Cover NBA champion Tony Parker (Photo: courtesy of Tissot watches)
NBA champion Tony Parker (Photo: courtesy of Tissot watches)
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The former NBA champion and Tissot brand ambassador talks about his love for good food, family time, the importance of dreaming big and his advice to kids
Basketball legend Tony Parker, Tissot’s brand ambassador, brought star power to Macau on January 26. During his whirlwind visit, he lit up Tissot’s boutique at The Venetian Macao, mingled with fans, and showcased the PRX Powermatic 80 Ice Blue timepiece.
The athlete, who has recently retired from the US’s professional basketball league, National Basketball Association—or NBA as it’s better known—after a 17-season career studded with championships and accolades, has seamlessly transitioned from the sports arena to the business world, applying the “same work ethics” off the court.
The former San Antonio Spurs point guard sat down with Tatler to share what life beyond basketball looks like for him.
Above Tony Parker (Photo: courtesy of Tissot watches)
Tony Parker (Photo: courtesy of Tissot watches)
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What does a typical morning look like for you?
I wake up in the morning, take care of the kids, [drop] them at school, and then go to the office.
Do you have any specific rituals to set a positive tone for the rest of the day?
I never do the same thing, I don’t have a routine. The only routine is to take my kids to school, I love spending time with my two boys.
Do you play basketball with your children?
I don’t really play basketball anymore. My kids do judo and I enjoy playing paddle tennis now.
How do you choose which watch you wear for the day?
Depends on what I am wearing, but if it is a casual brunch, I’d wear my Tissot PRX.
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Above Tony Parker at the Tissot boutique at Venetian Macau (Photo: courtesy of Tissot watches)
Tony Parker at the Tissot boutique at Venetian Macau (Photo: courtesy of Tissot watches)
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What do you generally have for lunch?
I eat light, I generally go for fish or salad, I try to stay in shape. When you stop playing, you tend to gain [weight] really fast. So I am careful about what I am eating.
How do you approach your business-related tasks?
By being positive. I have a vision for the [next] three to five years and I apply the same work ethic that I had for basketball to the business world.
Talking about work ethics, what is your motto at work?
Be disciplined, be on time, be reliable.
How do you maintain this discipline?
That’s in your head. There’s no secret. If you want to be successful, you have to be disciplined and work hard.
How do you manage balancing work and play?
I always try to find a happy middle [ground] between working and finding time for my family. Both are important and life goes fast.
If you had to wear a watch that you can wear from desk to date, what would you wear?
I actually wear the Tissot PRX all the time right now. At work and for a date.
Above Parker receiving the new Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Ice Blue timepiece (Photo: courtesy of Tissot watches)
Parker receiving the new Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 Ice Blue timepiece (Photo: courtesy of Tissot watches)
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What does a typical evening look like for you?
That depends, if I have the kids [with me], I stay in with them. If I don’t have the kids with me, I try to find a good restaurant—usually I like to eat good food. That’s why I don’t eat a lot at lunch, I eat more at dinner.
What’s your favourite cuisine?
I like everything, I am a foodie. I like to try different food [from] different cultures, different restaurants, and I am invested. I invest my own money in champagne and wine, so I love it.
What’s the best advice you would give to your kids?
Dream big. When you tell your dream to somebody and he’s not laughing at you, you’re not dreaming big enough.
What is the secret to success?
There is no secret. Discipline is everything. Work hard and show your passion, and make sure you show that you want it more than the other person.
As the Regional Editor for Watches and Jewellery and Editorial Content Lead for Tatler GMT, Amrita Katara specialises in luxury watch and jewellery coverage across Asia, with expertise in editorial strategy, feature writing and interviews with industry leaders. Her past roles span luxury lifestyle media and client partnerships. Based in Mumbai, Amrita’s work bridges global trends and Asian market insights.
