Oracle Racing and TAG Heuer

Swiss watch brand back America's Cup defender

TAG Heuer’s shield logo will be featured on the wingsails of Oracle Racing’s high-performance catamarans. The AquaRacer 500M Chronographs will keep time for Oracle Racing’s sailors, including Russell Coutts and James Spithill.

Additionally, TAG Heuer’s eyewear – especially the new Racer line – will shield team members’ eyes from ultra-violet rays and salt spray.

“High-performance and precision go right to the heart of what it takes to succeed in the America’s Cup, and this is exactly what TAG Heuer represents,” said Coutts. “TAG Heuer’s and Oracle Racing’s core values couldn’t be more closely aligned.”

To celebrate the partnership, TAG Heuer will develop a special timepiece with countdown function to be tested during the America’s Cup World Series Regattas leading up to the 34th America’s Cup.

“This is going to be a great adventure, both in human and technological terms,” said TAG Heuer’s President and CEO Jean-Christophe Babin. “Oracle Racing and TAG Heuer are two of most successful brands related to this iconic event, which represents the pinnacle of team performance. Our designers and engineers are working together to make this the best-equipped crew ever. And we’re setting our sights high: we want to break every record ever set, both for man and machine.”

The new partnership was announced today in San Diego at the third round of the America’s Cup World Series.

“Racing success is time-critical,” said Spithill. “From nailing a start to claiming victory, everything we do is measured in thousands of seconds and TAG Heuer’s precision helps optimize our performance on the racecourse.”

Racing catamarans capable of speeds in excess of 30mph/48kph requires the ultimate eye protection from piercing spray and exposure to the UV light spectrum. Not only does TAG Heuer’s sports eyewear feature lightweight, comfortable and stylish frames, but also the multi-coated lenses have water-dispersing hydrophobic features.

“Having such a prestigious world-renowned brand join our team is not just great news for Oracle Racing but for the America’s Cup as well,” said Coutts.