The Olympics 2024 commenced with a spectacular opening ceremony on July 26, held in the vibrant city of Paris, France. The event not only celebrated the unity and spirit of global athleticism but also served as a platform for showcasing fashion and luxury. Among the most eye-catching elements were the high-end wristwatches worn by athletes, dignitaries, and celebrities.
These wristwatches, each a testament to superior craftsmanship and timeless elegance, added a touch of glamour to the already grand occasion. Read also: Nigeria and the symbolism of the Paris Olympics Here are 11 standout watches that graced the wrists of attendees during this ceremony: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Custom Breitling B01 Chronomat Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as “The Greek Freak,” wore a unique one-of-a-kind rose gold Breitling B01 Chronomat with an Arabic dial, specially made for him, adding a personal touch to his ensemble. Pharrell Williams – Richard Mille’s RM UP-01 Ferrari Pharrell Williams, an American singer, songwriter, producer, designer, and stylist known for his innovative music and style, dazzled with the Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari, a masterpiece that retails for $1.
9 million. This watch, celebrated for its ultra-thin design and cutting-edge technology, is the result of a collaboration between Richard Mille and Ferrari, showcasing advanced materials and precision engineering. Pharrell, a true Richard Mille enthusiast, has often been spotted wearing the brand’s watches Rafael Nadal – Richard Mille’s ’s RM 27-05 Rafael Nadal, a Spanish professional tennis player, wore his new collaboration with Richard Mille, the RM 27-05.
This watch is notable for its ultra-lightweight design, weighing only 11.5 grams, and retailing for $1.2 million.
Like many of Richard Mille’s lightweight watches, the RM 27-05 features a PMMA polymer crystal with an anti-scratch coating instead of the usual sapphire, which helps keep it light. It is highly shock-resistant, able to withstand impacts up to 14,000 g. However, it has limited water resistance, surviving only up to 10 meters.
LeBron James – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Flying Tourbillon in rose gold, adorned with baguette-cut sapphires, stood out at the opening ceremony. Sold at around $500,000, this limited-edition wristwatch is not only known for its intricate design and craftsmanship but also for its exclusivity, which adds to its high desirability. Worn by LeBron James, one of the most influential athletes globally, this watch highlights the intersection of sports and high-end luxury.
Anthony Davis – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph Worn by Anthony Davis, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph features an 18-carat pink gold case and pink gold hands with a luminescent coating. Selling for $435,000, this wristwatch combines craftsmanship with advanced functionality. Miles Watson – Richard Mille’s RM 65-01 The RM 65-01, worn by Miles Watson, is a masterpiece of horological complexity.
As the most complicated timepiece ever produced by Richard Mille, it took five years of rigorous development. This sports watch features a grey Quartz TPT case and a dial packed with functions, including a chronograph, small seconds, and a date window. The use of colour coding enhances its functionality: orange for chronograph-related elements, blue for split seconds, green for the date window, and red for winding.
With a retail price of $380,000, the RM 65-01 stands out for its technical sophistication and elegant design. Read also: Obi condemns team Nigeria Paris Olympics failure despite N12bn investment Serena Williams – Audemars Piguet Royal Oak On Serena Williams’ wrist was the $75,000 newly released Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. This 41 mm model features a stainless steel case paired with a pink-gold-toned openworked movement and matching inner bezel, creating a striking two-tone effect.
The watch is finished with pink gold screws on the bezel and offers water resistance up to 50 metres, blending sophistication with practicality. Devin Booker – Asymmetric Rose Gold Cartier Tank Devin Booker wore the $60,000 Cartier Tank Asymétrique. This limited-edition watch features an 18K rose gold case and a grey dial with gold-tone hands.
It has a manual winding movement, a beaded crown set with a sapphire, and a dark grey alligator-skin strap with an 18K rose gold buckle. Measuring only 6.38 mm thick, it is water-resistant up to 30 metres.
Shaun White – Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch The Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch worn by Shaun White is a $30,000 wristwatch well known for its history. It was the first wristwatch worn to the moon and remains certified by NASA for manned spaceflight. Its classic design and proven performance make it a timeless choice for those who value precision.
Tony Parker – Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 The Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 worn by Tony Parker is a stylish $2,000 watch with a 40 mm stainless steel case. It features a see-through back and an interchangeable bracelet. The watch has a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and a Swiss automatic movement that provides up to 80 hours of power reserve.
With its smooth, retro design and modern features, it is both a classic and practical choice. Read also: U.S edges China to top Paris Olympics medal table Emmanuel Macron – Merci Merci LMM-01 The $600 Merci Instruments LMM-01 worn by French President Emmanuel Macron has a military-inspired design with a polished stainless steel case and a classic black dial.
The watch has a thickness of about 11 mm and includes a Seiko VH31 quartz movement, known for its smooth second-hand sweep and accuracy. While it is described as “splash proof” and has a battery life of around two years, it lacks specific water resistance details. The dial is highly legible, with luminescent syringe hands and a minimalist look.
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