliance with the Vienna Philharmonic—one of the most revered orchestras in the world—honors a shared devotion to excellence, tradition, and timeless artistry. Since becoming the orchestra’s Exclusive Partner in 2008 and Sponsor of the New Year’s Concert in 2009, Rolex has played a vital role in elevating classical music on the global stage.
The same dedication to precision and refinement that defines great musical performance can be found in every Rolex timepiece. Visit John Bull to discover a curated collection of Rolex watches—such as the distinguished Day-Date—that reflect the grace, craftsmanship, and enduring legacy of the classical arts.
Founded in 1842, the Vienna Philharmonic is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most revered orchestras. Exacting standards and artistic integrity are the guiding principles of this esteemed institution, which has upheld the greatest traditions in classical music for more than 180 years.
A new morning dawns
The Vienna Philharmonic’s annual New Year’s Concert is an exceptional event that has been held for over 80 years and traditionally takes place on the morning of January 1. The guest conductor for the 2025 concert is the great Riccardo Muti, who is leading the orchestra for the seventh time. This worldwide event celebrates the music of Johann Strauss, his family and contemporaries. Each year, millions of people in more than 90 countries are able to enjoy the music, which is broadcast live from Vienna’s Musikverein.
“All praise of the Vienna Philharmonic reveals itself as understatement.”
Richard Strauss
A summer night’s sound
The Vienna Philharmonic also offers audiences the greatly anticipated Summer Night Concert. Every year, in May or June, up to 50,000 people gather in the Palace and Gardens of Schönbrunn, in the heart of the Austrian capital, for an open-air performance. Broadcast in over 80 countries, the event has been presented by Rolex since 2009. It reflects a shared commitment to making classical music accessible to all.
Among its other tennis Testimonees, Rolex counts a host of fellow US Open winners, namely: Rod Laver, Chris Evert, Stefan Edberg, Pat Rafter, Justine Henin, Juan Martín del Potro, Angelique Kerber, Sloane Stephens, Bianca Andreescu, and Dominic Thiem. In 2022, Iga Świątek and Carlos Alcaraz added their names to this impressive list, with Coco Gauff following suit the next year.
They all embody technical precision and the quest to become a better version of oneself.
An international program
The Vienna Philharmonic regularly performs for audiences in the world’s finest concert halls.
Concerts presented by Rolex in 2025:
- A performance will take place on February 25 at Milan’s Teatro alla Scala.
- On May 11, the Opéra national de Paris, the Vienna Philharmonic and Rolex will partner for a gala concert on the 150th anniversary of the Palais Garnier. Yannick Nézet-Séguin will conduct with other Rolex Testimonees – Juan Diego Flórez, Sir Bryn Terfel, Rolando Villazón, Yuja Wang and Sonya Yoncheva – joining the Philharmonic on stage for a unique performance. Proceeds will go to the youth lyric orchestra of the Opéra national de Paris (ADO – Apprentissage de l’Orchestre).
- Rolex Night in Seoul will take place on November 20, 2025 at the Seoul Arts Center.
Rolex, partnerships in music
Music is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures. Rolex celebrates excellence in music through its partnerships with prestigious institutions, including four of the world’s leading opera houses – London, Milan, New York and Paris – as well as two jewels in classical music, the Salzburg Festival and the Vienna Philharmonic. Rolex contributes to keeping music alive around the world through its support for singers, conductors and virtuoso musicians who in turn inspire new generations of artists to great achievement.
From the gilded halls of Vienna’s Musikverein to open-air concerts at Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna Philharmonic continues to captivate the world with performances steeped in tradition and brilliance—an artistic journey proudly supported by Rolex.
We invite you to discover this harmony of heritage and craftsmanship at John Bull in Nassau, Bahamas. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through a selection of Rolex timepieces that echo the precision, grace, and passion of classical music. Whether you’re drawn to orchestral elegance or horological excellence, explore how Rolex can accompany your own enduring story.
