Grant Dalton, CEO of the America’s Cup Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, says “We’ve worked with Omega for many years now and we truly respect their high standards of excellence.”
The 2021 edition of the famous sailing duel marks the third time that Omega has served in the prestigious role of Official Timekeeper, while the watchmaker has been in partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand since 1995.
Dating back to 1851, the America’s Cup is renowned as the oldest trophy in international sport and has become the source of fierce international rivalries and spectacular sailing duels. Now, as the 36th edition of the “Auld Mug” approaches, Swiss watchmaker Omega has announced its role as the event’s Official Timekeeper.
Returning to New Zealand in 2021, Omega’s timekeeping excellence and experience in sailing is sure to be highlighted through new technologies and never-seen-before equipment that will enhance every second of racing for spectators.
The moment will also provide another chance for Omega to celebrate its long-standing partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand. This special relationship began alongside legendary Kiwi sailor Sir Peter Blake, and has continued for the past 25 years, with a shared passion for innovation, technology, speed, and accuracy.
“Our goal is to have the very best people for every part of the 36th America’s Cup presented by Prada. The choice of Omega was obvious,” says CEO of the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, Grant Dalton.
“They not only have a distinguished history as the Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games, but they have also established themselves as the leader of timekeeping on the water.”
With Omega’s Official Timekeeper announcement comes the release of the brand new Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean 36th America’s Cup Limited Edition.
Presented on a structured rubber strap, the 43.50mm timepiece is crafted from stainless steel and is limited to just 2,021 pieces. Most notable on the limited edition timepiece is the blue ceramic diving bezel, which incorporates white and red liquid ceramic to create a five-minute countdown for racing.
The polished white ceramic dial of the watch includes the competition’s name transferred at 6 o’clock. A special America’s Cup logo has also been placed on the counterweight of the central seconds hand. On the reverse side, the America’s Cup logo is transferred on the caseback’s sapphire crystal, through which you can see the OMEGA Master Chronometer Calibre 8900.
“The America’s Cup has a truly special place within the Omega brand,” says Omega President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann.
“From ingenuity and precision, through to the competitive energy and history, every part of it appeals to our spirit. We’re very excited about our role next March and also for the chance to be on-board with Emirates Team New Zealand once again.”
The 36th America's Cup is set to take place in March 2021. Competitors will sail in AC75, 75-foot foiling monohulls, with the course stretching across Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour.
