Manhattan tower will replace firm’s existing 1970s building

Rolex Headquarters in New York by David Chipperfield Architects (1)

Source: David Chipperfield Architects

Rolex Headquarters in New York by David Chipperfield Architects

David Chipperfield Architects has won an international design competition for a new headquarters building in New York.

The practice has been appointed to replace Rolex’s existing building on the corner of 5th Avenue and 53rd Street which it has occupied since the 1970s.

The new 15,300sq m building will be a 25-storey tower containing office areas for Rolex as well as other tenants, with a shop at ground level.

David Chipperfield, who has mentored young architects through Rolex’s Mentor and Protégé Arts Initiative, said: “We are proud to have been selected to design the Rolex USA headquarters building. Our team is committed to creating an exemplary building befitting the heritage and culture of the Rolex brand, as well as its prominent 5th Avenue location.”

Rolex Headquarters in New York by David Chipperfield Architects (2)

Source: David Chipperfield Architects

The firm said it wanted the building to be a symbol of its “commitment to quality, precision and excellence”, providing “brand experiences” across its interests.

It has been designed to meet the Leed Platinum standard.

Rolex Headquarters in New York by David Chipperfield Architects (3)

Source: David Chipperfield Architects