Olympic athletes, for the most part, don’t need to wear a watch while competing. Indeed the pursuit of medals might very well expose intricate little machines to all manner of abuse. That’s why it’s interesting to see many of the competitors at the 2021 2020 Tokyo Olympics were not just wearing watches during their events — but often, wearing unexpected (and even some very expensive) ones.
Certain brands with sponsorships and official ambassadors were particularly visible, from TAG Heuer, Breitling and official Olympic timekeeper Omega to very high-end brands like Richard Mille. Such financial relationships help explain why some athletes are wearing the watches, but they also make for interesting visuals and testimonial to the products’ durability. There were also certainly watches worn as personal choices and those that felt particularly appropriate for their activity.
Here are some standout examples of what we’re calling “what are you wearing, 2021 Olympic edition.”
Mutaz Essa Barshim / Richard Mille RM 67-02
Cameron Spencer
Richard MilleOmega might be the Olympics’ official timekeeper, but Richard Mille was perhaps the most visible watch on athletes’ wrists, from equestrian events to golf to track and field — and despite the brand’s famously stratospheric prices. It was a veritable marketing coup, and no better captured than in the shareable moment when Qatari high-jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim shared his gold medal in the event with Gianmarco Tamberi.
Price: ~$120,500
