Gabriel sent a message to Jean-Frédéric Dufour, CEO of Zenith, will be taking the reins as global CEO of Rolex – email address that said:
Dear Mr. Dufour,
Thank you already if you're taking the time to read my humble email, I truly appreciate the time you are giving me through reading this.
My name is Gabriel, and I would like to share a bit of the story of my life and a dream I have. I hope not to waste your time.
I was born in Brazil, and since I was about 12 one of my dreams was to own a Rolex watch, specially the Day-Date 36mm in yellow gold, I would think of it day and night. Not for the luxury itself, but because I knew it was the best watch to have. Throughout my life most of my family passed away, and only my mother, my grandmother, and I remained alive, so I knew I'd probably have to save if I wanted one, as there was any big inheritance and my mother had to work for the three of us until I was old enough to help.
When I was 16 I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in an advanced stage, and I had to undergo 2 surgeries and extensive chemotherapy, which further shook my family financially. I finally beat cancer a little over a year after I was diagnosed, and I was really happy, but I knew this blow had set me somewhat further from my dream.
That said, I started to work and save for my Rolex, and when I wasn't too short, my family went into some financial problems and I had to give them all the money I had saved, and I was back to zero. But my dream remained, and I still want it, at age 22, ten years wishing for it and trying to get one.
So I gathered some courage to do what I am doing now, asking you to give me one. For me it was hard because I was never used to asking anyone for anything, but after some thought, I figured the worst that could happen is getting a "no" from you. So here am I asking you please, make my dream of owning a Rolex come true.
Thank you again and best wishes,
Gabriel
