Athletes and their Olympic watches

Some Olympic athletes combine their skills with the use of luxury watches, showcasing their style and personality in competition. These watches vary in price and design, and reflect current trends in sports watchmaking.

With the Olympics in full swing, here at LOFT we're glued to the TV watching the Olympic athletes' watches, waiting to see these machines in action. While watches are often put away before entering the arena, some athletes have chosen to wear, sometimes with great personality, their personal watches (in addition to those gifted by brands, as ambassadors) while giving their all on the world's biggest stage. Some brands have specialized in positioning their products in sports, and as more and more competitors dare to compete with accessories, we hope these games will set a trend in watchmaking, bringing to life what we often only see before the event, during the ceremonies, or on social media.

Some of the most stylish ones from past years, and which we will probably see again this year:

Rory McIlroy and his Omega Aqua Terra Ultra Light ($40,000)

We begin our journey with iconic golfer Rory McIlroy, who has mastered combining his on-course talent with a sophisticated and elegant style. McIlroy opts for the Omega Aqua Terra Ultra Light, which uses titanium and ultra-light rubber. This watch becomes an extension of the precision and elegance that characterize McIlroy's game, perfectly blending style and functionality.

Mondo Duplantis and his Omega Aqua Terra Ultra Light (USD 40,000)

The renowned pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis also chooses the Omega Aqua Terra Ultra Light as his faithful companion in Olympic competitions. Despite being an athlete in a discipline so different from McIlroy's, Duplantis finds in this watch the qualities that enhance his performance and reflect his unique personality. The shared choice of this model by both athletes highlights the versatility and prestige of the Omega Aqua Terra Ultra Light in different sporting environments. A point for Omega.

Rafa Nadal and his RM (300,000 USD)

In the world of tennis, we find the legend Rafa Nadal, whose aggressive style and unmatched passion on the court are complemented by his preference for the luxurious RM that has accompanied him for many years. Durable and featuring special features, the RM becomes a symbol of the Spanish tennis player's determination and superiority in every match. He was one of the pioneers to use his RM in action.

Yohan Blake and his RM 061 (250,000 USD)

Sprinter Yohan Blake, known for his prowess on the track, chooses the RM 061 to accompany him on his Olympic challenges, a watch he helped design. Valued at USD 250,000, this timepiece not only reflects Blake's unique style but also incorporates technological innovations in lightness and shock resistance.

Naomi Osaka and her TAG Heuer Aquaracer ($1,500)

Talented Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka chooses the TAG Heuer Aquaracer, a brand that has long sponsored her, to mark her presence on the Olympic courts. At an affordable price of $1,500, this watch combines elegance and durability. Although it was designed for water, it looks just as good on clay.

Sally Fitzgibbons and her Breitling Aerospace EVO ($3,000)

Surfer Sally Fitzgibbons, a pioneer of the waves, chooses the Breitling Aerospace EVO to accompany her on her aquatic challenges. Priced at $3,000, it's clear she takes great care of it, as we've seen it on her wrist unchanged over the years. A watch made for the outdoors, but one she's managed to incorporate into her surfing attire in a natural, yet very cool way.

Kei Nishikori and his Casio G-Shock Casioak (100 USD)

Japanese tennis player Kei Nishikori surprised everyone with his Casio G-Shock Casioak customized by IFL Watches. A modest $100 watch, it combines durability and functionality with plenty of street cred, and is perfectly suited to tennis. A duo that apparently wasn't born out of a sponsorship or contract, just Nishikori loving a brand from his beloved Japan.

Other notable examples include tennis player Donna Vekic's FP Journe Élégante, a truly unusual choice, but one that looks spectacular. Journe certainly does things her way, regardless of our opinions. The same goes for shooter Kayle Browning, who defies all expert advice and wears her diamond-studded Rolex Datejust to her shooting competitions, which surely wreaks havoc on the poor Rolex, which suffers with every impact. If any brand was made to withstand abuse, it's Rolex.