Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has donated string from a racquet used to win Wimbledon 30 years ago to Swiss watchmaker Avantist, which is building the string into a limited edition collection of 30 timepieces.
Each watch is expected to sell for £8,000, although no details have been revealed about where and when they will go on sale.
Ms Navratilova, who is working with the BBC as a commentator and pundit at this fortnight’s Wimbledon, said: “Getting to the top and staying there was a long and incredible journey.
“I believe Avantist understands and embraces the values it takes to become a champion and how to preserve and also champion a legacy, which is why I am excited to share my legacy with Avantist and most of all, the people who will wear the watch.”
Anybody buying one of the limited edition timepieces will also have it hand-delivered by the tennis ace at one of the four season Grand Slams in Melbourne, New York, Paris or London.
Avantist says it has been working on the watch for the past two years to “a masterpiece in craftsmanship that champions a true sports legacy”.
“Martina Navratilova has an extraordinary legacy that is both aspirational and inspirational for generations of people, which is why she is our choice as Avantist’s first ambassador,” said company founder Keeran Janin.
