For both sailing fans and watch enthusiasts, the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in the waters of Barcelona has been an exhilarating journey.
The members of crew of defender Emirates Team New Zealand celebrate beating Britain’s Ineos Britannia and winning the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match, in Barcelona on October 19, 2024. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
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This legendary race was narrowed down to two contenders: the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, and the Challenger of Record, Ineos Britannia, helmed by the renowned Sir Ben Ainslie.
The event, the oldest international sporting competition, dating back to 1851, is about more than just the battle of the seas; it is a fusion of endurance, cutting-edge technology and incredible timing. Now, Emirates Team New Zealand steals the victory and again becomes the Defender of the famed Auld Mug for the next four years.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 13: The crew of both boats compete during the race between Emirates Team New Zealand and Team Ineos Britannia in the 37th America’s Cup on October 13, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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But the final showdown between these two teams, Ineos Britannia and Team New Zealand, was an intense race to seven out of a possible 13 races. Team New Zealand came on strong, winning the victory 7-2 in the best of 13. It marks the third consecutive victory of the America’s Cup for Team New Zealand.
For Ineos Britannia, the team faced months of fierce competitions before emerging victorious as the Challenger of Record – winning the Louis Vuitton Cup Races (the months-long competition to determine the ultimate challenger) and its Trophy Trunk. Great Britain has never held the America’s Cup victory title the 173-year history of the competition.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 04: The AC75 Ineos Britannia team crosses the finish defeating The AC75 Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team to win the race 11 and the Louis Vuitton Cup Final – 37th America’s Cup on October 04, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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At an event where victory is determined by fractions of a second, timing is everything, and some of the world’s most prestigious watch brands – from Louis Vuitton to Omega, Panerai and Tudor — have climbed on board.
Louis Vuitton: Legacy and Innovation
As the Title Partner of the 37th America’s Cup, Louis Vuitton brings an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and history to the event. The luxury Maison’s relationship with the America’s Cup dates back to 1983, and over the years, Louis Vuitton has become synonymous with the competition’s elegance and tradition.
This year, the brand’s involvement goes beyond sponsorship as it has been honored with the prestigious Sir Richard Francis Sutton Medal, marking its induction into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. The medal is named for the 19th century Royal Yacht Squadron sailor and is awarded to those that have exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship.
BARCELONA, CATALONIA, SPAIN – 2024/09/01: A flag advertising the 37th America’s Cup Barcelona is seen on the breakwater of the Port Olimpic. Numerous spectators, residents, tourists and professionals, have come to the breakwater of the Olimpic Port of Barcelona to watch live the third day of regattas with the Round Robin America’s Cup Louis Vuitton. (Photo by Paco Freire/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Also, this year, Louis Vuitton created two trunk awards, including one for the team that won the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series (Ineos) and one for the winner of the 37th America’s Cup.
Bernard Arnault, LVMH Chairman and CEO, along with Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton Chairman and CEO, presented Emirates New Zealand Team with the America’s Cup Louis Vuitton Trophy trunk at yesterday’s victory event.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – OCTOBER 16: The crew of Emirates Team New Zealand compete during race 6 between Emirates Team New Zealand and Team Ineos Britannia in the 37th America’s Cup between on October 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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Watch Brands Affiliated With The America’s Cup
Omega, a brand that belongs to the Swatch Group, also holds a large and active role with the America’s Cup races. As the Official Timekeeper of the 37th America’s Cup and a long-time partner of Emirates Team New Zealand, Omega has been associated with the America’s Cup since 1995 and continues to support the defending champions with top-tier technology.
Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black ETNZ edition
Omega
Omega’s Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black ETNZ edition, inspired by Emirates Team New Zealand, embodies this spirit of precision and performance. With its sleek black ceramic case, unidirectional bezel, and turquoise accents, the 45.5mm timepiece is more than just a statement of style.
It features a pre-race countdown indicator and boasts a water resistance of 600 meters. Priced at $13,300, it stands as a testament to Omega’s commitment to innovation and excellence on the high seas.
Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli competes in the second race on the third day of the 37th America’s Cup first preliminary regatta, off the coast of Vilanova i la Geltru on September 17, 2023. After this first preliminary regatta the teams will head to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a second regatta between November 29 to December 2, 2023. The third and last preliminary regatta will be held in August 2024 in Barcelona where all the America’s Cup teams will race in their new AC75s for the very first time. (Photo by LLUIS GENE / AFP) (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)
Beyond Louis Vuitton and Omega, several other watch brands have thrown their support behind the teams vying for America’s Cup glory.
Panerai Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech™.
Panerai
Panerai, for example, continues its partnership with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, unveiling the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech™. This 44mm high-performance watch, priced at $16,600, is made of a patented material that took seven years to develop, making it as rugged as it is refined.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 16: The AC75 Alinghi Red Bull Racing Team crew members celebrates after winning the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Semi Final Race 5 against the AC75 Ineos Britannia on September 16, 2024 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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Meanwhile, Tudor partnered with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, bringing its Pelagos FXD “Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition” to the fore. This watch, priced at $5,275, combines carbon composite, stainless steel, and titanium to deliver a timepiece designed for the rigors of competitive sailing.
Tudor Pelagos FXD “Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition”
Tudor
