Endurance and Time: Watches that Capture the Spirit of Legendary Races

Endurance racing is where legends are made—a celebration of human grit, resilience, and unyielding determination. These aren’t just races; they are odysseys that test the calibre of world-class athletes and adventurers who dare to push their limits. Whether braving the tempestuous seas of the Vendée Globe, navigating the treacherous curves of the Mille Miglia, or conquering the relentless climbs of the Giro d’Italia, these events showcase the pinnacle of ambition and glory, transcending the boundaries of sport.

Complementing the drama are the timepieces that were inspired by these extreme races. These mechanical masterpieces are engineered to withstand extremes, measure every moment, and embody the spirit of endurance. From the open road to the high seas, these iconic races and their horological companions remind us that the journey, no matter how gruelling, is what defines the triumph.

There Can Only Be One

The America’s Cup is not just a sailing race—it’s a saga of rivalry, innovation, and audacity that has spanned nearly two centuries. First contested in 1851, it began when the schooner America, representing the New York Yacht Club, stunned the maritime world by defeating a fleet of British yachts in a race around the Isle of Wight. Queen Victoria herself reportedly asked who came second, to which the famous reply was, “Your Majesty, there is no second.” That single race established the United States as a dominant force in sailing—a supremacy that would last an astonishing 132 years.

The race’s prestige lies in its unique format. Unlike other competitions, the America’s Cup is a “challenge” event, where one club (the Challenger) takes on the Defender in a head-to- head battle. This structure has led to decades of fierce rivalries and dramatic upsets, none more iconic than the 1983 edition. That year, Australia II ended the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year winning streak with its revolutionary winged keel, a design so innovative it was cloaked in secrecy until the race. The Australians’ victory was not just a sporting achievement—it was a national triumph, celebrated with the kind of euphoria usually reserved for political or cultural milestones.

Over the years, the America’s Cup has become a crucible for technological advancement. Modern editions showcase yachts that seem more akin to spacecraft than traditional boats. Foiling monohulls, which lift above the water to reduce drag, reach blistering speeds of over 50 knots, transforming the competition into a high-speed ballet of precision and daring. Teams invest millions in cutting-edge design and strategy, turning each race into a high-stakes spectacle.

The America’s Cup is as much about the people as the boats. The personalities behind the helm—visionaries like Sir Peter Blake, Russell Coutts, and Larry Ellison—are as compelling as the yachts they command. Their bold decisions and relentless pursuit of perfection have shaped the race into the extraordinary event it is today. With each iteration, the America’s Cup pushes the boundaries of what is possible, blending tradition with innovation in a relentless quest for nautical supremacy.

THE WATCH: PANERAI LUMINOR LUNA ROSSA GMT

Panerai continues its legacy of precision and innovation with the Submersible GMT Luna Rossa Titanio PAM01507, celebrating the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona. As the Official Sponsor of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team, Panerai channels its maritime heritage and technological expertise into this 42mm Grade 5 titanium timepiece. The blue sun-brushed dial and ceramic bezel evoke a nautical spirit, while Superluminova X2 enhances luminosity by 10%, ensuring readability in challenging conditions. Powered by the automatic P.900/GMT24H calibre, the watch delivers a 3-day power reserve and features a GMT complication, enabling wearers to track multiple time zones—an essential tool for global competitions. With water resistance up to 50 bar and rigorous testing, this watch is engineered for extreme endurance. Two strap options, including a sporty bi-material design inspired by the team’s aesthetics, complete its robust yet elegant profile.

SHADES OF PINK

The Giro d’Italia is yet another love letter penned to immortalise Italy’s dramatic terrain, relentless spirit, and enduring passion for competition. One of cycling’s three Grand Tours, alongside the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, the Giro was first held in 1909 as a bold attempt to promote La Gazzetta dello Sport. What began as a marketing experiment has since transformed into one of the most prestigious and gruelling events in the sport.

Spanning over 3,000 kilometres in three weeks, the Giro takes riders through Italy’s breathtaking landscapes: the towering Dolomites, the serene Tuscan hills, and the bucolic countryside that has inspired poets and painters for centuries. The Giro doesn’t merely test the physical limits of its participants—it immerses them in a tableau of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The pink jersey, or maglia rosa, awarded to the overall leader, is a nod to the pink pages of La Gazzetta, but it has become a global symbol of resilience and excellence.

The Giro’s history is steeped in drama and larger-than-life personalities. In 1949, Fausto Coppi, nicknamed Il Campionissimo (“The Champion of Champions”), etched his name into legend with a solo ride across the Alpine passes from Cuneo to Pinerolo, where he gained nearly 12 minutes on his rivals. Eddy Merckx, “The Cannibal,” devoured the competition with five overall wins, cementing his status as one of cycling’s all-time greats.

Italy, often associated with la dolce vita, reveals a different side in the Giro. Its rugged climbs and unforgiving terrain contrast sharply with its idyllic countryside, showcasing the duality of a nation that cherishes both elegance and endurance. Modern editions of the race continue to reinvent themselves, incorporating unpredictable routes that challenge even the best riders in the world. Like the Mille Miglia, Giro d’Italia weaves together the bucolic charm of the countryside with the relentless pursuit of victory, proving once again that Italy’s soul is as much in its roads as in its culture.

THE WATCH: TUDOR PELAGOS FXD CHRONO “CYCLING EDITION”

This fascinating version of the Pelagos, engineered for the extreme demands of professional cycling, debuted in tandem with the TUDOR Pro Cycling Team’s entry into this year’s Giro d’Italia in 2024. Designed to reflect the grit and endurance of cycling’s most challenging events, this 43mm chronograph features a lightweight carbon composite case complemented by titanium elements for durability and resilience. The matte black dial, accented with red and luminescent ceramic markers, enhances legibility under intense conditions, while the recalibrated tachymeter scale— designed for cyclists’ average speeds—offers precision during performance tracking. This Pelagos is powered by the COSC- certified manufacture calibre MT5813, featuring a 70-hour power reserve, a silicon balance spring, and a column-wheel mechanism for unparalleled chronograph functionality. Water-resistant to 100 metres, it is robust enough for unpredictable conditions and features Tudor’s signature jacquard-woven fabric strap, renowned for its comfort and strength.

TEST OF WILL

The Ironman Triathlon stands as the ultimate benchmark of human endurance, mental fortitude, and sheer determination. Competitors face a gruelling combination of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a full 26.2-mile marathon, all tackled consecutively without pause. This Herculean event was born in 1978 from a casual yet ambitious debate among friends in Hawaii over whether swimmers, cyclists, or runners were the fittest athletes. Rather than settle the argument with words, they crafted the most demanding endurance test imaginable. Of the 15 daring participants who took on the inaugural race, only 12 completed the challenge—a modest start to what would become an international phenomenon.

The defining moment that catapulted Ironman into global consciousness came in 1982 at the World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Julie Moss, leading the women’s race, collapsed mere metres from the finish line, her body completely spent. Yet, crawling across the line with an unbreakable will, she became the embodiment of Ironman’s spirit: perseverance against all odds. Seven years later, the legendary “Iron War” between Mark Allen and Dave Scott unfolded on the same course. Their ferocious head-to-head battle, testing both strategy and physical limits, culminated in Allen’s hard-fought victory, etching their rivalry into the annals of sporting history.

Today, Ironman has grown into a global series spanning over 50 countries, including tropical Malaysia, where extreme humidity and heat add an extra layer of challenge. Thousands of competitors now participate annually, all striving to earn the coveted title of Ironman—or Ironwoman. At its pinnacle are the Ironman World Championships, hosted in Kona, Hawaii, and Nice, France—a alternating dual-location format for men and women running through 2026. These prestigious events, showcasing the best endurance athletes in the world, continue to inspire millions with their blend of physical grit and human triumph.

THE WATCH: BREITLING ENDURANCE PRO IRONMAN LIMITED EDITION

The Breitling Endurance Pro Ironman Limited Edition celebrates the pinnacle of endurance racing at this year’s event, where the women competed in Nice, France, and the men took on Kailua- Kona, Hawaii. The watch features a lightweight titanium case, durable blue rubber strap for maximum performance and comfort, while the COSC-certified SuperQuartz calibre provides exceptional accuracy. The watch incorporates thoughtful details, including the Ironman World Championship logo at 6 o’clock and a pulsometer bezel for tracking heart rates, all set against a striking anthracite dial with luminescent hands and indices. Limited to 500 pieces, the design blends functionality with symbolism, featuring ferns and lavender motifs that nod to the race’s dual locations in Hawaii and southern France.

ON THE HIGH SEAS

The Vendée Globe is a race that redefines human endurance, daring competitors to conquer not only the sea but their own limits. Often called the “Everest of the Seas,” it stands as the world’s most gruelling solo sailing challenge. First held in 1989, this epic race begins and ends in the quaint seaside town of Les Sables-d’Olonne, France, but the journey in between spans over 20,000 nautical miles of sheer unpredictability. Sailors must navigate the globe single-handedly, non- stop, and without any external assistance—a feat that demands extraordinary skill, courage, and mental fortitude.

What makes the Vendée Globe truly daunting is its course. Competitors traverse the vast, unforgiving Southern Ocean, battling 30-metre waves, relentless gale-force winds, and freezing temperatures. They
must round the three great capes—Good Hope, Leeuwin, and Horn—a route steeped in maritime lore and fraught with danger. For months on end, these sailors are isolated, racing not just against one another but against the elements, their equipment, and their own endurance. Each moment on the water is a precarious dance with nature’s fury.

The race has no shortage of tales of resilience and heroism. Michel Desjoyeaux, affectionately known as “Le Professeur,” cemented his legacy in the 2000-2001 edition by winning despite a litany of early technical setbacks. His meticulous preparation and strategic brilliance earned him not just the victory but a place in sailing’s pantheon. More recently, the 2020 edition underscored the race’s perilous nature when Kevin Escoffier’s boat broke apart in the Southern Ocean. Surviving for hours in a life raft before being rescued by a fellow competitor, his ordeal was a stark reminder of the razor-thin line between triumph and disaster in this race.

The current edition of the Vendée Globe kicked off on Nov 10, with a record 40 skippers embarking on this formidable journey. As they navigate the globe’s most treacherous waters, the first sailors are anticipated to return to Les Sables-d’Olonne in March 2025, depending on weather conditions and individual progress. This edition continues the tradition of pushing the boundaries of human endurance and maritime innovation, with participants facing the relentless challenges that have defined the race since its inception.

THE WATCH: ULYSSE NARDIN DIVER NET VENDÉE GLOBE

The Ulysse Nardin Diver NET Vendée Globe is a sophisticated timepiece engineered to honour the world’s most challenging solo sailing race. A bold statement of innovation and sustainability, its 44mm case is crafted from recycled fishing nets, exemplifying Ulysse Nardin’s commitment to ocean conservation. Paired with a strap made from similar eco-friendly materials, the watch reflects the Vendée Globe’s emphasis on environmental stewardship. The Diver NET is powered by the in-house UN-118 calibre, a highly precise movement equipped with a silicon balance spring and a DiamonSil escapement, ensuring durability and accuracy in the harshest maritime conditions. The watch boasts 300 metres of water resistance and features a unidirectional bezel for safe dive timing. Its highly legible dial, enhanced by luminous markers and hands, ensures optimal readability even in low-light environments. Visually, the design incorporates bold red accents inspired by the Vendée Globe, reinforcing its connection to the legendary race.

ITALIAN SOUL

More than a race; the Mille Miglia is a love letter to Italy’s automotive heritage and the romance of the open road, wrapped in the spirit of la dolce vita. First held in 1927, this legendary “Thousand Miles” took drivers on a breathtaking yet gruelling loop from Brescia to Rome and back. Imagine the drama of twisting mountain passes, the chaos of cobblestone streets, and the serenity of sun-drenched countryside, all set against a backdrop of cheering crowds and roaring engines. It’s a scene that could easily unfold in a 1970s Italian film, where the thrill of the race mingles with the glamour of the era.

Initially a high-speed competition on public roads, the Mille Miglia ran until 1957 before being reborn as a rally for classic cars, and now it is open only to vehicles manufactured before its original cessation. Yet the mystique endures. Legendary figures like Tazio Nuvolari and Stirling Moss have etched their names into its history. Moss’ 1955 victory in a Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR remains the stuff of legend—completing the course in just over 10 hours at an average speed of nearly 98 mph, his drive was as audacious as it was unforgettable.

Today, the Mille Miglia is as much about camaraderie as competition, blending the adrenaline of racing with the timeless joy of the journey. Drivers pilot vintage beauties through Italy’s most picturesque landscapes, celebrating the marriage of engineering and artistry. It’s a rolling tableau of classic cars, charming villages, and shared passion, where the spirit of the race feels as alive as it did in its golden age. In every way, the Mille Miglia captures not just the mechanics of endurance but the pure romance of driving.

THE WATCH: CHOPARD MILLE MIGLIA GTS CLASSIC CHRONOGRAPH

As the official timekeeper of the Mille Miglia, Chopard’s series of watches that encapsulate the race’s spirit include two new models for 2024, the more accessible model being the Mille Miglia Classic Chronograph. Several design elements link the watch to racing – the white and black dial referencing the chequered flag, the panda dial resembling classic car dashboard controls, and of course, the Miglia 1000 inscription on the Lucent steel caseback. A key technical feature is its black tachymeter scale, ideal for calculating average speeds over fixed distances. The dial’s silvery centre boasts a circular brushed finish, while the black sub-dials—running seconds at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock, and a 30-minute tracker at 9 o’clock—stand out with their snailed textures and crisp white markers. Vintage-inspired Arabic numerals and baton-style hour and minute hands, coated with Super-LumiNova, ensure excellent legibility in all lighting conditions. Subtle yet dynamic red accents bring the dial to life, highlighting the Mille Miglia logo and the tip of the central chronograph seconds hand.

This article first appeared on WOW’s Spring Issue #77

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