Written by Menswear Style
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2nd December 2024
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, the competition was matched only by the spectacle of luxury, as some of the world’s top athletes and celebrities showcased exquisite wristwatches that made a lasting impression. Rolex and Omega timepieces took the spotlight and adorned the wrists of record-breaking athletes and former professional sports stars among other luxury brands.
From the Speedmaster Aqua Terra to the GMT-Master II, some stylish Omega watches and Rolex watches celebrities wear to sports events like the Olympic Games capture everyone’s attention.
Noah Lyles – Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8Â
Noah Lyles, the American track sensation, brought his signature speed to the Paris Olympics and his Omega Speedmaster Apollo 8 truly completed his track look. Worn at the highly-anticipated 100m men’s finals, Lyles wore the ‘Dark Side Of The Moon’ Speedmaster as he crossed the finishing line and won the gold medal. His watch choice was simple and sleek with a black skeletonised dial and bold perforated leather strap, this model complements Lyles’ powerful yet refined style.
The Apollo 8 takes inspiration from the lunar missions that made the luxury brand famous. Its name reflects the watch’s striking, all-black design and its connection to space exploration, a heritage dating back to NASA’s Apollo missions.
Armand Duplantis – Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M ‘Ultra Light’Â
Armand Duplantis took sportswear to new heights with his Omega Seamaster at the Paris Olympics. Duplantis impressed crowds by not just defending his Olympic title but taking home another gold medal, beating his previous record, and setting a new world record for pole vault. But, as eyes were fixed on his jumps, eagle-eyed watch collectors spotted Duplantis debuting a brand-new Seamaster on his left wrist.
Grade five titanium provides a light watch that is corrosion-resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures, properties which make it a strong and durable watch for many different uses. Its blue anodised dial, complemented by yellow accents, reflects the Swedish flag and matches the Olympic kit Duplantis wore.Â
Stephen Curry – Rolex President Day-Date IIÂ
Stephen Curry, the NBA superstar known for redefining basketball, brought a touch of refined elegance to the Paris Olympics with his choice of wristwatch. Off-court, Curry was spotted during the Olympics walking around Paris wearing a stylish Rolex President Day-Date II. This 41mm masterpiece in rose gold, featuring a sunburst dial, is a choice that speaks to Curry’s blend of style and precision on and off the court.
The 1950s were a historical moment for the prestigious watch brand as several iconic Rolex models were introduced, including the Rolex Submariner, GMT-Master, and Explorer. Released in 1956, the Rolex Day-Date has become one of the most iconic Rolex watches celebrities wear, particularly U.S. Presidents, hence why it’s often referred to as the ‘President’. Stephen Curry chose to wear a Day-Date to the Olympics but Presidents like Lyndon B. Johnson and John F. Kennedy wore the model during their presidencies.
Michael Phelps – Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150MÂ
Another sporting great wore Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra during the Olympics this year. Legendary swimmer Michael Phelps is no stranger to the Games as he has won 23 gold medals and is the most decorated Olympian of all time with 28 medals in total.
Phelps was spotted attending the Paris event this year wearing a Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M. The 44mm chronograph in 18k red gold, with a grey dial inspired by luxury boat decks, suits Phelps’ storied career and enduring influence. This model is a tribute to the watch brand’s maritime heritage and combines a stylish timepiece with the qualities of a durable sports watch.
A strong supporter of Omega, Phelps was part of their latest campaign for the Olympic Games this year alongside Léon Marchand. The campaign, ‘Legends Inspire Legends’ highlights the two different swimming generations between the two athletes and showcases the new Seamaster Aqua Terra timepieces.Â
Tom Brady – Rolex GMT-Master IIÂ
Tom Brady, seven-time Super Bowl champion, opted for the understated elegance of the Rolex GMT-Master II at the Paris Olympics which stirred excitement among watch collectors. Brady’s GMT-Master II, launched at Watches & Wonders 2024, features a rugged yet sleek Oystersteel case with a striking new colourway, a watch suited for everyday style rather than exclusivity.
Going against the ultra-rare and vintage treasures in Tom Brady’s watch collection, this model instead embraces subtlety and understated elegance. The watch stands out among the other flashy and jaw-dropping Rolex watches celebrities wear, including Brady, and doesn’t try too hard – making it the perfect piece for everyday wear. Matching his laid-back outfit, this particular GMT-Master II looks right at home on his wrist.
Shaun White – Omega Speedmaster MoonwatchÂ
Another former athlete who chose Omega as their watch brand of choice for the Olympic Games is gold medal winner Shaun White. Known for his snowboarding and skateboarding, White was another celebrity attending Paris 2024 this year wearing a statement wristwatch. At the opening ceremony, White wore an Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch on his wrist.
A key material in White’s wristwatch is Omega’s exclusive ‘Moonshine Gold’, an 18k yellow gold alloy created in 2019. The Moonwatch Professional is one of Omega’s most iconic timepieces, chosen by NASA in 1965 for its manned space missions. Notably, it was the first watch worn on the moon during the Apollo 11 landing.Â
The Paris Olympics didn’t just set records on the track and field, it showcased a new level of celebrity fashion, as current and former sports icons wore timepieces that symbolised prestige and personal style. At high-profile events such as the Olympic Games, it’s clear to see that Rolex and Omega’s innovative wristwatches capture the eye of many celebrities.
