Born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, Martin Luther King, Jr. was already known for his brilliant oratory skills when he was in high school, where he was a member of the Debate Club and won numerous public speaking competitions. Following in his father’s footsteps, he entered seminary, graduating in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in theology and earning a doctorate in systematic theology from Boston University in 1955. 
Adopting the principles of nonviolent resistance advocated by Mohandas K. Gandhi in his struggle against British rule in India, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. defined his goal as not to defeat his opponents but to achieve reconciliation and advocated that his followers accept suffering without retaliation. It is a philosophy based on hope, patience and the belief that justice will always prevail.
In his own account of the Montgomery boycott, “Toward Freedom,” Dr. King writes, “The believer in nonviolence has a deep faith in the future. He knows that in his struggle for justice, he has the universe with him. In this universe there is a creative force that works to transform the disparate aspects of reality into a harmonious whole.”
Throughout his life, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wore the replica Rolex Datejust 1601. His solid gold model – with its champagne-colored dial, fluted bezel and matching Jubilee bracelet – was a fitting choice: a timeless, practical watch, a favorite of the born leader.
The Swiss watchmaking company is no stranger to the struggle against oppression. During the Second World War, they steadfastly supported the Allies in their fight against Hitler’s fascist armies – a bold move considering that their so-called neutral country was surrounded by every border of the Nazi or Nazi-occupied territories. Their integrity found a match in Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and their admiration for him was palpable – he was a hero in the true sense of the word and his moral compass was rooted in strong convictions.
At a time when there is so much turmoil in the world, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood up for his beliefs and fought for equal rights for every member of society. Dr. King was not only an inspiration, but a true American hero who lit a fire that forever changed the way Americans fought for equality. Although Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ended his truly remarkable life on a tragic note, he improved the lives of countless people and will forever be a symbol of love, courage and equality.
