Golf is a game of millimetres. A fraction of a degree at address, a breath of wind on the green, a moment of calm before the swing: everything rewards precision, patience and nerve. Few other pursuits mirror watchmaking closely, which is why OMEGA’s bond with the sport feels so natural. At the fifth edition of the OMEGA Trophy at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram, accomplished golfers from across India gathered to compete for recognition within the brand’s international golf family, guided by the precision behind its Master Chronometer Certification. Outlook Luxe had a conversation with both Neeraj Chopra and Guido Migliozzi, OMEGA’s Sports Ambassadors at the event.
Looking back at being signed by OMEGA in May 2024, just weeks before Paris, what was going through your mind stepping into that partnership at such a high-stakes moment in your career?
Neeraj Chopra: Joining OMEGA at that time gave me a lot of confidence. To collaborate with such a prestigious brand was a wonderful recognition of my career achievements. I already had the gold medal from Tokyo 2020, and OMEGA is an icon of Olympic Games timekeeping, so I felt like it was a perfect partnership going into that moment.
Becoming the first Indian track and field athlete to represent OMEGA is a significant marker. How do you see that milestone fitting into the larger story of Indian athletes gaining global recognition?
NC: I would say India has always been recognized especially for its legendary cricketers and victorious hockey teams. For me, it’s been very special to make my mark in athletics. It’s something quite unique for an Indian athlete, and I hope it can inspire the next generation and show them that India can win in any sport we put our heart into.
OMEGA’s role as Olympic Timekeeper since 1932 and your own Tokyo gold and Paris silver create a natural overlap. Did that shared Olympic connection influence how you felt about saying yes to this partnership?
NC: Yes, absolutely. With OMEGA’s experience at the Olympic Games, I feel like they truly understand the passion, commitment, and requirements of each athlete. They know what it means to be on that field, and the history that can be created. I love that they are literally in the venues with me, as Official Timekeeper. It’s an authentic feeling of support that is very unique. I said yes to a partnership very quickly.
You’ve worn the OMEGA Seamaster Aqua Terra at major moments, including the Paris Olympic Games 2024. Is there a specific memory attached to wearing that watch that stands out to you?
NC: The Seamaster Aqua Terra is a popular choice for athletes. I know that Mondo Duplantis wears an Ultra Light version when he jumps in the Pole Vault. So, it’s a watch that a lot of OMEGA ambassadors feel connected to. I definitely enjoyed wearing it during the Paris Olympic Games 2024 and create these unforgettable moments with this amazing timepiece. The watch I wore that day is still an important reminder of a very special moment in my career.
Elite athletes often talk about “the moment” before a throw, that narrow window where timing has to be perfect. Does that resonate with how OMEGA talks about precision in its own watchmaking?
NC: When we talk about timing at the Olympic Games, many people automatically think of a close race, or a photofinish in the 100m. But every athlete, in every sport, has their own timing to think about. Javelin throwing is an event where a small difference in timing can make a huge difference . Whether it’s the run-up, the angle you release the javelin at, the release, and so many different things – all those factors have influence. It’s like watchmaking I suppose, where so many little components must be mastered to make a perfect final result.
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From an Olympic stadium to an OMEGA event, you move between two very different worlds of performance and prestige. How do you navigate that shift in identity?
NC: Every athlete also needs rest and down time after an intense season. I love to train, but it is nice to connect with other people around me. And obviously that is the great thing about OMEGA, that they have watches for every occasion. A sporty Seamaster, or a sophisticated De Ville. I get to play many different roles with this amazing brand.
Extending your partnership with OMEGA through 2028 is a strong statement of commitment. What has the relationship given you over the years that made working with the brand for longer feel like the obvious choice?
Guido Migliozzi: I’ve built a genuine friendship with OMEGA. I think that’s the biggest motivation behind the extension. I’ve always felt like they support me in a very personable and authentic way. We’ve had some great moments, from the Olympic Games to the OMEGA European Masters, and I know there’s still a lot more to come.
As an OMEGA ambassador on the DP World Tour, how meaningful is the brand in your day-to-day life as a professional golfer, beyond just events and appearances?
GM: A brand like OMEGA gives you motivation. Their name carries a huge reputation and when I go into tournaments, I feel like I want to represent them in the best possible way and match their standard of excellence. I love the sporting heritage of OMEGA and I’m very honoured to be part of it.
The OMEGA European Masters in Crans-Montana is clearly a highlight on your calendar, Pro-Am, celebrity tournament and all. What makes that week feel different from a standard tour stop?
GM: Firstly, it’s the venue. I never get tired of playing in those mountains. It’s a majestic place to play golf. Crans-Montana itself has a beautiful community spirit, so everyone who makes it to that tournament feels like they’re part of a close, connected moment. It’s the oldest golf tournament in Europe to be played on the same course each year. So, the prize is not only a trophy and an OMEGA watch, but also a place in European golfing history.
OMEGA frequently speaks about precision and consistency under pressure, values it says it shares with you. Where in your own game do you feel that philosophy shows up most clearly?
GM: In golf, the most important part of precision is consistency. It’s more than a philosophy, it’s a demand. If you can hit the ball sweetly each time, then you’re more likely to come out on top. That’s what I strive for. To be consistent in my game and to get into an unbreakable rhythm.
Golf is a sport of fine margins, much like watchmaking. Has your relationship with OMEGA changed the way you think about consistency in your own performance?
GM: I’m already very familiar with the fine margins of golf. Believe me, I’ve been on both the good and bad sides of those margins during my career. That hasn’t changed since joining OMEGA. But like I say, what the brand gives me is an understanding of greatness. I see what they have achieved in the performance of watchmaking, and it drives me within my own day-to-day game.
For golf fans who may not follow watchmaking closely, how would you explain why a brand like OMEGA, built on precision and heritage, feels like a natural fit for someone in your sport?
GM: Watchmaking combines tradition, precision, power, and dedication. If there were Majors in watchmaking, OMEGA would have won them all. The very same values are what we love about golf. That sense of heritage and the perfection of striking a ball. We’re much more aligned than people know.
