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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.