Watches and Golf. A sporting partnership that has always been strong and is beginning to flourish more and more. In the modern game of golf, a watch brand’s name can be seen on advertisement boards or on official clocks throughout the course. Partnerships with some of the major watch manufacturers date back almost 50 years.
One of the more iconic and recognisable watch brands in the modern game and past is Rolex. Rolex’s partnership with golf goes all the way back to 1967 when “The Big Three” became official partners of Rolex; Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Gary Player. Rolex today is one of the leading brands when it comes to golf, displayed prominently on and off the field.
The other major brands that have major golfing presence include the likes of Omega and Audemars Piguet. Omega has been the Official Timekeeper of the PGA of America since 2011 which is the second Major of the golfing season. There is also the Omega European Masters, which used to be known as the Swiss Open, played during the European tour. Another luxury Swiss brand associated with golf is Audemars Piguet, who created one of the best professional golf teams in the world. Named the “Dream Team”, the latest to join the ranks is none other than 21-year-old Viktor Hovland.
While the brands display their love for the sport, so do the pro-golfers for their watches. Normally, it would be pretty hard to spot a luxury timepiece on a golfer’s wrist as they are playing, due to the fact that mechanical watches can be heavy and can affect wrist movement and ultimately the golfer’s swing. Combine this with the shocks of a swinging club’s impact on the ball at high speed can cause shocks on the finely tuned mechanical timepieces. This doesn’t stop some golfers, however (Bubba Watson)!
Where you’ll find most of the luxury brands being worn is off the green, during presentations, photoshoots and the awarding of the green jacket. With this in mind, we’ve brought together some of the golfers during this year’s Masters, rocking some impressive watches.
Jon Rahm’s Rolex Sky-Dweller
Ref. ( M336934-0006 ) (Image Ref. Getty Images.)
Starting off the list is Jon Rahm, the winner of Masters 2023. Spotted alongside his green jacket is his arguably favourite timepiece, the Rolex Sky-Dweller. It’s not the first time he was seen wearing his Rolex during tournaments, however, certainly will be his most memorable.
This particular model is made with Oystersteel and white gold, and has a beautiful blue dial along with Rolex’s Jubilee bracelet.
Tiger Woods Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller
Ref. ( 116660 )
Tiger Woods is a big fan of Rolex. Since 2011 he has been a spokesperson and representative for the brand. His watch of choice? The Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller.
The reference 116660 has been discontinued, however, it certainly was a timepiece that could withstand shocks. The standard oystercase had been upgraded to titanium by Rolex to give it a water pressure rating of an impressive 12,800ft.
Colin Morikawa’s Omega Speedmaster ’57 CO-AXIAL Chronograph.
Ref. (331.10.42.51.01.001) (Image Ref. GolfWRX.com)
Colin Morikawa back in 2020 signed with Omega to become their brand ambassador and we can see why. The pro-golfer made 22 consecutive cuts when he started his PGA tour career, second only to Tiger Woods 25.
Colin can be seen sporting a variety of Omega’s, ranging from a stainless steel and gold Omega Seamaster to the one he was spotted wearing recently the Omega Speedmaster ’57 CO-AXIAL Chronograph.
Bubba Watson’s Richard Mille RM 38-02 “Bubba Watson” Limited Edition
Bubba Watson has two major championships under his belt, the 2012 and 2014 Masters. Alongside his other milestone achievements, getting his own limited edition Richard Mille would have to certainly be up there too. Bubba Watson is not one to shy away from showing his Mille off either as he can be very easily seen wearing the watch while playing at this year’s Masters!
Limited to just 50 pieces, the Richard Mille RM 38-02 “Bubba Watson” limited edition is a pink and white colourway timepiece estimated at above $2Mil AUD.
Viktor Hovland’s Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar
Ref. (26579CB.OO.1225CB.01 )
The first Norwegian pro-golfer to win a PGA and European tour, Viktor Hovland has made a name for himself to be called up by Audemars Piguet to join their Dream Team. He has worn quite a few AP models, however, his watch of choice for this year’s Masters is one of my favourites, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in white ceramic.
This timepiece displays the day, date, month, astronomical moon, and week of the year and if that isn’t enough, also has a leap year indication.
