Wednesday, 13 November 2024 09:40

AXIA Time Unveils Ultra-Custom Watches for College Football, Basketball & Lacrosse Icons Featured

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The College Football Playoff (CFP) ARGOS powered by Swiss brand Sellita's SW200 The College Football Playoff (CFP) ARGOS powered by Swiss brand Sellita's SW200 Image courtesy of AXIA Time

AXIA Time, a visionary in the realm of luxury timepieces, has set itself apart by offering ultra-customized, Swiss-made watches that resonate deeply with the passions and identities of their wearers. Known for its exquisite craftsmanship and dedication to exclusivity, the brand has embraced a unique approach to timekeeping by blending precision horology with the fervor of American sports culture. 

In 2024, AXIA Time is elevating its game with a series of limited-edition watches specifically tailored for college football, basketball, and lacrosse fans and sports enthusiasts, giving them an opportunity to celebrate their teams and icons through sophisticated design. The unveiled collections include the 12-team College Football Playoff (CFP) series, the Official Timepiece of the Heisman Trophy, the Official Timepiece of the prestigious Tewaaraton Awards for college lacrosse, and the Official Timepiece of the Naismith Award for college basketball.

The initiative marks an ambitious expansion for AXIA Time after it was named the Official Timepiece of the College Football Playoff (CFP) and has launched a new, limited-edition series honoring the 12 teams competing in the 2025 CFP National Championship. The College Football Playoff Collection features unique, heirloom-quality timepieces, including a special "Players’ Style" with a sunray dial, etched football pattern, and fan styles released in team-specific colors throughout the season.

College Football Playoff (CFP)

Image courtesy of AXIA Time

The College Football Playoff (CFP) ARGOS is powered by renowned Swiss brand Sellita's SW200, a 26-jewel, highly decorated, self-winding automatic movement that operates at a frequency of 28,000 VpH (4 Hz) and boasts a power reserve of 38 hours.

It is water resistant to 300 meters (30 ATM) and features gold-plated steel hands and applied indexes filled with X1 Super-Luminova, the highest performing grade of photoluminescent material used in watchmaking today and presented on a solid three-link 316L stainless steel bracelet with micro-adjustable buckle and DLC coating

 "Signing on as the Official Timepiece of College Football Playoff is a tremendous milestone for our company," said AXIA Time founder John Kanaras. "Since the very start of AXIA Time, we have taken great pride in creating timepieces whose style and quality match the significance of the events they commemorate. Through our expanded partnership with CFP, and for the first time ever, we have created an exquisite, heirloom-quality timepiece that is exclusively available for the student athletes competing for the National Championship. For many, this will be the pinnacle of their athletic careers, and I am thrilled that we are able to produce a timepiece that aligns with their accomplishments and the memories of this special time in their lives."

AXIA timepieces are designed in the U.S. and handcrafted in Switzerland by master watchmakers, using the same components and engineers as luxury Swiss brands, at a much more accessible price point. The new AXIA Time commemorative CFP watches are stylish and functional, meant to be worn daily, and passed on from generation to generation. As with all AXIA timepieces, crisp and elegant custom design centers on what's important to the wearer above all else: vividly capturing memories of joy and success on the field in this milestone moment.

"We are thrilled to include AXIA Time among our family of sponsors as the Official Timepiece of the College Football Playoff," said Ryan Allen Hall, Senior Director of Public Events and Sponsorships at the CFP. "We are grateful for our long-standing relationship with AXIA Time and its founder, John Kanaras. John's focus on honoring the student-athlete experience aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are excited to have them as part of the 2025 College Football Playoff."

Most AXIA timepieces cost under $1,000. Fans can purchase team-specific designs at axiatime.com. They will also be on sale at the CFP's Playoff Fan Central in Atlanta from January 18-20, 2025, leading up to the national championship game.

2-Team College Football Playoff (CFP)

Image courtesy of AXIA Time

Beginning November 8th, 2024, college football fans can reserve their favorite timepieces from the dozens of designs — two styles for each of the top teams in the CFP Selection Committee's initial Top 25 rankings — at axiatime.com.

The Argos and Lythos styles, will be limited to only 100 watches apiece and are expected to sell out quickly.

Fans of College Football Playoff hopefuls can sign up to unlock access to a private sale that will start on December 8, following the release of the final rankings and seeds for the upcoming College Football Playoff - two days before these timepieces go on sale to the general public. Fans who reserve a spot for the final sale will also get 10% off the retail price.

AXIA Time's unveiling comes amid a thrilling, topsy-turvy regular season in college football. As the Official Timepiece of the College Football Playoff, the U.S. watchmaker will ultimately engineer its limited-edition, heirloom-quality watches only for the 12 teams that make the expanded playoff field.

The remaining 13 teams' designs will not be produced, adding to the intrigue of a season that has seen several big upsets and upended weekly rankings

"College football fans across the country are wondering, 'Is this our time?' This year, dozens of teams have a legitimate shot to give their fans the answer," said AXIA Time founder John Kanaras. "AXIA Time was founded to celebrate these moments. A timepiece whose style and quality match the significance of the events they commemorate will far outlast the memorable 2024-25 season. And, like fans of these top teams, we're on the edge of our seats to find out which 12 teams will make the cut."

Another huge, over-the-goal-line deal for AXIA Time was receiving a nomination as the Official Timepiece of the Heisman Trophy. To celebrate this win, AXIA Time has innovated a new design called the DIASIMOS with a version exclusively for the Heisman Trophy finalists and honorees in collaboration with the Heisman Trophy Trust. This unique, heirloom-quality timepiece will be presented as part of the Heisman Trophy Weekend beginning on December 13, 2024.

"We are excited to include AXIA Time among our family of sponsors as the Official Timepiece of the Heisman Trophy," stated Michael Comerford, President of the Heisman Trophy Trust. "We are grateful to AXIA Time and its founder, John Kanaras, for their focus on honoring all of our finalists and honorees AXIA's exquisite timepieces and ultra-custom designs offer a special way for our finalists and honorees to commemorate this unforgettable time in their lives."

"We are thrilled to be partnering with the Heisman Trophy Trust to celebrate all of their honorees," said AXIA Time founder John Kanaras. "As with the Tewaaraton and Naismith Awards, AXIA Time believes that being named a finalist is an incredible achievement that deserves to be celebrated. We hope that our timepieces will quickly become family heirlooms that will be cherished by each athlete."

THE HEISMAN DIASIMOS

Image courtesy of AXIA Time

The Heisman DIASIMOS Key Features:

Sapphire crystal with 16x anti-reflective coating; a multi-layered dial: the upper features bronze-plated Roman numerals and minute track, while the lower tier features a football-inspired guilloché pattern in artful tribute to the many who have contributed to the athlete’s success; the Heisman logo at 12 o’clock and “HEISMAN” at 6 o’clock, both in bronze; bronze-plated skeleton hands with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces; a bronze-plated sweep seconds hand subtly featuring the AXIA Time logo.

Evocative of the iconic trophy, the Heisman DIASIMOS by AXIA Time is an eye-catching study in black and bronze powered by renowned Swiss brand Sellita's SW300 Elaboré, a 31-jewel self-winding, automatic movement that operates at a frequency of 28,800 VpH (4Hz) and has a power reserve of 56 hours. At 40.5 mm, the watch's striking bronze-plated titanium #5 case with DLC coating features a split coin-edge bezel and a fine-tooth crown adorned with the iconic Heisman logo.

The piece's sapphire crystal caseback displays the SW300 Elaboré movement with its unique custom rotor as well as an engraving ring, which provides dedicated space to honor the individual player. To ensure stylish comfort and the ease of use necessary for daily wear, the watch is presented on an American-made, black square-scale alligator strap with contrast stitching, which closes via a bronze-plated deployant buckle embellished with the Heisman logo. Reminiscent of the trophy base, the Heisman DIASIMOS by AXIA Time comes in a custom, solid walnut display box.

With the Heisman DIASIMOS, AXIA Time has created more than just a watch: it's also a time machine that will instantly transport these elite athletes back to the moment they were named Heisman Trophy finalists, for the rest of their lives. These AXIA timepieces symbolize their exceptional sportsmanship and performance that they can cherish forever.

Since 2018, AXIA Time has celebrated achievements through personalized, premium timepieces, previously creating custom CFP watches for National Champions like the 2023 Michigan Wolverines. AXIA’s expanded partnership with CFP highlights its commitment to commemorating the peak moments of college sports, offering fans and players a lasting symbol of excellence

Alongside college football, AXIA Time is also exploring custom collections for lacrosse and basketball, targeting athletes and fans who are passionate about these sports yet often overlooked in luxury markets. By focusing on these niche segments, AXIA Time brings an added dimension of personalization to the world of sports timepieces, creating designs that resonate with each sport’s unique culture and history. This venture underscores AXIA Time’s dedication to connecting with a diverse range of sports communities, celebrating the intricacies and identities of each one through its craftsmanship.

On May 8th, 2024, AXIA Time announced a new limited-edition timepiece designed to celebrate the achievements of one of the greatest players in Purdue University basketball history, Zach Edey's back-to-back Naismith Trophy Honors.

Zach Edey Purdue Naismith

Image courtesy of AXIA Time

As one of only three men ever to win multiple Naismith Trophies, symbolizing the most outstanding college basketball player in the country, Zach Edey has etched his place in college basketball history. For Zach Edey, these achievements wouldn't have been possible without the collaboration of his team and the support of his coaches, family, and all the Purdue fans.

Honoring Zach's number 15, this timepiece is limited to only 150 pieces, and will come with a Wood Display Box autographed by Zach Edey.

The design of the timepiece focuses on the logos and colors of Purdue and Naismith, with additional details that make it extra special for the Boilermaker faithful: A chapter ring that reads "15 BACK TO BACK" around the hour marks, the Naismith player icon embossed on the crown, and the Motion P on the steel bracelet buckle. However, for Zach, two of his favorite details are the Maple leaf on the rotor, honoring his Canadian heritage, and the repeating pattern of the Naismith player icon on the dial.

"Each aspect of the watch represents all who helped me on my journey: teammates, coaches, family, friends and fans," says Edey. "None of the success we had could have been possible without them."

These limited edition timepieces will be available exclusively on the Purdue NIL store for the first 48 hours. Beginning May 10 at 11 am CDT, fans can also find them at axiatime.com.

For John Kanaras, Founder of AXIA Time, working with Zach Edey on the design of this timepiece has been a heartwarming experience. "As the Official Timepiece of the Naismith Award, I've had the pleasure to present two watches to Zach," says Kanaras. "What has impressed me the most about Zach, in addition to his elite athleticism, is his sense of gratitude and modesty. You don't find many like him at his level."

To learn more about the limited-edition Zach Edey Purdue Naismith Timepiece by AXIA Time, please visit axiatime.com.

Official Timepiece of the Tewaaraton Award

Image courtesy of AXIA Time

Celebrating life's biggest moments is at the heart of timepieces created by AXIA Time, and in the college lacrosse world, there is nothing bigger than being a Tewaaraton honoree. For the third year in a row, AXIA Time, now the Official Timepiece of the Tewaaraton Award, is partnering with the Tewaaraton Foundation to deliver ultra-custom, heirloom-quality timepieces to all Tewaaraton Finalists and Winners.

The Tewaaraton Foundation annually honors the top male and female college lacrosse players in the United States. The Award represents the highest achievement in college men's and women's lacrosse. Each year, the Tewaaraton Foundation also recognizes past greats and inspirational figures with its Legend and Spirit of Tewaaraton honorees.

"Being a Tewaaraton Finalist is a remarkable achievement, and we are proud to play a role in helping these outstanding student athletes commemorate this accomplishment," says John Kanaras, founder of AXIA Time. "We are delighted to work with the Tewaaraton Foundation to create a bespoke and exclusive timepiece for its honorees."

The Tewaaraton Finalists were celebrated, and the winners were announced at the Tewaaraton Award Ceremony Presented By Stifel in Washington, D.C., on May 30, 2024.

"Our Finalists have risen to the top of the college lacrosse world and have now become an important part of Tewaaraton history," said Andy Phillips, President of the Tewaaraton Foundation. "We are grateful to John Kanaras and AXIA Time for creating a timepiece worthy of this moment and for enhancing the Finalists' experience."

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The Tewaaraton Award is recognized as the preeminent lacrosse award, annually honoring the top male and female college lacrosse players in the United States. Founded at the University Club of Washington, D.C., the award was first presented in 2001 with permission from the Mohawk Nation Council of Elders. "Tewaaraton" is the Mohawk word for lacrosse, and The Tewaaraton Award symbolizes lacrosse's Native American Heritage. The Tewaaraton Foundation ensures the integrity of the selection process and advances its mission. Each year, The Tewaaraton Foundation presents two scholarships to students from the Haudenosaunee Confederacy – the Mohawk, Cayuga, Oneida, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora Nations.  

To learn more about The Tewaaraton Award and The Tewaaraton Foundation, please visit www.tewaaraton.com.

Like and follow The Tewaaraton Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @tewaaraton.

Earlier this year, on January 16th, AXIA Time selected Kyle Harrison as the brand's first celebrity ambassador. By joining forces with Harrison, a storied former professional lacrosse athlete with a love for watches, AXIA Time aimed to help raise awareness of its ultra-customization options as an alternative or addition to rings for winning teams and major triumphs.

Kyle Harrison

Image courtesy of AXIA Time

Harrison sparked the idea of a commemorative timepiece.

"When I think about AXIA Time and the brand," he says, "I think about my teammates, and the memorable things that happened in my life. You think about winning a championship. You think about graduating. You think about being a senior and moving on. All these milestones you hit throughout your career. Typically, you get a ring, sometimes you get a plaque, 2 things you really aren't going to use much. But a watch to commemorate that moment and bring those memories back? You'll wear this watch."

Harrison is widely considered one of the greatest lacrosse players of all time. From his college career at Johns Hopkins, where he dominated and led the undefeated 2005 Blue Jays to a national championship win (and won the Tewaaraton), to his professional career as a 9-time all-star, 12-time team captain, winner of the 2017 Major League Lacrosse Championship, Harrison's legacy was further cemented last week when he was inducted into the USA Lacrosse Hall of Fame. But the best part about Kyle Harrison, from AXIA Time founder John Kanaras' perspective, is he is as authentic, committed, and driven off the field as he was on it.

"As I'm getting to know Kyle," says Kanaras, "I've learned he's an even better human being than a lacrosse player. And he's also a real family man. He's a devoted son, husband, and father. His dad was a lacrosse player and a member of the 10 Bears at Morgan State, and Kyle wore the same number as his dad to honor him, and then took it to a whole new level. He's an incredible ambassador for the sport, committed to increasing its inclusivity, and he's a youth role model with his mentorship of up-and-coming players." 

Authenticity and character, two traits Harrison displays in spades, are incredibly important to the AXIA Time brand, where Kanaras takes "putting the customer experience first" to new levels.

Kyle Harrison first became intrigued with AXIA Time after noticing the brand at major lacrosse events, like the Tewaaraton and USA Lacrosse. "I met John multiple times before we got to this place. As I got to understand his story, and as a fellow entrepreneur and someone who's a grinder, it just came together. I gravitate to people who are the same. And John is a worker. He has put his heart and soul into building this business. And when you hear the story of how he's done it firsthand from him, you can't help but want to be a part of it."

As part of his courtship of Harrison, Kanaras gifted him a Tewaaraton timepiece. "What's so cool about this," says Harrison, “is that you have the Tewaaraton logo right where the AXIA one would be. But then you take it a step further, and I won the Tewaaraton back in 2005, so I got my name in here, and I got a 2005 Tewaaraton award winner watch. That's cool. There's one of these, and it's right here."

"I've always loved watches. And these watches are a badge of honor, something you'll be proud of, because you and your team, the only people who will have that specific watch, are people who won that specific championship. And I think that's what makes it special."  – Kyle Harrison

Since seeing Kyle Harrison wearing a vintage Rolex on the cover of Inside Lacrosse in 2018 when he launched AXIA Time, John Kanaras has been interested in exploring a partnership with Kyle. "Someone who has a watch like that definitely has a story to tell about it (it was a birthday gift from his wife). At that moment, I knew I had to work with him someday. I couldn't be more thrilled that someday is today."

AXIA Time’s move into sports-themed timepieces illustrates a savvy understanding of the modern luxury market, where consumers are increasingly drawn to items that reflect their personal interests and affiliations. These limited-edition designs go beyond conventional branding, offering collectors an exclusive symbol of their dedication, seamlessly blending elegance with a profound sense of pride. AXIA Time is redefining the connection between luxury and sports, fostering a deep sense of identity through each intricately crafted watch.

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AXIA Time, established in 2018, creates custom Swiss Made automatic timepieces that commemorate life's greatest achievements. AXIA Time was born out of founder John Kanaras' love of horology, and his alma mater. After helping to lead the 1988 Penn Quakers to two Lacrosse Ivy League Championships in two years, the university gifted each player a championship watch.

For John, the watch held great sentimental value, but didn't measure up to the significance of the memories they represent. For 30 years he looked for a watch of quality and design that would meet that moment. When he couldn't find what he was looking for, he built it himself.

AXIA (ahk-SEE-ah) means "value" or "worth" in Greek. From the designs and high quality of AXIA Time components to an outstanding purchase experience for customers, the heart of the company's mission is to create value for everyone it touches. 

Learn more at axiatime.com.

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