Switzerland is famous for many innovations, but the most well known has got to be watches. A Swiss watch is not only a symbol of innovation and ingenuity, but it is an absolutely crucial item in a country where you WILL miss your train if you are one minute late. I was hence extremely thankful to have one of the most esteemed and superior timepieces to help me get to the trains on time – a Rolex!

 

Rolex Watch USA has been the Our World Underwater Society’s “partner in education” since 1974 and since then the Rolex company has expanded to sponsor not only a American, but also a European and Australasian Scholar. Without their generosity this scholarship would simply not be what it is today and I am sure all the scholars, past and present are incredibly grateful for their support.

 

For those who are not so familiar with Rolex, the company has been passionate about the underwater exploration for over 80 years. Rolex pioneered the first ever waterproof watch, the “Oyster” in 1926 and was the first to design a watch capable of withstanding pressure to 100m. In the true Rolex spirit of pushing the limits of adventure, a specially designed Rolex Deep Sea Special successfully accompanied the submersible bathyscaphe, Trieste into the Marina trench (withstanding a historical depth of 10916 meters) and just last year, James Cameron took the state-of-the-art, experimental Rolex Deep Sea Challenge into the Marina Trench to reveal the secrets of the deep.

 

As a major sponsor of my Scholarship, I definitely couldn’t leave Switzerland without visiting Rolex, and luckily I was staying with just the right person to show me. Anthony Ruberecht, one of the coolest guys in the media world, offered to host me for part of my time in Switzerland and I couldn’t have been more grateful and exited by the prospect. Lets face it, it’s not every day that a student like me has the TV manager for Rolex inviting them to visit.

 

Yet, despite the super amazing job description and slightly intimidating resume, Anthony could not have been more laid back and fun to hang out with. I also got to learn heaps about Rolex and the projects they are currently involved with including the Sea Orbitor project. Designed by visionary architect Jacques Rougerie, this new amazing research ship will be 58 m high and have 12 levels; 6 of which will be under the sea. The ship is designed for conducting long term scientific missions, the content of which will be internationally broadcasted live throughout the world. This revolutionary concept comes at a time when inciting passion and knowledge of the underwater world could not be more important. Keep you eyes on this one future scholars!!!

 

The Rolex buildings are nothing short of spectacular. Emerald green buildings fill an entire street in Geneva where I was headed to have lunch with Anthony and Joel Aeschlimann, International Sponsoring Coordinator for Rolex. I had a wonderful lunch and enjoyed hearing about some of the incredible sponsorship events Joel and Anthony have been involved with – bring on the champagne and helicopters!!

 

 

I also got to have lunch with Lionel Schurch, Sponsoring Specialist for Rolex during my stay and was privileged to accompany him on his first lunch out with beautiful new baby girl.

 

There are so many people I need to thanks for helping me during my time in Switzerland. Firstly to Rolex and Anthony in particular for having me for over a week. Also, to Ana Pinto for letting me stay at her house in Neuchatel and my my auntie Beatrice for introducing me to fondue and for showing me around some of the beautiful country of Switzerland.