Popular brand name watches manufacturer, Seiko, announced yesterday that they have signed a sponsorship deal with Hope Solo. The 30-year-old sportswoman is the United States’ Olympic gold medal winning goalkeeper.
It is thought that Solo has been brought on board the brand name watches’ sponsorship hall of fame to represent the brand’s Sportura Collection from this Fall onwards. A launch date for her own special edition brand name watches is yet to be confirmed.
It is customary for brand name watches to have celebrity affiliates to represent their brand. Traditionally these arise from the sports, car or acting arenas. The signing of Hope Solo by Seiko, further cements the brand name watches manufacturer’s soccer ties. Solo joins men’s star Landon Donovan, one of the top players the US has produced in recent times and a key figure for the national team. Seiko also sponsor men’s European and World champions FC Barcelona, who have dominated the club game in recent years.
Seiko’s Olympic legacy is almost 50 years old–they were the official timer for six Summer and Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the first at Tokyo in 1964 and the last at Salt Lake City in 2002. Seiko’s brand name watches timing systems have also been used in swimming, athletics, speed and alpine skiing.