The 2015 Toyota AFL Premiers will for the first time in the game’s history be presented with a limited edition Premiership Watch on Grand Final Day thanks to Tissot, Official Timekeeper of the AFL.
Just 23 exclusive, not for sale watches arrived in Melbourne late last week via dual Premiership player and Swans’ legend Jude Bolton who was sent to the other side of the world to collect and courier the watches all the way from the tiny Swiss town of Le Locle to the MCG.
Speaking at the start of his journey in the Swiss Alps, Bolton spoke about how special this time of year was for both teams involved and how something so unique ensures the memory of a Premiership year would be kept on their wrist for years to come.
“A Premiership is a moment etched in time, but also a memory that lasts forever, which is why a watch is a perfect symbol to compliment the medallion on Grand Final day,” Bolton said. “It’s something I would’ve loved to have had from both my Premierships but I’m grateful to have also been given this experience in Switzerland to bring these back to Melbourne for the team.”
In partnership with myswitzerland.com, Bolton was able to celebrate all things Swiss during his whirlwind trip as he travelled across the country from the mountain village of Grindelwald, through to Gruyères – the true home of Swiss cheese – finally finishing at Tissot’s Headquarters in Le Locle.
The watch is the result of discussions over a number of years between Tissot and the AFL. The timepiece commemorates the occasion with a case back that features an exact replica of the AFL Premiership medallion and a strap inspired by the medallion lanyard with matching royal blue colouration and a uniquely designed material.
Scott Jungwirth. General Manager of Tissot Australia said the process taken to create these watches was extensive and very thorough. “The medallion is iconic and synonymous with winning a premiership, so it was important it was the driving inspiration behind the design of this time piece. The process taken to draw comparisons with the medallion and maintain the highest quality craftsmanship was challenging, but we are very pleased with what we’ve created.”
To produce an accurate replica, it was necessary for the AFL to send Tissot watchmakers the 2002 Premiership Medallion for further study over several months. From this, product developers were able to hand tool a high quality case back mould. In Tissot’s 162 year history, it is one of the few times a special tool has been created for such a small quantity of exclusive timepieces.
Tissot also partnered with Sherrin, the official AFL gameball, to create the unique red leather cushion upon which the watch sits within the presentation box. “The partnership with Sherrin is an important and authentic link to Australia’s game. The leather used to create the cushion is the same leather that will be used for the match ball used on grand final day” said Jungwirth.
Felix Scholz, Editor of Australia’s leading watch publication Time+Tide, said the watches would hold a special place with their owners.
“Often when a watch brand releases a limited edition they make hundreds, if not thousands of watches. There will only ever be 23 of this watch made – given to the 2015 premiership team. These watches are important pieces of sporting memorabilia, with real historical significance,” Scholz said. “Premiership teams often commemorate their win with a significant marker – such as a tattoo or a watch. And for the winning team this watch will become a treasured, lasting reminder of their win, and of their teammates”
A replica of the Tissot AFL Premiership Watch will be on display exclusively at Tissot Myer Melbourne from Monday 28th September to Sunday 11th October.
by Arrnott Olssen
Editor Rogue Homme
