Rolex Building unveiled on Fifth; design by architect Chipperfield

Manhattan, NY The Rolex Building, a 30-story office tower at 665 Fifth Ave., will officially open in fall of 2026. This boutique tower for Rolex will redefine the city skyline — standing as a beacon of excellence in the heart of Midtown.

Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect David Chipperfield, The Ro-lex Building presents a graceful and modern silhouette that integrates shape, structure, and service into a statement about timeless elegance. The 165,000 s/f building is envisioned as a testament to high performance and a reflection of the brand’s core values through design and construction, environmental sustainability, and ultimate user experience.

Rolex’s commitment to responsible development is solidified by the numerous sustainable features incorporated into the building, which is targeting LEED and WELL Platinum Certifications. A novel double-skin façade system optimiz-es daylight and views, while reducing energy needs, which boosts thermal performance. An advanced heating and cooling system utilizes the circulation of temperature-controlled water through ceiling pipes, thus reducing the circu-lation of dust or pollutants while keeping temperatures steady across interior spaces and requiring significantly less power. These features, along with the building’s all-electric operations and on-site rainwater and greywater recycling, reflect a holistic approach to sustainability.

The appearance of this 165,000 s/f tower was inspired by the Rolex fluted bezel, and its stacked architecture features five volumes and four terraces at each step-back. Positioned on the outer edge of the Southeast corner of Fifth Ave. and East 53^rd St., natural sunlight penetrates into open and versatile floor plates, which supports both energy efficiency and user comfort while maximizing the views along Fifth Ave.

The building will house a multi-level Rolex retail space, along with office floors for Rolex and other leading companies including Angeles Wealth Management, which will establish its New York office at the tower. Tenants will have access to amenity spaces including a restaurant and event space.

“New York City and Fifth Ave., in particular, have long been crucial to Rolex in the United States. The Rolex Building at 665 Fifth Ave. is a clear expres-sion of our enduring commitment to this city: a beautiful example of modern architecture that will serve our team and tenants, as well as welcome clients for decades to come,” said Luca Bernasconi, CEO, Rolex Watch U.S.A., Inc. “Sir David Chipperfield’s design captures the excellence, precision, and longevity that define Rolex, while setting a new standard for an exceptional workplace experience in the heart of Midtown.”

“In a city of towers, we have enjoyed the challenge of designing the new Rolex tower,” said Chipperfield. “With this project we hope to make our own contribution embodying Rolex’s values of precision, quality, and innovation as fundamental principles integrated into every aspect of the building – from its form and silhouette to its structure, materials, and the way it is built.”

The selection of materials used in the building is both innovative and intentional. A bespoke concrete makes up the core of the building, delivering strength, durability, and high-performance with an architecturally refined finish. Terrazzo flooring and artisanal pyrolave accents offer beauty, longevity, and craftsmanship. Walnut and soft materials reinforce the quality of the workplace environment. Pavarini McGovern is serving as construction manager on the development.