Cover Tatler and Rolex hosted an evening to celebrate pioneering oceanographer Sylvia Earle
Tatler and Rolex hosted an evening to celebrate pioneering oceanographer Sylvia Earle
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At an intimate dinner hosted by Tatler and Rolex, legendary oceanographer and Rolex Testimonee Dr Sylvia Earle shared stories and a message of urgency and hope—reminding an audience of changemakers and advocates why protecting the blue planet is the defining challenge of our time
On February 3, Tatler Singapore and Rolex hosted an intimate evening dedicated to one of the most influential voices in marine science: Dr Sylvia Earle. A pioneering marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Earle has spent more than six decades advancing our understanding of the ocean, from leading deep-sea expeditions to founding Mission Blue and championing the protection of critical marine ecosystems worldwide. A Rolex Testimonee, also features on the cover of this month’s issue of Tatler.
Hosted for a select audience of next-generation changemakers, environmental leaders, philanthropists, academics and marine advocates, the dinner created space for meaningful dialogue around exploration, leadership and environmental responsibility. Set against the refined backdrop of Fysh at The Singapore Edition, the evening reflected a shared belief in long-term thinking and the power of individuals to effect lasting change.
In case you missed it: Pioneering oceanographer Sylvia Earle on her lifelong fight to protect the ocean
Above Sylvia Earle (right) signing a copy of the Tatler Singapore February 2026 issue
Sylvia Earle (right) signing a copy of the Tatler Singapore February 2026 issue
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The evening opened with welcome remarks from Dana Koh, editor-in-chief of Tatler Singapore, who spoke to Tatler’s long-standing commitment to telling stories of leadership, legacy and impact. She also highlighted the shared values that underpin Tatler’s relationship with Rolex, and the brand’s Perpetual Planet Initiative, which for decades has supported pioneers whose work expands human knowledge while safeguarding the natural world.
Brahim Drissi, CEO and managing director of Rolex and Tudor Southeast Asia, followed with an address that paid tribute to Earle’s extraordinary life’s work and her enduring partnership with Rolex, which began in 1982, when she became a Rolex Testimonee. Reflecting on her more than 7,500 hours spent underwater and her leadership across over 100 ocean expeditions, he underscored the alignment between Earle’s mission and Rolex’s commitment to exploration and excellence. A short film spotlighting Rolex’s Perpetual Planet ethos was screened, offering context into the brand’s broader support of scientific and environmental endeavour.
As dinner progressed, guests were invited further into Earle’s world through a dedicated video tracing her journey from an early fascination with the ocean to becoming one of its most influential advocates. The centrepiece of the evening arrived when Annabel Tan, watches and jewellery editor at Tatler Singapore, welcomed Earle to the stage. Earle’s presentation that followed was rich with perspective, weaving together stories from a lifetime of exploration with observations on the state of the ocean today.
Above A fireside chat between Earle and Annabel Tan, watches and jewellery editor at Tatler Singapore
A fireside chat between Earle and Annabel Tan, watches and jewellery editor at Tatler Singapore
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“We have time, but not a lot,” Earle told the room, speaking candidly about the narrowing window for action. Yet her message was defined as much by resolve as by realism. “It’s time to think—what can we do?” she added, urging individuals, institutions and governments alike to take responsibility for the choices already within reach.
Then, in a fireside chat moderated by Tan, the discussion turned to Earle’s work with Mission Blue and its global network of Hope Spots—critical marine areas identified for protection. Looking ahead, Earle spoke of cautious optimism, pointing to growing awareness and regional leadership. The conversation also touched on Earle’s longstanding relationship with Rolex, which she described as a partnership grounded in shared values. “It just feels right to be working with a company that cares and celebrates excellence in sports, music, art, science and exploration,” she reflected. “It’s like a family, in a way.”
As the evening drew to a close, guests approached Earle to continue the conversation and to have their copies of the February issue of Tatler signed—a quiet but telling moment of connection between an extraordinary individual and an audience deeply engaged with her message.
Click through the gallery below for more highlights from the evening.
Dana Koh
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Annabel Tan is the Editor of Watches and Jewellery at Tatler Singapore, where she covers all things luxury timepieces and fine jewellery across both print and digital platforms. She is also the Editor of Tatler GMT Singapore, a role that deepens her fascination with the ever-evolving world of watchmaking. Outside of work, she’s usually on the hunt for her next favourite watch that she can’t afford, planning her next beach getaway, or catching up on the latest Formula 1 race.
