Discover eight luxurious timepieces that are inspired by Olympic sports. These watches are the epitome of athletic excellence, horological expertise and precision. While comfort during physical activity is crucial, shock resistance allows for advantages like quick time checking during gameplay. LUXUO examines how the features of these luxury watches make them suitable timekeeping accessories. Be it the durability of physically demanding sports or water resistance to go beyond sweat and occasional splashes without damage, LUXUO “dives” into the world of high-performance timepieces that capture the spirit of the Olympics in every tick.
Golf: Rolex Oyster Perpetual Daydate bracelet with President
Rolex and golf have a longstanding partnership that began in 1967 when Arnold Palmer was the first to join forces. Today, the relationship extends to the leading institutions and biggest events as well as the sport’s elite players and younger talent. Therefore it is only fitting that the Rolex Day Date be worn on the wrist of the world’s best golfing athletes during the games.
The Day Date has excellent water-resistance, which means that it can handle sweat, splashes and light showers of rain during outdoor sporting activities, such as golf. Rolex Oyster Perpetual Day – Date is made of high-quality materials which makes it durable, resistant to scratches and impact and reliable during active use. The President bracelet is known for its elegant design and comfortable fit. It keeps the watch securely in place on the wrist, without causing any discomfort.
On another note on Rolex’s legacy with golf, Rolex is a partner of the Rules of Golf, defined by the sport’s governing bodies – The R&A and the USGA (United States Golf Association). As such, the luxury brand is part of the perpetually evolving tradition of golf and in doing so, they support young and emerging amateur golfers by sponsoring the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) and various non-professional men’s and women’s tournaments.
Cycling: Tudor Pelagos FXD Cycling Edition
This timepiece was specifically designed for riders on the TUDOR Team. Tudor Pelagos FXD Cycling Edition is made to be lightweight and functional. With a carbon composite case fitted with a high-performance Manufacture Calibre, this watch echoes the daring spirit of a team competing in some of the most challenging cycling races around the world, including, from 2024, the Giro d’Italia. To help with the rugged nature of the sports. The watch is made with titanium to make it durable and withstand the conditions of cycling. What makes the “Cycling Edition” special is that the scale is presented in a way that’s suited for the speeds that cyclists can sustain. The chronograph scale is “wrapped” around the dial in a spiral, allowing the average speeds that cyclists routinely operate at to be read at a glance. The tachymeter function on the Pelagos FXD Chrono “Cycling Edition” has been specifically designed for cycling.
The matt black dial with red accents puts legibility at the forefront while the signature square hour-markers and “Snowflake” hands were designed back in the sixties by TUDOR to offer larger luminous surfaces and improve legibility in challenging conditions. Around the circumference of the dial, printed on a 45°-angled rehaut, is a re-calibrated tachymeter scale whose inner ring focuses on the speeds that cyclists ride at. TUDOR developed a high-tech strap for the Pelagos XD model. Made up of a 22mm solid black jacquard-woven technical fabric and a traditional buckle, it’s perfect for putting in time on the bike.
Basketball: Tissot Women’s National Basketball Association Edition
Tissot, Wilson, and the WNBA teamed up earlier this year to release a series limited edition watches. It was the first time in basketball history that an official watch had been released. The creation of the two new 40mm Tissot Seastar Wilson WNBA watches highlights the Swiss watchmaking and timekeeping expertise of Tissot, Wilson’s innovative and official WNBA basketball, as well as the cultural influence of the WNBA. The new edition contains two exclusive models. A Powermatic 80 powered model, which features the prestigious mechanics and allure associated with automatic watch, and a Swiss quartz-made movement of high quality, renowned for its reliability and precision.
Let’s break down the features of why this timepiece is suitable for basketball. The flexible, high-comfort approach to the watch’s straps is a key element in the watch’s versatility and usability. The Tissot WNBA Edition is designed to be comfortable on the wrist, with a strap that doesn’t cause irritation or interfere with the player’s movements. In connection with Tissot’s ownership as the official timekeeper of the NBA and WNBA shot clocks – the rotating bezels incorporate the 24-second basketball shot clock time. This feature allows the player to monitor their performance and enhance their strategic awareness by timing different aspects of a game such as quarters or timeouts. The watch is held securely in place by a secure clasp or buckle, which prevents distractions and potential loss while playing. The Tissot WNBA edition’s design reflects the association of basketball with the watch. It often features elements such as the WNBA team logo or colors that resonate with both players and fans.
Diving: Omega Seamaster
The Aqua Terra is known as a symbol of OMEGA’s ocean-inspired style, with a symmetrical design that is reminiscent of the brand’s heritage diving watches. They are still modern and feature Co-Axial Master Chronometer with a redesigned bracelet that features rounded links.
Omega uses materials that are durable, such as titanium, stainless steel and ceramic, in the manufacture of Seamaster timepieces. The materials used are resistant to corrosion and can withstand the harsh conditions that come with diving. Through the sapphire crystal casebacks, customers can view the Co-Axial Master Chronometer Calibre 8900 for the 41 mm models, and 8800 for the 38 mm and 34 mm models – each certified by METAS at the Swiss industry’s highest standard of precision, performance, and magnetic-resistance. The watches are also water resistant to 150 meters (580 ft).
Diving: Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Quantième Complet Phases de lune 5054
Blancpain offers Fifty Fathoms bracelets and models in ceramic, but has not yet created a ceramic bracelet. The ceramic bracelet is 25% lighter than steel and nearly five times stronger. This material is not only used on the Bathyscaphe, but also the time-only and chronograph models. Blancpain raises expectations for its bracelet. It claims ideal ergonomics, comfort and 300m water resistance. This complex timepiece is in a league of its own.
Read more: Blancpain dives into new territory with the Bathyscaphe.
Swimming: TAG Heuer Professional 300 Aquaracer
TAG Heuer Aquaracer represents durability and outstanding performance. The story of its endurance and unbreakable connection with time, land and sea is a testament to the TAG Heuer Aquaracer. TAG Heuer diving watches have a unidirectional rotating ring for the Aquaracer Professional, 300 Date version, and a bidirectional rotating ring for the GMT, besides luminous hands, securing crowns and 300m water resistance. This watch is the perfect companion for water sports and swimming.
These models, true to their legacy yet tailored for today’s divers, are crafted to be the ultimate companions for life’s endeavours, embodying comfort and strength akin to the Aquaracer Professional 300. These models are designed to be reliable under all conditions. Their iconic 12-facet ceramic dials allow for easy turning, while luminescent pointers ensure accuracy at any depth. The casebacks feature engravings of diving helmets to represent their aquamarine spirit. The Aquaracer Professional 300 Date and the Aquaracer Professional 300 GMT are sculpted for those who defy depths and time zones and represent TAG Heuer’s innovative spirit, combining outstanding design with unrivalled functionality.
TAG Heuer’s Aquaracer Professional 300 Date is crafted with a focus on easy legibility and smooth handling. The new minute track, which is more prominent and features a shield shape hour hand, makes it easier to read. On the dial, the second hand, along with the wave pattern, captures the spirit of exploration in the water. A case with new proportions, which has been reduced from 43mm to just 42mm, provides a higher level of comfort and ergonomics. The case’s balance as also seen improvements, gaining 0.5mm in thickness and now measuring 12mm thick, ensuring comfort for all kinds of adventures (and sporting activities).
Sailing: Panerai Luna Rossa
Panerai has been synonymous with marine activities since the early 20th century. Although many watch collectors are more familiar with the brand as the Italian Navy’s military secret for equipping its divers with precision instruments, it is also a contemporary watchmaking company. Since 2017, Panerai has created wristwatches with the sorts of materials that America’s Cup teams were experimenting with. One might even say that Panerai’s penchant for material innovation makes it an ideal partner for a racing team such as Luna Rossa, which is precisely how team Luna Rossa describes the watchmaker.
Ficarelli said Panerai recognizes its own virtues by exploring new frontiers of watchmaking. He cited the PAM01039. The brand understands how to maximize the emotional aspects of being innovative. This demonstrates a certain spirit. Panerai aims to bridge the gap between the past, present and future by connecting the dots. “Storytelling is pivotal in cementing Panerai’s legitimacy, intertwining its deep-seated maritime roots with its modern identity,” said Ficarelli. “By chronicling its journey from creating robust instruments for the Italian Navy to embracing the adrenaline of performance boating, Panerai underscores its heritage and authenticity.
Read More: Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Sees Boats Fly
Hublot released the Big Bang e Gen3 UEFA EURO watch to celebrate this great football event. A testament to Hublot’s relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence, this timepiece comes with an extraordinary fusion of high-tech innovation with a 44mm-wide masterpiece that features a satin-finished and polished titanium case, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon WearTM 4100+ processor. The Big Bang e Gen 3 redefines connected watches with its AMOLED touchscreen, extensive sensor suite and compatibility on both Android and iOS.
The Big Bang e Gen 3 is equipped with a wide range of sensors including a heart-rate monitor, accelerometers, gyroscopes, and ambient lighting sensors. This ensures the wearer stays connected and informed no matter what environment they are in. It provides real-time updates on match scores and events and a customisable screen backgrounds and interchangeable straps allow the wearer to personalise their watch to reflect their favourite teams’ colours, making it a true celebration of football. The advanced connectivity options make this the perfect accessory for tech-savvy football fans.
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