Recently honored by the Asia Society Southern California as the "Visionary of the Year", former NBA Star Yao Ming, was presented a luxury watch by the Girard-Perregaux brand. The seven-foot, six inch basketball player was honored with the timepiece that is titled the Chrono Hawk.
The timepiece features a brand recognized chronograph automatic movement housed in a 44mm stainless steel case. The sapphire case back is embossed with Yao’s special symbol in vivid red, and the brand only created two watches with the design. As rare as the star himself, the watches will be limited in number and carry a respectable value.
As Girard-Perregaux honors basketball great Yao Ming with this special crafted timepiece, it is through his own dedicated philanthropic efforts that brings the bestowed recognition his way. As an eight-time All-Star center, Yao Ming played with the Houston Rockets as well as three Olympic basketball teams for China.
As founder and proprietor of Yao Family Wines, the star uses his foundation and partnerships with Special Olympics and WildAid to prevent eradication of sharks and African elephants. He is involved in many charity functions and Girard-Perregaux made special note that the star represents the best of his sport, as well as the best of humanity.
Yao Ming was extremely honored by the gestures and felt that at such a young age it was remarkable that his efforts were recognized and respected by such renowned groups. He was also quite impressed with the watch design, and the impeccable precision offered by the brand. As a manufacturer of such quality timepieces the brand is respected around the world for all it’s collections.
The brand has been making watch history since 1791, crafting tradition, and excellence for luxury timepieces. In 1883, they filed a patent application with the US Patent Office ( at the time there was no patent institution in Switzerland) to protect the original design for a movement held by three parallel arrow-shaped bridges. The patent was granted and the brand took it’s first mark on history.
Changing many leaders through the years, the brand continued to grow and designs also took on art deco style, and a brilliance that continues to propel the timepieces to the top of the global charts. Technology powers the brand, qualified and respected leadership maintains the helm as growth and innovation expand.
Documented results of the brand keep pushing excellence, and stars like Yao Ming help to inspire perfection. Taking strides in supporting efforts of dedicated humanitarians, the brand wants to insure global support for causes that promote, protect, and preserve so many important areas of the world.