The new Rolex building at 665 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, a 30-storey office building with 165,000 square feet of space, represents the elegance and precision for which the Rolex brand is known. It replaces a building erected in 1924 and is set to open this autumn. The exterior features a sculptural glass curtain wall. The building offers office space for numerous tenants, including Rolex itself, as well as multi-level retail space, also for Rolex.
Luca Bernasconi, CEO of Rolex Watch U.S.A., commented in a statement on the significance of the location: "New York City and Fifth Avenue in particular have long been of crucial importance to Rolex in the United States." He emphasised that the building is a clear sign of the brand's ongoing commitment to the city and a modern architectural example that will serve the team, tenants, and future customers.
Thoughtful Design and Sustainability
The building's design was conceived before COVID-19, the development phase occurred during the pandemic, and the shell was completed last year. Third-party tenants are expected to move in by early 2027. Jonathan Fales, Executive Managing Director at Cushman & Wakefield, which is responsible for leasing, explained that the design is extremely intentional. It was developed in collaboration with David Chipperfield, with the facades inspired by a Rolex watch dial. This forms the starting point for a holistic view of the building.
The building's amenities include a daytime lounge for food and beverages with the option for "Al Fresco Dining" on the 12th floor, conference rooms, and a restaurant exclusively for tenants on the top two floors. There, breakfast and lunch offerings will be served by the in-house chef, who is part of French chef Daniel Boulud's organisation. Jonathan Fales highlighted that the amenities are not merely a collection of features, but primarily aim to provide the best possible working conditions for the users of the space.
- —Daytime lounge for food and beverages with an outdoor terrace on the 12th floor.
- —Conference rooms for diverse usage requirements.
- —Exclusive restaurant for tenants on the top two floors, managed by a chef from the Daniel Boulud Organisation.
Another intentional aspect is the choice of materials, which reflects the sophistication of the Rolex brand. These include terrazzo flooring and a variety of noble woods. Fales describes the aesthetic as "restrained elegance and sophistication, not ostentatious, but very intentional and understated."
Ecological Commitment in the Heart of Manhattan
Rolex placed emphasis on sustainability in the building's design. The facade is designed to optimise natural light and views while reducing energy consumption through improved thermal insulation. The heating and cooling system was also designed to reduce pollutants. David Chipperfield commented: "With this project, we hope to make our own contribution that embodies Rolex's values – precision, quality, and innovation – as fundamental principles in every aspect of the building."
