Louis Vuitton, Omega Share Emirates Team New Zealand America’s Cup Win

For both sailing fans and watch enthusiasts, the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in the waters of Barcelona has been an exhilarating journey. This legendary race was narrowed down to two contenders: the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, and the Challenger of Record, Ineos Britannia, helmed by the renowned Sir Ben Ainslie. The event, the oldest international sporting competition, dating back to 1851, is about more than just the battle of the seas; it is a fusion of endurance, cutting-edge technology and incredible timing. Now, Emirates Team New Zealand steals the victory and again becomes the Defender of the famed Auld Mug for the next four years.

But the final showdown between these two teams, Ineos Britannia and Team New Zealand, was an intense race to seven out of a possible 13 races. Team New Zealand came on strong, winning the victory 7-2 in the best of 13. It marks the third consecutive victory of the America’s Cup for Team New Zealand.

For Ineos Britannia, the team faced months of fierce competitions before emerging victorious as the Challenger of Record – winning the Louis Vuitton Cup Races (the months-long competition to determine the ultimate challenger) and its Trophy Trunk. Great Britain has never held the America’s Cup victory title the 173-year history of the competition.

At an event where victory is determined by fractions of a second, timing is everything, and some of the world’s most prestigious watch brands – from Louis Vuitton to Omega, Panerai and Tudor — have climbed on board.

Louis Vuitton: Legacy and Innovation

As the Title Partner of the 37th America’s Cup, Louis Vuitton brings an unparalleled level of craftsmanship and history to the event. The luxury Maison’s relationship with the America’s Cup dates back to 1983, and over the years, Louis Vuitton has become synonymous with the competition’s elegance and tradition.

This year, the brand’s involvement goes beyond sponsorship as it has been honored with the prestigious Sir Richard Francis Sutton Medal, marking its induction into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. The medal is named for the 19^th century Royal Yacht Squadron sailor and is awarded to those that have exemplified the spirit of sportsmanship.

Also, this year, Louis Vuitton created two trunk awards, including one for the team that won the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series (Ineos) and one for the winner of the 37^th America’s Cup. Bernard Arnault, LVMH Chairman and CEO, along with Pietro Beccari, Louis Vuitton Chairman and CEO, presented Emirates New Zealand Team with the America’s Cup Louis Vuitton Trophy trunk at yesterday’s victory event.

Watch Brands Affiliated With The America’s Cup

Omega, a brand that belongs to the Swatch Group, also holds a large and active role with the America’s Cup races. As the Official Timekeeper of the 37th America’s Cup and a long-time partner of Emirates Team New Zealand, Omega has been associated with the America’s Cup since 1995 and continues to support the defending champions with top-tier technology.

Omega’s Seamaster Planet Ocean Deep Black ETNZ edition, inspired by Emirates Team New Zealand, embodies this spirit of precision and performance. With its sleek black ceramic case, unidirectional bezel, and turquoise accents, the 45.5mm timepiece is more than just a statement of style. It features a pre-race countdown indicator and boasts a water resistance of 600 meters. Priced at $13,300, it stands as a testament to Omega’s commitment to innovation and excellence on the high seas.

Beyond Louis Vuitton and Omega, several other watch brands have thrown their support behind the teams vying for America’s Cup glory.

Panerai, for example, continues its partnership with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, unveiling the Submersible QuarantaQuattro Luna Rossa Ti-Ceramitech™. This 44mm high-performance watch, priced at $16,600, is made of a patented material that took seven years to develop, making it as rugged as it is refined.

Meanwhile, Tudor partnered with Alinghi Red Bull Racing, bringing its Pelagos FXD “Alinghi Red Bull Racing Edition” to the fore. This watch, priced at $5,275, combines carbon composite, stainless steel, and titanium to deliver a timepiece designed for the rigors of competitive sailing.