face to face...
In touch with time
Boris Becker started his career with time on his side. Twenty years down the line, he now endorses a timepiece that's named after him. ANITA KHATRI met the tennis legend...



* Tell us a little about this watch that's named after you?
It's called a Portuguese Chrono-Automatic Boris Becker watch. It's produced by leading Swiss watch manufacturer IWC Schaffhausen. It marks the occasion of the 20th anniversary since I started my career by winning the Grand Slam tournament at Wimbledon.

* But Why a watch to mark the occasion?
Time is very important for sportsmen; not only do we have to be on time, even the concept of timing in sports is very important for team players because without 'time' you lose all the time. Time and tennis go hand in hand, so a watch was most appropriate.

* Why did you choose IWC watches?
Well, the CEO of IWC and I are old friends. We've known each other since the last 12 years. IWC itself is a highly technical, classy and male-oriented company. It suits my personality perfectly. Secondly, it is located in Schaffhausen, Zurich, where my home is.

* Do you feel a watch reflects the personality of an individual?
As a man, I am not crazy about jewellery. My only fashion statement is a watch and therefore a watch means a lot to me. In my crazy life, time is everything. My watch runs my life and if it looks good, feels right and is dependable, then it says much more. I like big watches for men, as it is easier to read the time. Watches are usually the only piece of jewellery a man wears and it gives a distinct personality.

* Which is your favourite watch from IWC?
Definitely the Portuguese Tourbillon.

* How many watches do you own?
I am what you would call a watch collector; I have more than 10 but less than 100 watches! My collection includes Cartier, IWC, Breguet, Vacheron, Constantin and Rolex.

* How do you decide which one to wear, when?
It all depends on what I will be doing. For example, if I'm going to the gym or to work, then I wear a Swatch, but for a meeting or for a day out, I'll wear my Portuguese Tourbillon.

* Did your father's architect genes influence you in any way to be creative?
I do have taste and a sense for fashion. I have started my own clothing line since November 2005, which bears my name. It is available in Europe and I am involved in the design.

* What to do you think of Indian tennis sensation Sania Mirza?
She has great talent and is a big opportunity for Indian Tennis. She has all the right things going for her. How far she goes depends on her hard work and focus.


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