Stylish As Usual
It Matches the Ring By ERIC WILSON
TOM BRADY, the quarterback of the New England Patriots, may be better versed in the accessorizing habits of football players than most. But then, he does have three Super Bowl rings and just as many designer watches to wear with them.
“Some guys on the team can pull off a lot of jewelry,” he said. “But for most players, a watch is the first thing they’ll buy when they start making money. A watch represents you.”
Mr. Brady, whose latest endorsement deal is with Movado, had a lot to say on the subject of watches. He is designing one that reflects his interests in both athleticism and style.
“My watches are important to me,” he said. “The three things you’ve got to have in a watch are great style, craftsmanship and precision. What makes a great watch makes a great athlete.”
Next month Movado will introduce its first sports styles with straps made of stainless steel or thermoresin, a type of rubber treated to resist sun damage. The Series 800 watches will sell for $700 to $1,300 and have details like a wave pattern etched on the face and, unlike the company’s minimalist Museum Dial design, numbers. Mr. Brady’s will appear in advertisements for Movado.
“People are much more active today than they have ever been, and they want a watch that appeals to a more active lifestyle,” said Jeff Cohen, the Movado president.
The very idea of an unlickable wristwatch has inspired some imaginatively abusive attempts to disprove the famous 1950’s Timex boast, including elephant stomping, though the perverse thrill of destruction would likely have been less had the targets been as expensive as, say, a four- or five-figure sports watch from Chanel, Dior, Cartier or Patek Philippe. Yet such pseudocasual looks have become a significant factor in the industry.
Mr. Brady would agree. He owns three of Movado’s signature formal watches, but he is looking for “one that you can wear at a black tie event, but also at the park.”
Not that he will risk wearing his Movados while playing professionally. According to the National Football League, players aren’t allowed to wear a watch during games.