SpotlightRio 2016 Special – Olympic Heroes And Their Watches
As we buckle up for 16 exhilarating days of the Olympic Games, we've lined up what our super star athletes would be wearing on their wrists.
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There’s something about the Olympics, the grandeur of the Games that transcends one into a country-cheering, sports fanatic. Changing the fate of many athletes around the world, the Rio Summer Olympics has more than 200 nations and a staggering 11,000 athletes participating this year! A platform that showcases an athlete’s immeasurable expertise and their dedication towards a particular sport.
Getting on board with the Olympics frenzy going all around (#RioOlympics2016, everywhere), we at The Watch Guide decided to bring you our special selection of watch “Teams”. Our specially curated teams consist of the best of the best athletes who represent a particular watch brand and a watch that plays close to the characteristics and persona of the said athlete.
Read on below to find if your favourite sportsman has made the cut:
Team Omega
1. Micheal Phelps- Swimming
With an Olympic medal count of 22, Micheal Phelps is considered as one of the most decorated Olympian of all time. “The Baltimore Bullet” is recognised for his formidable butterfly stroke and is a fan-favourite in the coming Games. Selected as the flag bearer for the United States of America for the 2016 opening ceremonies, Micheal Phelps is a true example of “great triumph and hopeful redemption.” No wonder Mr Swimming is associated with one of the most iconic diving watches of all time- the Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean.
“When I started this journey in 2000, did I think I would be sitting where I am today? No. But I dreamt it.”
-Michael Phelps
What would he prefer on his wrist?
Just as every stroke of a swimmer is timed with perfection and precision, the same way every tick of the Omega Planet Ocean rings of precise timekeeping and the innovative workings of what lies within the watch. And for a legendary sportsman like Micheal Phelps, the Omega Planet Ocean blends in perfectly and is apt for his wrist. In fact, the Omega Planet Ocean (ref no. 232.30.46.51.01.003) is an ideal watch for any major star athlete. With a water resistance of up to 600m, the watch is perfect for any outdoor swimming activities and extreme plunges.
2. Sergio Garcia – Golf
Golf is a sport that is making a much-awaited comeback to the Olympics after an absence of 112 years, and we are elated! From the many favourites to root for, Spain’s Sergio Garcia is reigning among all. Winner of over 20 international tournaments, he is definitely a golfer the world will be keeping a lookout for in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Hence, his association with Omega is not surprising at all! Ranked among the world’s top ten, Omega presents an impeccable combination for a force like him.
What would he prefer on his wrist?
A perfect timepiece for a golfer of his stature is the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra “Golf” 150m which features an immaculately designed sun-brushed black dial. Clocking in a power reserve of 60 hours, the timepiece is powered by a self-winding automatic Omega 8500 movement with a Co-Axial escapement. On a closer look, you will notice that the dial is decorated with the Teak Concept pattern with green coloured seconds hand and numbers on the minute track. A must-have watch with the perfect blend of sportiness and grace, just like the game itself!
3. Jessica Ennis-Hill- Track & Field
Gifted with a winning spirit and an undying passion for excellence, Jessica Ennis-Hill took the world by storm by winning gold at the 2012 London Olympics. Stealing hearts of millions, Jessica Ennis-Hill is the current British National record holder for the heptathlon (which is a track and field combined events contest made up of seven events). A true champion in every sense of the word, she is ready to defend her title in the 2016 Rio Olympics and stand by her throne as the reigning Queen of the Games.
“My target for Rio is to go out there and perform at the top of my game. I would love to retain my Olympic Games title.”
-Jessica Ennis-Hill
What would she prefer on her wrist?
Just as she is a multi-sport expert from 100 metres hurdles, the high jump to the indoor pentathlon, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra (ref no. 231.10.30.60.06.001) is a multi-functional, stylish timepiece. Keeping in sync with her bold personality and uncompromising dedication to her sports, the Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra is a classic timepiece with a robust spirit. The easily recognisable grey dial of the Aqua Terra syndicates grace, style and beauty with the perfect amount of sportiness and vigour. Perfect for any sports enthusiast out there!
Team Hublot
1.Usain Bolt- Sprinter
Does he even need an introduction? Yes? How about “the fastest man on the planet”!
Winning six Olympics gold in athletics and breaking three world records at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Usain Bolt is arguably the most naturally gifted athlete of the world. Apart from holding 11 world titles, he is also the first man in the history of the Olympics to win both the 100m and 200m races. Usain is by large the most popular and enigmatic athlete of his time and hence it comes as no surprise for Usain Bolt to be associated with Hublot, a brand that’s roped in legends like Pele, Kobe Bryant and Jose Mourinho as their brand ambassadors before. His association with Hublot is the perfect amalgamation of pure talent combined with expert craftsmanship.
“I am delighted to be an ambassador for Hublot and join some great ambassadors such as Pelé, Kobe Bryant or José Mourinho.”
-Usain Bolt
What would he prefer on his wrist?
While Hublot does have a lot of special edition watches that are associated with a superstar athlete, we think the Hublot Big Bang (ref no. 301.PB.131.RX) is the best testimony to his glittering career. Perfect for a professional athlete, its sleek design adds further drama to an athlete’s wrist on and off the track. The 18K Red Gold (like his medals) polished and satin-finished case sits perfectly on the wrist, with a black structured line rubber strap providing extra support, crucial for any athlete across any sport. As sleek as it is outside, the watch is sleek in its functions too! One of a kind, the Hublot Big Bang (ref no. 301.PB.131.RX) wouldn’t just look nice on Usain’s, but any watch lover’s wrist.
2. Justin Rose- Golf
Reaching astonishing heights in a short span of time, Justin Rose has grown as a sportsman and a person tremendously. Since he first established his golf career at the British Open in 1998, Justin Rose has been named the third-ranked player in the world. Winning the prestigious PGA Tour Champion seven times, Rose is revved up to set the Olympic Games on fire at Rio de Janeiro this year. The latest entry into Hublot’s exclusive group of sports personalities and professional athletes is Justin Rose.
“It really is an honour to have joined such a strong group of athletes and personalities. But more so, to be associated with a brand that is my number one choice as a consumer is very authentic to me.”
-Justin Rose
What would he prefer on his wrist?
For a golfer of his stature and calibre, the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang (ref no.601.NM.0173.LR) is perfect. Along with showcasing incredible and innovative functions, the Hublot Spirit of the Big Bang is uniquely designed with a sapphire dial and black alligator straps for maximum grip. The satin-finished Titanium case combines perfectly with the unique persona and characteristic of the Hublot Spirit of the Big Bang. A definite keeper!
Team Rado
Agnieszka Radwanska- Tennis
A rising star of women’s tennis, Agnieszka Radwanska started her professional career in 2006 when she was voted Most Impressive Newcomer on the elite WTA Tour. With an impressive streak of winning over 18 career singles titles till date, Agnieszka Radwanska is ready for the Rio Olympics 2016. As the official timekeeper of 16 international tournaments, Rado has a deep history with the world of tennis, so it not surprising that the rising star of women’s tennis- Agnieszka Radwanska is the global ambassador for Rado. Just as she pushes herself towards victory every time she steps on the court, Rado too, pushes towards achieving excellence and challenging traditional watchmaking.
What would she prefer on her wrist?
While Agnieszka Radwanska, above, adorns the Rado HyperChrome, she wouldn’t mind the Rado True Thinline either (ref no. R27957109)! The all-white watch equipped with minimal design details is the perfect timepiece for the elegant sports lady who wants her watch to look good and work well! And with a thickness of just 5mm, the Rado True Thinline is sleek and smooth. A watch that personifies the grace and sporty attitude of a lady perfectly!
Team Montblanc
Lin Dan- Badminton
Also known as “Super Dan”, China’s Lin Dan is considered one of the greatest badminton players of all time. While he has won all there is to win in the said sport, he is still back for more this year at Rio de Janeiro. At 30, Lin Dan seems undeterred by his age and the pressure surrounding him, hopeful of scoring a hat-trick at the Olympic Games this year. Lin Dan’s popularity transcends borders, touching every aspirational sportsman in the world on and off the court, not just as a professional shuttler but also as a fashion icon. His insatiable hunger for greatness is what drove the partnership between Montblanc and the five-time world champion.
What would he prefer on his wrist?
Manifesting the true value of Mont Blanc is the Heritage Spirit Moonphase (ref no.111620), which we believe is quite Super Dan’s taste! A dedication to the 100-year history of MontBlanc, the Heritage Spirit Moonphase is purely elegant with a bombé dial with a sun-brushed finish. A sophisticated watch in all its sense, which sort of captures the tale of a successful man, like Lin Dan, himself. And to add to the sophistication, the moon phase complication is reminiscent of Mont Blanc’s continuous exploration towards innovation. This is a timepiece that embodies style, grace and sportiness, applauded for all its glory and timeless characteristics. We’re more than convinced he won’t mind having this on his wrist while taking a victory lap.
Who’s your Olympic Hero? What would you like to have on his or her wrist?
Let us know in the comments section below!
