Celebrity brand ambassadors are nothing new to the world of watchmaking, but few pursue the concept as deeply as Audemars Piguet. As a longtime leader within the highest echelon of the luxury watch industry, Audemars Piguet has invested in partnerships with brand ambassadors including global sports superstars Lebron James. Michael Schumacher, and Serena Williams. The Le Brassus firm’s slogan, “To break the rules, you must first master them,” perfectly fits the mindset of the elite athletes who collaborate with Audemars Piguet.
Serena Williams
Serena Williams for Audemars Piguet
This past month, tennis star Serena Williams won her 22nd major victory at Wimbledon. During the tournament, it was hard not to spot the striking Royal Oak Chronograph in rose gold on her wrist. The watch perfectly complemented the white ensemble she was wearing and although conceptual, the video below encapsulates the spirit of the partnership with Williams.
Audemars Piguet’s partnership with Williams began in 2014, and the result has been nothing short of a perfect fit for both parties. After her latest win at Wimbledon, Williams has placed a down payment on enduring legend status long after her tennis career concludes. Williams offered a window into her hopes for a legacy in response to an interviewer’s query about the star’s place in tennis history; “”I prefer the words ‘one of the greatest athletes of all time.'”
Few would argue with that. Audemars Piguet will be keen to ensure Williams continues wearing Royal Oaks deep into retirement.
Stan Wawrinka
Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph with a rubber strap
Another one of Audemars’ tennis ambassadors, Stan Wawrinka, like Williams, is one of the few players that wear their watches replica on the court. Last year, Wawrinka wore his Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph with a rubber strap when he beat the world number one-ranked Novak Djokovic.
Wawrinka’s watch is a slate-grey color, and as Audemars Piguet’s website notes, the watch is “as perfect with a white t-shirt as a suit.” The 42mm case contains the self-winding movement and features a chronograph as well as a date window.
Stan Wawrinka
Classified as one of the best backhands in the game, Wawrinka has made it all the way to the world’s number three-ranked player. Additionally, Wawrinka made it into the semi-finals during this year’s French Open.