The Swiss watchmaker that has served as official timekeeper of the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2001 is Rolex.
Rolex became an official partner of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the organization behind Le Mans, at the beginning of the 21st century. Its role connects the race’s central challenge—measuring time over a full day and night—with the company’s long association with precision, endurance and motorsport.
This partnership is sometimes confused with Rolex’s involvement in other major endurance events. Rolex is also closely linked with the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring, while its wider World Endurance Championship timekeeping partnership began later. The Le Mans relationship itself dates to 2001.
The race is held at the Circuit de la Sarthe near Le Mans, France, and its official timing is especially important because cars compete continuously for 24 hours, often separated by only a few laps or seconds. Rolex’s branding is therefore visible on timing equipment, clocks and event materials throughout the meeting.