This year marks a quarter of a century since Rolex became the Exclusive Major Partner and Official Timepiece of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001. This silver anniversary highlights the deep affinity between the Swiss watchmaker and the oldest and most prestigious endurance race, with the Rolex countdown clock acting as a perpetual reminder to drivers, teams and fans around the world that time will be the ultimate measure of success. The 94th edition takes place on Saturday 13–Sunday 14 June, when the motor sport world will once again turn its attention to Circuit de la Sarthe in France to witness an intense battle unfold, through day and night.

Lining up at 4.00 p.m. local time will be 62 cars representing 14 leading manufacturers, ready to face the twice-around-the-clock challenge. As the French Tricolore flag drops, they will begin their quest to conquer time at one of the longest circuits in modern motor racing. Each lap of the 13.626-kilometre (8.467-mile) track is defined by ever-changing conditions, demanding unwavering focus and split-second decisions as teams strive to cover the greatest distance in 24 hours. Defending manufacturer Ferrari will face strong competition in the Hypercar category from rivals BMW, Toyota, Cadillac, Aston Martin, Alpine, Peugeot and 2026 debutant constructor Genesis, all vying for the crown and the coveted Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona. Specially engraved with “Winner”, the timepiece is awarded to the drivers who grace the top step of the podium as winners of the overall classification.

Nyck de Vries is firmly focused on securing victory after an impressive second-place finish in 2024 with TOYOTA RACING. The Dutch driver, who joined the Rolex family of Testimonees earlier this year, says: “As an endurance racing driver, this is the most important race of the year. It’s a much-loved event for everyone, not just motor sport fans – which tells you how special this race is and how much people cherish being part of it. A win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans carries all the history, all the prestige, all the unique characteristics which make this achievement so sought after. My ambitions for the future never stop. Right now, at the top of my list is winning Le Mans. I want to write a small line of history in that book.”

Rolex legend Tom Kristensen etched his name into the race’s legacy, winning the demanding contest a record nine times and earning him the moniker “Mr Le Mans”. He began his career at Circuit de la Sarthe 29 years ago and has seen the race evolve over the decades.

The Dane says: “My journey at Le Mans started in 1997 with my debut win. As soon as I got in the car and I took the lead, I could feel it was the beginning of something special. I still remember winning my first watch and later becoming a Testimonee in 2010. To be a part of the Rolex family and contribute to the legacy of these two amazing brands as they celebrate 25 years of partnership is truly special and a full circle moment for me.”

In 2026, Rolex’s commitment to the sport is underscored by a double milestone. The Swiss watchmaker also celebrates 10 years as Official Timepiece of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) – of which the 24 Hours of Le Mans stands as the most anticipated round of the series.

President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) Pierre Fillon highlights the strength of these partnerships: “Rolex’s loyalty reflects the very spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – where tradition and innovation coexist – and we are proud to celebrate this relationship. This association has strengthened the symbolic and practical importance of timing, reminding us that Le Mans is as much a race against the clock as it is against rivals.”

Recognizing the event’s continuing impact and legacy, the Swiss watchmaker last month partnered with the M24 – Motorsport Museum, which will reopen its doors at this year’s race after a major expansion to coincide with the 120th anniversary of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest. The immersive museum displays iconic cars, rare prototypes and treasured artefacts curated over a century of racing.