A tradition nearly as exciting as the race itself, the best America’s Cup watches come to us from some of the world’s foremost brands. The previous official timekeeper was Italian powerhouse Officine Panerai, and this year, the honour goes to Omega. As one might imagine, neither brand is a stranger to legendary sailing watches. Defending champion the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron will rock new Omegas as they race across the Hauraki Gulf for the 2021 America’s Cup.
Of course, Officine Panerai and Omega are but two amongst a number of America’s Cup watch brands. Everyone from Bremont to Zenith has found their way into the event, either as previous official timekeepers or challenging team sponsors. That brings an extra tier of engagement from people like ourselves, who love nothing more than to geek out on the latest timepieces.
With the 36th defence nearly upon us (as of this article), why not revisit the best America’s Cup watches in each of their respective glories? But first: what is the America’s Cup, anyway?
What is the America’s Cup?
One of the most prestigious trophies in sports history, the America’s Cup—also known as the Auld Mug—is awarded to the winner of match races between sailing yachts. With origins dating back to 1851, it’s the oldest international sports trophy in modern history. For over a century, there were only two competing yachts in total: the “defender” (i.e. the defending champion) and the “challenger.” In 1970, multiple challengers competed for the first time and have done so ever since.
When we said “prestigious,” we weren’t kidding. The event attracts top sailors, leading yacht designers, a number of wealthy entrepreneurs, and some of the world’s most predominant luxury sponsors. It’s been reported that modern teams fundraise over US$100 million—and even as much as USD$300 million—just to compete. Italian fashion house Prada is the presenting and naming partner for the 2021 America’s Cup, and Omega is the official timekeeper.
The Best America’s Cup Watches
With serious money on the line and a perennial need for precise timekeeping, it’s no wonder that America’s Cup watch brands bring out the big guns for this extraordinary event. Here are some of the best America’s Cup watches in history.
1. OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300m America’s Cup Chronograph
As this year’s official America’s Cup watch brand, Omega presents yet another nautical showstopper. Built from stainless steel, the 44 mm chronograph’s blue ceramic dial and bezel ring also features a white enamel diving scale. Peer closer and you’ll notice the laser-engraved wave-pattern dial includes a ‘regatta countdown indicator ring’ in red anodised aluminium. The chronograph also features the America’s Cup itself—trophy of trophies—on the counterweight of the central seconds chronograph hand. Even, the small seconds hand is inspired by the shape of a boat hull.
America’s Cup: 36th (2021)
Case Size: 44mm
Movement: Master Chronometer Calibre 9900
2. Panerai Luminor Marina 1950 America’s Cup 3 Days Automatic Acciaio
Bearing the hallmarks of a classic vintage Panerai, this limited edition reissue brings the past back to life with impeccable authenticity. As per the watchmaker’s M.O., it strikes an ideal balance between Swiss mechanics and Italian design with a larger than life 44mm size. Powered by Panerai’s iconic P.9010 calibre movement, this America’s Cup watch is vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. And so Panerai’s reputation as one of the best America’s Cup watch brands lives on.
America’s Cup: 35th (2017)
Case Size: 44mm
Movement: P.9010 calibre
3. Bremont AC35
Another America’s Cup watch brand of considerable regard, Bremont took inspiration from 1930s J Class yachts when crafting this limited edition masterpiece. The British watchmaker has made the annual event one of its mainstays with the AC35 marking a significant move towards luxury timepieces. It wraps 18K rose gold around an elegant dial face, and features signature Trip-Tick case construction.
America’s Cup: 35th (2017)
Case Size: 43mm
Movement: Bremont BWC/01
4. Ulysse Nardin Classico Enamel America
Already synonymous with iconic sailing watches, Ulysse Nardin took their illustrative aesthetic to a glorious extreme with this eye-popping timepiece. Gracing its enamel cloisonné dial is an image ripped straight out of nautical history: the “America” schooner winning the Royal Yacht Squadron’s 100 Pound Cup in 1851. The race has been known as the America’s Cup ever since.
America’s Cup: designed in honour of the 1st America’s Cup (1851)
Case Size: 40mm
Movement: COSC-certified Calibre UN-815
5. Zenith El Primero Sport Land Rover Bar Edition
The ongoing partnership between Zenith and UK sailing team Land Rover BAR generated this robust chronograph, which is water-resistant to 20 bar. A steely sight to behold, it employs a strap of carbon-fibre coated rubber, the same materials used on the team’s own catamaran.
America’s Cup: 35th (2017)
Case Size: 45mm
Movement: El Primero 400 B
6. Omega Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ Limited Edition
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron was in it to win it (which they did) back in 2017 and so too was Omega, their America’s Cup watch brand of choice. Crafted from uber-sturdy titanium, the Speedmaster X-33 Regatta ETNZ Limited Edition delivers a seamless balancing act between analog and digital elements. Its multi-functional red button activates a series of alarms—each with a unique ringing sequence—to coincide with the five-minute starting countdown.
America’s Cup: 35th (2017)
Case Size: 44.5mm
Movement: Thermocompensated quartz
7. Ulysse Nardin Marine Chronograph Manufacture Regatta
This signature sailing watch is a true racer’s timepiece, which looks forever prepared for ocean-spanning adventure. Features include a patented bidirectional regatta countdown timer, which counts down from 10 to zero and then instantly reverses direction.
America’s Cup: 35th (2017)
Case Size: 44mm
Movement: Caliber UN-155
8. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean America’s Cup Edition
Omega’s newest sailing watch makes for an extra-special addition to the Planet Ocean range. Water-resistant to a whopping 60 bar, its distinct colourway pays tribute to the Auld Mug event logo. The Kiwi crew has a truly excellent watch brand as a partner, which has been the case for over 25 years.
America’s Cup: 36th (2021)
Case Size: 43.5mm
Movement: Master Chronometer Calibre 8900
9. Louis Vuitton Tambour Navy Chronograph
In addition to its Auld Mug colourway, this America’s Cup watch from Louis Vuitton features a maritime-themed “V” on the dial display. It’s water-resistant to 10 bar and jam-packed with utility, including chronograph function, countdown timer, and date indicator.
America’s Cup: 33rd (2010)
Case Size: 44mm
Movement: Dubois-Dépraz Calibre LV171
10. Bremont AC-R-II
Former official America’s Cup watch brand Bremont crafted this chronograph with the utmost durability in mind. Its hardened steel construction is seven times harder than the average stainless steel counterpart. Limited to just 135 pieces, the watch features a 15-minute regatta countdown timer at 12 o’clock.
America’s Cup: 35th (2017)
Case Size: 43mm
Movement: Modified calibre BE-17AE
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America’s Cup Watches FAQs
The 36th America's Cup starts on 6 March and runs until 15 March, 2021.
As the partner of defending champion the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, Omega is the official timekeeper for the 2021 America's Cup.
The 2021 America's Cup will start on 6 March and broadcast through its YouTube channel. Visit YouTube to watch.
