Rolex Grand Slam of show jumping
People and horses have had a symbiotic relationship with horses for over 5,000 years. The unique abilities of our equine companions have aided people in agriculture, transportation, and hunting. Long before the invention of automobiles and gas-powered farming machinery, horses played a crucial role in human survival.
When Elijah and Rebecca Peacock founded our store, Illinois’ first registered business, in 1837, all of Chicago relied upon horses for transportation and agricultural purposes. At the turn of the 20th century automobiles rapidly became an alternative and faster mode of transportation. By the early 1910s, automobiles outnumbered horse drawn carriages in the United States.
Despite no longer needing them for transportation, people have kept their close bonds with horses. While some horses are still used for agricultural purposes, they have also been bred and trained for more leisure activities and sports, including racing and show jumping.
Show jumping is a sport that requires rigorous training of both the horse and its rider. The two must act as one in perfect harmony, and precise timing is essential during their exacting maneuvers. When Hans Wilsdorf founded Rolex in 1908, his aim was to create watches that not only provided perfect timekeeping but were also able to withstand rigorous physical conditions. Mr. Wilsdorf outfitted swimmers, mountain climbers, and motorsports drivers with Rolex timepieces, knowing that they would continue to keep precise time despite the physically demanding circumstances. Today, Rolex watches continue to be worn for sports of all kinds, including show jumping. Please read on to discover the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
Widely considered the greatest challenge in equestrianism, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping rewards the rider who wins, consecutively, the Grand Prix at three of the four show jumping Majors, namely, The Dutch Masters in ’s-Hertogenbosch, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament in Calgary, the CHIO Aachen and the CHI Geneva.
To date, Rolex Testimonee Scott Brash from Scotland is the only competitor to achieve the feat, having done so across 2014 and 2015.
Launched in 2013, the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping was initially comprised of the Majors in Aachen, Calgary and Geneva. In 2018, The Dutch Masters was added to the Grand Slam, which now consists of two outdoor competitions, the CHIO Aachen and the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’, and two indoor, the CHI Geneva and the Dutch Masters.
Rolex’s partnerships in equestrianism thrive at the pinnacle of the sport, with world-class riders and events, as well as behind the scenes.
The Dutch Masters
First held in 1967 in the medieval city of ’s-Hertogenbosch, The Dutch Masters attracts the world’s leading competitors. The event, blending magnificent show jumping and elegant dressage, is considered the Netherlands’ primary indoor equestrian competition. Rolex has been Main Sponsor and Title Sponsor of The Dutch Masters’ Grand Prix since 2014. The 2024 edition takes place from 7 to 10 March, culminating with the Rolex Grand Prix on the Sunday, the year’s first Major, which counts towards the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping. Testimonee Daniel Deusser has triumphed at this event twice, in 2015 and 2022.
The CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival
The CHIO Aachen is a magnetic occasion as competitors and spectators alike revel in the electric atmosphere at the revered Aachen Soers showgrounds. From show jumping, dressage and eventing to vaulting and four-in-hand driving, the world’s finest equestrian talent comes together at the start of the northern hemisphere summer to treat fans to a unique experience. Aachen, which Rolex has partnered for more than 20 years, stands as a beacon of tradition and excellence.
CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament
Staged in Calgary, Canada, the CSIO Spruce Meadows ‘Masters’ Tournament’s spectacular setting is matched by the challenges posed by the course set-up to the world’s best horses and riders who compete there. Rolex is Official Sponsor of this event, regarded by many enthusiasts as the leading equestrian gathering in North America, and Presenting Sponsor of the CPKC ‘International’ Grand Prix, which counts towards the Rolex Grand Slam of Show Jumping.
The CHI Geneva
Rolex has been the Presenting Sponsor of the CHI Geneva, one of the world’s most prestigious equestrian competitions, for almost 30 years. The event brings together an extraordinary line-up of top-level riders in the world’s largest indoor equestrian arena. Known also as the Geneva International Horse Show, it was created in 1926. In 2019, it was named the best indoor show jumping event in the world for the 10th time and the best cross indoor event for the first time by the highly respected L’Année Hippique yearbook, based on the votes of riders, journalists and personalities of the equestrian world. Competition highlights include the Rolex Grand Prix and the Rolex International Jumping Riders Club (IJRC) Top 10 Final.
Rolex and equestrianism Existing as one
Building trust, never breaking the intimate pact that binds rider and horse. Facing all obstacles, riding with precision and aiming for excellence, together as one. The very spirit of the sport has defined the strong ties between Rolex and equestrianism. In partnering with the most prestigious competitions, Rolex supports riders who are continuously writing the history of the discipline.
Visit CD Peacock to Discover First-hand the Datejust and the World of Rolex
CD Peacock is proud to have been a Rolex Official Jeweler serving Chicago for more than two decades. As an Official Rolex Jeweler, we are the only retailers allowed to sell Rolex watches. We take great pride in offering Chicagoans outstanding customer service provided by our specially trained Rolex sales associates. We love to share our passion for Rolex with people discovering the brand for the first time as well as established collectors.
We would be delighted to welcome you to the World of Rolex at our Mansion at Oakbrook and Woodfield Mall locations. Our Rolex sales associates can introduce you to the Datejust collection and the full range of Rolex watches. We have the necessary skills and technical know-how to help you make the choice of a lifetime.
As an official Rolex Jeweler, we also have Rolex-trained watchmakers on site at our stores. We are prepared to service your Rolex timepiece, from a full service for an heirloom watch, to a strap change or bracelet adjustment. When a Rolex watch undergoes a full service at any authorized Rolex Service Center, it receives a two-year warranty for parts and labor. At CD Peacock, we go a step further by adding an additional two-year store warranty. Our full-service customers have assurance that their watch will be covered for a full four years after it has left our workshop.
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