Altitude: 1,000 meters. Location: heights of La Chaux-de-Fonds. Ben Ainslie temporarily leaves the sea for the mountains of Neuchâtel, in order to present CORUM’s CEO Antonio Calce his recent gold medal from Beijing.

Ben Ainslie presents his medal with Antonio Calce

A new experience
While the British sailor has already traveled all over the world by sea, October 21 will always stand out in his mind as a discovery of the Swiss mountains, as well as the company headquarters and watchmaking expertise during this meeting with his new family, CORUM.

Ben was welcomed by all of the employees, gathered to celebrate his arrival, and the pride and admiration of the entire CORUM staff were expressed by CEO Antonio Calce.

Since winning the Olympic Games this summer, this exceptional sportsman has lengthened his list of achievements even further with another podium finis on the blue waters of Bermuda, landing third place with Team Origin. From December 3 to December 7 he will compete in the Monsoon Cup in Malaysia. While his impressive feats are now associated with the CORUM image, the core of this partnership consists in a number of shared values.

Ben and Antonio in the CORUM’ workshops

Antonio Calce, CORUM’s CEO, said the following of Ben: “Ben’s maturity, charisma, modesty and determination to succeed reflect CORUM’s values perfectly. His feat provides a key message that we share with him. He proves to each of us that when we are driven by passion, great achievements are within reach and that it is a team’s combined efforts, solidarity and complementarity that bring victory. Ben is more than just a brand ambassador: he is a very generous person, and we consider him one of CORUM’s friends, an integral part of our family who actively participates in our company’s success.”

Ben Ainslie added: “Knowing that one is supported by so many people pulling for you as one is a feeling that moves you beyond your limits and allows you to tap into your confidence, strength and motivation, and to achieve new successes. Timepieces have always fascinated me but today I am seeing watches that unite estheticism, avant-gardism, expertise and legitimacy. Since I first began wearing the Admiral’s Cup Tides model, I am never without it, because it combines a complication movement that is unique in the world and represents an indispensable navigation instrument featuring essential functions, all encased in a timepiece with an esthetic appeal that will never go out of style.”

Ben Ainslie in Beijing 2008

A champion’s résumé

The two-time “ISAF World Sailor of the Year” participated in his first Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996, when he was only 19 years old. He won the silver medal in the Laser class. Then, after back-to-back Laser world championships in 1998 and 1999, Ben Ainslie brought home his first gold medal, from Sydney in 2000. He changed classes, moving to the Finn in 2002 and winning three consecutive world championships before taking his second Olympic gold medal in Athens in 2004. Since then, Ainslie has further asserted his supremacy at two other world championships, making a total of seven world championship titles.

Ben Ainslie receives his gold medal in Beijing 2008

He now aims to win the America’s Cup aboard Team Origin and then to confirm his Olympic excellence at the 2012 Games in London.

Creating long-term value

Ever since CORUM initiated its product repositioning strategy, the brand’s primary objective has been to create long-term value. In keeping with this focus, it has also chosen to provide lasting support for Ben Ainslie. Consequently, both parties are acting in the present while already outlining a future that promises both great victories and especially innovative projects to come.

Source: Worldtempus website