These Olympians Know A Thing or Two About Watches

The 2024 Olympics has been a blast. We started with a banger of an opening ceremony that reverberated through the spheres of social media for days to come. Then, we witnessed some of the most triumphant victories, like Korean athlete Kim Yeji winning gold for Team Korea and shattering the world record along the way, Chinese swimmer Pan Zhanle winning two gold medals and breaking the record in a 100m freestyle category, and, of course, fantastic performances by the beloved legends like Simone Biles and Novak Djokovic. 

And, as it happens, some of these champions and medalists were wearing impressive watches while scaling new heights of athletic excellence.  

Noah Lyles and His OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon” Black Ceramic

American track and field athlete Noah Lyles, won a gold in Men’s 100m race at the 2024 Paris Olympics, qualifying him for the semi-finals. The runner, who charmed the pants off of the reporters with his smile during his post-race interview, was wearing his Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 “Dark Side of the Moon” while accepting the medal. This timepiece, veryoften spotted on athletes thanks to Omega’s endearing patronage of the Olympics, is cast in black ceramic and features a beautiful moon-resembling dial with retina-busting yellow hands. 

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and Her RICHARD MILLE RM 07-04 Automatic Winding Sport Quartz TPT®

Jamaican track and field sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce unfortunately had to drop out of her second 100m race at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to an injury sustained during a warmup. During the first round on August 2nd, however, Fraser-Pryce came in second and shined on the track with her Richard Mille RM 07-04 Automatic Winding Sport Quartz TPT – a timepiece designed with high-performance athletes in mind despite its elegant skeletonized dial. 

Miles Chamley-Watson and His RICHARD MILLE RM 65-01 Automatic Winding Split-Seconds Chronograph Dark Yellow Quartz TPT®

13-time Pan-American champion, fencer Miles Chamley-Watson, competed for the men’s team foil at the 2024 Paris Olympics. To his match, Chamley-Watson wore his Richard Mille RM 65-01 Automatic Winding Split-Seconds Chronograph Dark Yellow Quartz TPT – a self-winding rattrapante chronograph with in-house caliber RMAC4 and a retina-busting yellowish orange case. 

Armand Duplantis and His OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Titanium 41MM

Swedish-American track and field athlete Armand Duplantis won gold for Team Sweden and broke the record in the Men’s Pole Vault event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. During his triumphant jump, Duplantis wore his Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M Titanium 41MM. This iteration of Aqua Terra sports a textured blue dial and a yellow strap, to match the colors of the Swedish flag. 

Gabby Thomas and Her OMEGA Constellation Yellow Gold with Diamonds 25MM

Gabby Thomas, representing the United States, soared into the semi-finals of the women’s 200 meters with unmatched speed in the preliminary round. On this Sunday morning, she blazed past all other runners with a remarkable time of 22.20 seconds, solidifying her position as the top contender for the coveted gold medal. While she has previously been seen sporting the rugged Omega Speedmaster "White Side of the Moon" at the Texas Relays in April, this time she has surprised us by opting for a more elegant option - the dazzling Omega Constellation. A delicate 25 mm timepiece adorned with a bezel encrusted with diamonds, a shimmering white mother-of-pearl dial, and crafted from luxurious 18K yellow gold.

Novak Djokovic and His HUBLOT Big Bang MECA-10 Blue Ceramic 45MM

Serbian tennis player, who broke probably every single record ever set, Novak Djokovic won the first tennis gold during the Men’s Singles match at the 2024 Paris Olympics. As Djokovic took the pedestal, we spotted an Hublot Big Bang MECA-10 Blue Ceramic 45MM. The brand choice came as no surprise given how the athlete is the ambassador. The watch itself is equipped with MECA-10 movement, which boasts a 10-day power reserve and an atypical display with rack and pinion. 

Carlos Alcaraz and His ROLEX Day-Date 40 Yellow Gold with Baguette-cut Diamonds

Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz won a silver medal in the Men’s Singles event at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. During his match (and on the pedestal), the athlete sported timeless Rolex Day-Date 40 in 18k yellow gold with stunning baguette-cut diamonds punctuating its hour markers. 

Zheng Qinwen and Her ROLEX Lady-Datejust Everose Gold & Steel with Diamonds 28MM

The 2024 Paris Olympics saw Chinese tennis sensation, Zheng Qiwen, ranked sixth in the world, steal the hearts of fans as she dominated at the summit clash. Her opponent, Donna Vekic, seeded 13th, was no match for her strategic play and unmatched skill, resulting in a swift victory with a score of 6-2, 6-3 in just one hour and 45 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier. This historic win not only secured China's first Olympic medal in women's singles but also marked their second gold medal in tennis overall. Throughout the intense final match, Zheng exuded grace and elegance, adorned with a dazzling Rolex Lady-Datejust in Everose gold and steel, adorned with shimmering diamonds on its bezel.

Donna Vekić and Her F.P.JOURNE Élégante Titanium with Diamonds 40MM

Croatian tennis player Donna Vekić, who took the silver medal in the Women’s Singles match placing second to team China’s Zheng Qiwen. During the match, Vekić wore her F.P. Journe Élégante in titanium with white diamonds. This timepiece is equipped with an electro-mechanical movement with a motion detector – perfect for professional athletes. 

Tommy Paul and His DE BETHUNE DB28xs Starry Seas Titanium 38.7MM

Tennis player Tommy Paul, representing Team USA, proudly claimed a bronze medal alongside his partner Taylor Fritz in the Men's Doubles event. And to add some flair to his well-deserved victory, Paul sported a De Bethune DB28xs 'Starry Seas' with a bold red strap that perfectly matched the national colors. Not only is this timepiece made of lightweight and durable titanium, but it also features unique "floating lugs" that cater to an athlete's flexibility. But what truly sets it apart is the triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system, providing ultimate protection during intense matches on the court.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Her TAG HEUER Link Ceramic with Diamonds 32MM

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the undefeated queen of women's hurdles, charged forward with unparalleled strength, determination, and speed towards her second Olympic gold medal and undisputed title as the greatest track athlete of this generation. As she flawlessly cleared each hurdle, McLaughlin-Levrone was not only racing against her opponents, but also against her own world record set at the US trials just months before. And once again, she emerged victorious, shattering her previous record by 0.28 seconds to finish in an astonishing time of 50.37 seconds. With this latest accomplishment, she has now broken six world records in her event, a feat never achieved before by any track athlete in history. And throughout it all, the athlete's wrist adorned a sleek and stylish TAG Heuer Link watch in black ceramic, accented with rose gold hour markers, hands, and diamond detailing on its bezel.

LeBron James and His CARTIER Crash Skeleton Rose Gold

One of the greatest basketball players of our time, LeBron James was also among the honored guests at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. As an avid watch collector, James has a few timepieces that could make any horological aficionado jealous. This Cartier Crash Skeleton in rose gold, for example, is a true charmer. The timepiece’s elegantly curved case (that echoes the works of 20th century’s defining surrealist, Salvador Dali) reveals masterfully skeletonized hour markers that offer a peek into its exquisite movement. 

Victor Wembanyama and His Santos de Cartier Skeleton Steel 39.8MM

As France's rising star and NBA sensation, Victor Wembanyama, claimed the coveted Rookie of the Year award and showcased his unprecedented skills as a 7-foot-4 player on the court, the world eagerly awaits the 2024 Olympics being held in his home country. With three Olympic appearances under his belt, Wembanyama has dominated with powerful dunks, blocks, and steals. Averaging an impressive 17 points, 10.7 rebounds, 2.7 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, he is truly a force to be reckoned with. While he may not be the face of the upcoming Olympics, all eyes are on him as he is on the verge of becoming the face of the NBA for years to come. In his most recent games, this towering basketball prodigy adorned his wrist with a delicate Santos de Cartier timepiece featuring a sleek skeletonized dial, vibrant blue Roman numerals, and a stainless steel case with a navy blue bezel - a true display of both power and elegance.

Rafael Nadal and His RICHARD MILLE RM 27-05 Manual Winding Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal Carbon TPT® B.4

Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal was a torchbearer at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. While fulfilling this honorable duty, Nadal wore his Richard Mille RM 27-05 Manual Winding Flying Tourbillon which, naturally, bore his name on it. This timepiece, cast in Carbon TPT, is the lightest tourbillon ever produced, which isn’t surprising given how it’s specifically designed to withstand the ferocious swings of the hand of someone like Nadal.

Mutaz Barshim and His RICHARD MILLE RM 67-02 Automatic Extra Flat “Mutaz Barshim” Carbon TPT® & Quartz TPT®

Experience and age may have taken its toll on Qatari high jump legend Mutaz Barshim, but he still managed to secure a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics on Saturday night. At 33 years old, Barshim was the oldest competitor in the event, but his journey to the podium was not without its challenges as he battled a calf injury from qualifying. Despite this setback, Barshim showcased his skill and determination, providing some incredible moments of athletic prowess that reminded spectators of his previous gold medal win in Tokyo. Ultimately, he was bested by younger competitors – New Zealand's Hamish Kerr and USA's Shelby McEwen – but his status as an all-time great in track and field was not forgotten as his opponents paused to applaud him as he exited the competition after failing to clear 2.38 meters at the Stade de France. To commemorate his successful Olympic career, Barshim donned a fitting timepiece for a legend – a Richard Mille RM 67-02 Extra Flat, crafted with the maison's patented Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT®, and named after the illustrious athlete himself.

Léon Marchand and His OMEGA Speedmaster Chronoscope Steel 43MM

The exhilarating atmosphere of France's Leon Marchand historic performance was palpable, as he basked in the adoration of his home crowd. The 22-year-old made waves by first dethroning reigning champion and world record holder Kristof Milak of Hungary to claim victory in the 200m butterfly event. In a stunning display of athleticism, Marchand returned to the pool less than two hours later and effortlessly glided to first place in the 200m breaststroke, securing his third gold medal at the Games. This feat had never been achieved before, and Marchand set new Olympic records for both events. With his impressive achievements, the charming swimmer solidified his status as a global superstar in the sport. As he stood on the podium, draped in a shimmering gold medal, Marchand donned a sleek and stylish Omega Speedmaster Chronoscope in steel with a striking white dial and bold black subdials accented with touches of red.

Rai Benjamin OMEGA Speedmaster Aqua Terra 150M “Ultra Light” Titanium 41MM

Rai Benjamin, a name synonymous with success in the track and field world. He had spent the first eight nights of the Paris Olympics rooting for his fellow athletes, until it was finally his turn to shine. With unmatched speed and precision, Benjamin dominated the race from start to finish, even overcoming obstacles in the final stretch. His impressive time of 46.46 seconds placed him at the top of the podium, a feat accomplished by only two other men. Warholm, taking second place with a time of 47.06 seconds, and world champion Alison dos Santos in third at 47.26 seconds were no match for Benjamin's impeccable performance. As he ran towards victory, Benjamin sported an Omega Speedmaster Aqua Terra "Ultra Light" in sleek titanium and a striking gray-and-red design, just like many of his track-and-field colleagues.

Taylor Fritz and His ROLEX Daytona Yellow Gold & Steel 40MM

One of the highest-ranking tennis players in the world, Taylor Fritz won a bronze medal for Team USA in the Men’s Doubles event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. On the pedestal, Fritz appeared wearing his stunning Rolex Daytona with a gold bezel, subdials and crowns, and a gold-and-stainless steel bracelet.

Lorenzo Musetti and His ROLEX Daytona Steel 40MM

Creating history for Italy at the Olympic Games in Paris was Lorenzo Musetti, "The Illusionist". He outplayed Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada with a score of 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to secure the bronze medal in men's singles. This victory not only made him the first Italian to win an Olympic medal since 1924 but also inspired his compatriots Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani to claim gold in women's doubles. Although he couldn't defeat eventual champion Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals, Musetti maintained his composure and clinched glory in the bronze medal match. While receiving his well-deserved accolade, the athlete flaunted his stylish Rolex Daytona watch with a sleek black dial, adding even more flair to his momentous achievement.

Cyréna Samba-Mayela and Her OMEGA Constellation Sedna Gold & Steel with Diamonds 29MM

Bursting from the starting line, Cyréna Samba-Mayela, the reigning 2024 champion of Europe, surged ahead alongside Nadine Visser from the Netherlands who ran on her immediate right. As they approached the second to last hurdle, Visser held a slight lead but was quickly caught by France's own Samba-Mayela, USA's Masai Russell, and Puerto Rico's defending champion Jasmine Camacho-Quinn. In a photo finish, Russell claimed the gold with a time of 12.33 (-0.3m/s), followed closely by Samba-Mayela just one hundredth of a second behind. Camacho-Quinn took home the bronze with a time of 12.36 while Visser had to settle for fourth at 12.43. And in this intense race, adorned with sparkling diamonds that marked each hour, the silver medalist donned a breathtaking Omega Constellation Sedna in gold and steel.

Akani Simbine and His RICHARD MILLE RM 67-02 Automatic Extra Flat “Wayde Van Niekerk” Carbon TPT® & Quartz TPT®

With the crowd roaring at Stade de France, Akani Simbine made another electrifying run that propelled South Africa from fifth to a commendable second place in the 4x100m relay. After narrowly missing out on a medal in the 100m final just days before, coming in fourth by only one-hundredth of a second, Simbine proved his worth as he blazed through the final leg with an impressive time of 8.78sec, securing his first major medal. Not only did he show his prowess on the track, but he also sported a stunning Richard Mille RM 67-02 Automatic Extra Flat watch, paying homage to fellow South-African track-and-field legend Wayde Van Niekerk with its green and yellow Carbon TPT® case matching his uniform perfectly.

Steve Guerdat and His ROLEX Daytona Everose Gold 40MM

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Swiss rider Steve Guerdat and his 11-year-old mare Dynamix De Belheme clinched the silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic showjumping final. With precise maneuvers and a daring jump over the Eiffel Tower fence, they seemed poised to take the gold. However, a risky turn back to the penultimate fence resulted in four faults, leaving them just shy of victory. Nonetheless, they finished strong with a clean jump over the final fence and a time of 38.38, securing the Olympic showjumping individual silver medal. Throughout his performance, Guerdat proudly sported his classic Rolex Daytona in Everose gold, featuring a striking brown sunburst dial that reflected the intensity of the competition.

Keely Hodgkinson and Her OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M “Ultra Light” Titanium 41MM

As Team England prepared for their shot at a gold medal, Keely Hodgkinson, the world's top 800-meter runner, flexed her dominance in the semi-finals on Sunday. Her record-breaking time of 1:56.86 at Stade de France solidified her spot as the fastest qualifier, foreshadowing an intense showdown for the top spot on the podium. She was adorned with the Seamaster Aqua Terra "Ultra Light", highlighted by stunning blue accents. This special edition watch was crafted using Gamma Titanium (also known as titanium aluminide), a material typically found in the aerospace industry due to its lightweight and durable properties. Omega managed to reduce the weight even further by using less material for the dial and pairing it with a fabric strap, resulting in a mere 55g.

Matthew Ebden and His NORQAIN Wild ONE Skeleton NORTEQ® Carbon Fibre 42MM

Winner of the gold medal for the Men’s Double event, Australian tennis player Matthew Ebden, showed an impressive performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics. During the match, Ebden wore a watch that matched his game in its splendor. The Norqain Wild ONE Skeleton NORTEQ® Carbon Fibre is said to be the ultimate high-performance timepiece. This watch has a case made from ultra-light NORTEQ® carbon fiber material that’s six times lighter than steel and 3.5 times lighter than titanium. 

Summer McIntosh and Her TAG HEUER Aquaracer Professional 300 Date Steel with Diamonds 36MM

17-year-old Summer McIntosh is, perhaps, one of the most decorated swimmers this year at the Paris Olympics with her three gold and one silver medals in 200m Butterfly, 200m and 400m Individual Medley and 400m Freestyle categories. While being awarded Olympic gold, McIntosh wore her TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date. Robust and technical, this 36mm steel case is water-resistant to 300 meters (as it should, especially since it’s now being worn by an Olympic swimmer), is powered by the Calibre 5 automatic, and has a vivid pink dial. 

Simon Delestre and His Hermès H08 La Matiere du Temps Rose Gold & Titanium 42MM

The French equestrian team, comprised of Julien Épaillard, Olivier Perreau, and Simon Delestre, secured the bronze medal in the team show jumping event. Dressed suavely in a patriotic riding outfit created by Le Coq Sportif, Delestre showcased the Hermès H08 La Matiere du Temps watch - a stunning 42mm piece crafted from rose gold and titanium. Hermès' H08 collection has firmly established itself as a go-to for sports watches, incorporating cutting-edge materials like graphene (a form of carbon) and showcasing distinctive cushion-shaped cases that set them apart from the rest. The watch is powered by the impressive in-house Calibre H1387 movement (introduced in 2012) and features a highly legible sector dial with a discreet minute track and date window.