Cover The special edition timepiece commissioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee for the 2024 Paris Olympics is now available to the public (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
The special edition timepiece commissioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee for the 2024 Paris Olympics is now available to the public (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
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We talk to Danilo Villanueva of Makina Watches, creator of the Philippine sports scene's latest collector's item
It seems like only yesterday that the lot of us would wake at ungodly hours just to tune into the 2024 Paris Olympics, cheering our compatriots on as they gave their all to bring glory to the nation. And who could forget the euphoria after Carlos Yulo won his two gold medals, as well as the inexhaustible pride that followed when Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio brought our total up to four with their respective bronzes? But, as most athletes will attest, a great victory doesn’t mean the work is ever done. There are still more competitions to win, more hours to commit, and more athletes who need our support.
See also: What it takes for Filipina athletes and the rest of the world to move forward: ‘It starts at home’
Last year’s Olympics was significant for the Philippines not only because Yulo delivered the country’s second and third gold medals—it also marked a century of our participation in the prestigious sporting event. Needless to say, the centennial team fielded by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) were already making history when they raised the flag in Paris, the same city where the Philippines made its Summer Games debut in 1924. Among the gifts received by the athletes was an exclusive timepiece crafted by local brand Makina Watches, of which only a limited amount had been produced as commissioned to the POC.
Recently, the POC and Makina have announced that the timepiece is now available to the public, with proceeds going towards the POC Athletes Incentives Fund. This comes as a special chance to own a piece of history while contributing to and safeguarding the futures of our Filipino athletes, a pressing concern since voiced out by many champions including Olympian Hidilyn Diaz. Individually numbered and housed in a classic 42mm case, this limited-edition Paris 2024 watch is available with either a black or white dial on a sporty rubber strap, but comes with an extra steel bracelet for added versatility.
Above Special edition timepiece commissioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee, with the white dial (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
Special edition timepiece commissioned by the Philippine Olympic Committee, with the white dial (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
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In conversation with the man behind the “machine”
Danilo Villanueva founded the microbrand in 2017 after a hard-earned sabbatical from his advertising profession. Makina was then born out of his “obsession” with timepieces, taking pride in its catalogue of unique, market-competitive products with an unmistakably Filipino identity. Along with its signature collections, the company also accepts commissions for custom-made timepieces, enjoying the likes of state universities and local conglomerates among its clientele. Makina’s creations were recently featured in Michael Tuviera’s 2024 film, The Kingdom, adorning the wrists of top-billers Vic Sotto and Sid Lucero.
Still, when the chance to work with the POC arrived, Villanueva recalls feeling a mix of thrill and nerves. “Honoured, excited, and ready to take this on—that was how I felt when this opportunity came,” he tells Tatler.
Recounting the story for us, he shares: “Just a few months before the 2024 Olympics, Augustine Roa, on behalf of POC president Bambol Tolentino, reached out to us. We, of course, felt some pressure knowing that these watches were dedicated to the 2024 Filipino Olympians and would also be worn by foreign National Olympic Committee members, government officials, and even President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr. That pressure quickly faded once we focused on the work.”
Above Danilo Villanueva, founder of Makina (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
Above Paris 2024 Olympics emblem on the limited-edition watch's case-back (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
Danilo Villanueva, founder of Makina (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
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The timeline was tight—Makina had just about two and a half months to complete everything. “Yet, through a combination of double-time effort and meticulous attention to detail, quality was never compromised,” adds Villanueva. He tells us about how they strived to embody in this special edition the spirit of the Olympics, representing the unity of continents and the energy that both athletes and fans bring every four years.
“And so the dial design had to revolve around the Olympic logo,” he shares. “It had to be vibrant. It had to be balanced.” Thus a decision to go with colourful hands in the distinctive hues of the Philippine flag, which appears in a circular format on the dial to mirror and create symmetry with the Paris 2024 emblem at 3 o’clock. Towards the bottom lies a salient inscription that reads ‘1924-2024’, marking the country’s centennial turn at the Olympics and its “strongest performance yet”, as Villanueva puts it.
Don’t miss: Two-time gold medallist Carlos Yulo takes us to his life and Olympic journey
Above Close-up of the black dial (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
Above The limited-edition watch has weight to it and a sporty feel (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
Close-up of the black dial (Photo: Courtesy of Makina Watches)
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To complement this dial, the case itself is sleek and timeless, made of stainless steel and refined with alternating brushed and polished finishes. It is composed of four separate parts, housing a mechanical movement.
Upon the watch’s release last year, fans of the brand among many others were quick to inquire whether it would be for sale. So, when the Olympics concluded and the POC had again reached out for an extended production, Villanueva and his team felt energised to continue the work.
“Makina being able to play a part in Philippine sports history makes me proud,” remarks the founder. “In my opinion, there is no better way to commemorate two significant moments in time—and the decades of blood, sweat, and tears in between—than through a timepiece. It brings me great joy to say that Makina Watches created that piece. It has a real story behind it and a true purpose. None of this would have been possible without the trust of the POC. I’m truly grateful for that.”
Get yours and learn more when you head over to makinawatches.com.
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Trained as a student journalist, Mac’s knack for writing was a serendipitous discovery. Years later and she can’t imagine doing anything else. When she isn’t typing away on a story, she revels in being lost in a new city, revisiting a cosy film or sitcom, and idling away with her dogs.
