A vibrant week of motoring festivities reached a crescendo today, when the 1924 Hispano-Suiza H6C Nieuport-Astra Torpedo was awarded Best of Show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance^®. This was a fitting finale to the five-day celebration where automotive artistry and innovation shared the spotlight on the Monterey Peninsula. For almost 30 years, Rolex has been at the heart of these gatherings, since the Swiss watchmaker first partnered with the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance^® in 1997. Today, its clocks are ever-present at four unique events during the week – the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance^® presented by Rolex, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance^®.

This year’s edition of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance^® welcomed 229 cars and 20,000 spectators to the iconic 18th fairway of the Pebble Beach Golf Links^®. Renowned for recognising timeless style while embracing vehicles of historic significance, the Concours continues to evolve with motoring culture – an ethos long supported by the Swiss watchmaker. Distinguished by its striking wooden coachwork and sporting allure, the Best of Show winner recently underwent an almost two-year restoration ahead of its triumphant debut. In keeping with tradition, the owners of the Best of Show, Penny and Lee Anderson, were awarded a specially engraved Perpetual 1908 for their exacting attention to detail. Serving as an Honorary Judge was Rolex Testimonee and nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen. The endurance racing legend says:

“Pebble Beach is a stunning setting, and it’s a privilege to return and to judge alongside so many seasoned experts. In this role, I’m tasked with finding the definition of elegance. For me, it is a combination of authenticity, design and prestige – a quality shared by these cars and by Rolex watches. To win Best of Show is an extraordinary achievement, celebrating both the owner and the vehicles’ journey. The Hispano-Suiza is a truly deserving winner.”

Away from the coast, in the hills of Monterey Peninsula, emotions and senses were stirred as the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion celebrated motor sport’s rich history from Wednesday, August 13, to Saturday, August 16. From pre-1920 automobiles to contemporary endurance racing machines, these storied vehicles faced the demands of the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Bringing together rarely seen and heroic models from around the world, the event is a chance for the cars to defy time and compete as they were originally intended. Rolex Testimonee Jenson Button took on the role as Grand Marshal of this year’s meet and raced behind the wheel of a 1996 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT. Reflecting on the occasion, he says:

"It has been such an honour to serve as Grand Marshal at this year’s Rolex Reunion. The event brings together incredible cars from racing’s very beginnings through to a modern era and, every year, there’s something new to discover. To celebrate the heritage of the sport I care so deeply about is a real privilege." 

Set against the pristine lawns of The Quail Lodge & Golf Club, the 22nd edition of The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering took place on Friday, August 15, with Rolex celebrating two decades as the Official Timepiece – having supported the event since 2005. Reflecting on the spectacle, Kristensen says:

“It’s a pleasure being at The Quail with Rolex as the brand celebrates 20 years of partnership. The gathering offers an interesting blend of nostalgia and innovation, capturing the passion of the motoring world, all set against the backdrop of one of California’s most beautiful golf courses.” 

Prized possessions and the latest expressions of cutting-edge design sat side by side for enthusiastic spectators to admire. As the afternoon unfolded and attention turned to the main stage, the 1996 Ferrari F50 GT1 was named the Rolex Best of Show. This rare model is one of the manufacturer’s most important creations in recent times and made history at The Quail by becoming the newest car to secure the award. Much to his delight, its owner, Art Zafiropoulo, received a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Datejust 36, honouring his enduring commitment to preserving automotive excellence. 

On Thursday, August 14, Del Monte Forest, California awoke to the hum of 190 classic cars gathered along Portola Road, as entrants and their much-loved vehicles prepared for the Pebble Beach Tour d’Elegance^® presented by Rolex. The 104.6-kilometre (65-mile) round trip, which passes along the dramatic landscape of Big Sur and across Bixby Bridge, offers the public an opportunity to witness this motoring museum in motion. It is also a key factor in today’s Concours judging, when the performance of the cars was measured alongside their elegance. Since 2007, Rolex has been proud to serve as Presenting Partner of this automotive journey, which each year provides a captivating preview to the grand finale.