You know you’ve made it as a sportsperson when someone creates a watch in your name.
Often it will be to commemorate a particular achievement, like a record amount of wins or games played. Or, on some occasions, it may be to celebrate a broader contribution to the world of sport or athleticism as a whole.
Whatever the reason, there’s no doubt it’s impressive. Luxury watchmakers don’t just market their timepieces under the name of any old amateurs.
Not only does the sportsperson need to be at the pinnacle of their discipline, they need to be well liked by the public and also a perfect fit for the style and aesthetic of the brand.
If a luxury watchmaker gets the partnership right, then they may just have scored their most effective promotional strategy. With their timepieces being attached to the face of an entire sport and a role model for people all over the world.
Here are three of the most well-known celebrity sportspeople and their watchmaking partnerships. All of which have spawned some truly heroic timepieces.
Rafael Nadal & The Richard Mille RM 27-02
His third time being sponsored by the French watchmaking company, the RM 27-02 was produced to celebrate Rafa’s 15th Grand Slam title.
Only 50 of the watches were produced, each retailing for a whopping £585,000 — much higher than the previous two watches, the RM 027 and the RM 27-01. But like its predecessors, the watch is a mechanical tourbillion that’s extremely durable and weighs next to nothing. And again, like the others, it quickly sold out.
As you’d expect, the watch is able to withstand a high G-force —up to 5,000gs. Enough to even resist Rafa’s fastest serve of 135mph.
Usain Bolt & The Hublot King Power
Bolt is not only the fastest man alive, he’s also a powerful face of the Olympics and the whole sport of athletics. Hublot knew this when they secured him as a brand ambassador and designed the appropriately named Hublot King Power Usain Bolt limited edition chronograph.
Created to celebrate his record-breaking 100m run of 9.63 seconds at London 2012, the luxury sports watch is as big as it is expensive. The case, crafted from micro-blasted black ceramic, is 48mm wide. And the strap is gold synthetic leather, much like Bolt’s custom-made running shoes. Only 250 were produced, and today you can get your hands on one for a cool £19,000.
LeBron James & The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph
An NBA star and the world’s highest-paid athlete, it’s no surprise LeBron James is sponsored by Audemars Piguet, one of the world’s most prestigious luxury watchmakers.
In true LeBron style, his own Piguet, the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph, boasts 14 diamonds, an 18-karat rose gold case, and an automatic movement that can be seen through a sapphire crystal back that is signed by the man himself.
600 of the limited edition timepieces were made, retailing at a whopping £40,000. But even if you wanted to part with such cash, as such a popular athlete, it’ll be difficult to ever get your hands on one today.
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