***Photo courtesy: National Geographic***

Rolex’s most recent donation to National Geographic is “unprecedented,” according to Jill Tiefenthaler, CEO of National Geographic Society, one of the largest nonprofit scientific and educational organizations in the world. “This is by far the largest single gift in the National Geographic Society’s 135-year history,” she said Thursday.

While neither the Society nor Rolex would disclose the amount, National Geographic said the money will be used to expand its headquarters in Washington, D.C., calling it “the most significant expansion in the Society’s history.”

The reimagined campus, slated to open in 2026, will connect the Society headquarters, an expanded museum and new public spaces, with the goal to “inspire millions to explore and learn about our world,” Ms. Tiefenthaler said.

The partnership between the National Geographic Society and Rolex started 70 years ago, with the watchmaker supporting National Geographic expeditions and explorations, including in the Mariana Trench to conduct deep-ocean research.

In a rare comment from the brand, Rolex said it wants to not just preserve the natural world, but also inspire future generations to protect it. “We’ve seen firsthand how critical the Society’s global headquarters have been as a collaboration hub, convening place, and idea incubator,” Arnaud Boetsch, Director of Communication at Rolex, said.

I listed last week some of Rolex’s most recent — and unexpected — donations in “Where Does (Some of) Your Rolex Money Go?”