On our hot seat today is tennis legend and Seiko brand ambassador Novak Djokovic. He’s the very definition of everything Seiko stands for – to be that “one step ahead of the rest” and for a man who’s constantly on the go, it’s no surprise, the Astron is his dedicated travel watch. In its six years of existence, hundreds of thousands of watch lovers and world travellers have found practical, ‘’real life’’ advantages of Seiko’s GPS Solar technology and the uniqueness of Astron’s design to be an irresistible combination including the tennis legend himself. With just a touch of a button, the Astron connects to a GPS network and adjusts to the local time, irrespective of the timezone. Best of all it takes all the energy it needs from light alone and never needs a battery change.
Image Credit: Beatrice Moritz Photography
Find out why the Astron matters to tennis superstar Novak Djokovic.
Congratulations on your 13th Grand slam title at Wimbledon this year. What makes a great tennis player?
Great tennis players aren’t made overnight. It takes a lot of time, a lot of commitment and dedication, but I think mostly a lot of passion and love for the game. It also means being very clear with yourself and aware of what you want to achieve and making that an absolute priority of everyday life, especially at the earlier stages of the career when champions are crafted and players develop their characters. Of course, another very important aspect is creating a team of trustworthy people that care about you and who have great expertise and knowledge, and people. You need a team you can rely on in good and bad times.
We saw you wearing a beautiful Seiko Astron GPS Solar Limited edition, on the day you received your trophy. What is it that appeals to you most about this watch?
I think what appeals to me the most about the Astron watch is that it’s a traveller’s watch. I travel as a tennis player a lot, it’s a big part of my life and my career. The Astron watch has the ability to change the time and time zone anywhere I go, and obviously it follows me on the tennis court, and off the tennis court, and I’m very comfortable and proud to wear it.
You’ve been associated with Seiko for years now. What is the one thing you felt you could immediately relate to?
I could immediately relate to the heritage and history of Seiko Corporation, Seiko family. I say family as I have been treated as part of the family ever since 2014 when we started the partnership. We have had plenty of success and fun on the tennis court. I have always had a very nice relationship with Mr. Hattori and everyone from the organisation, and looking forward to many more years of great success.
What is your relationship with time?
Someone says time is a luxury, but I see time as an illusion, because I think we are the creators of our time, our own time, our own reality. I feel like time and space always go together.
How do you think the game of tennis has changed / evolved over the years?
Technology has obviously had a big role in the evolution of tennis. The rackets nowadays and the materials they use in the rackets are helping with control, the speed of the ball and power. Because of this, the sport in general became more physical. You don’t get to see so many classical serve and volley players as we have seen 20 or 30 years ago. Right now the game is based more on the base line and is more of a physical battle and a gruelling marathon. Grand Slams involve many five set matches, which I’m not complaining about because I actually like to run.
How do Seiko timepieces fit in your lifestyle?
They fit perfectly, especially Astron, I can wear it anywhere I go. I can combine it with any apparel that I wear. I’m obviously mostly in my sports apparel but it can fit with anything elegant as well. I’m proud to wear it on the tennis court. When I take my boy to school or when I’m travelling on a plane, or when I’m attending a gala dinner, Seiko Astron watch is always on my wrist.
What aspect of the watch world do you find most interesting?
It’s telling the time and is reminding me not to be late, which is one of my flaws if I can say so. it’s one of the things I am working on!
Click here to know more about Astron
Cover Image Credit: Beatrice Moritz Photography