Yao Ming, the eight-time All-Star center with the Houston Rockets who has also played on three PRC Olympic basketball team, is also an active philanthropist, not only through his foundation but also through partnering with the Special Olympics and WildAid in its quest to prevent the eradication of sharks and African elephants.
At the Gala, the ASSC gave Ming the “Visionary of the Year” award, while Girard-Perregaux presented him with a “Yao Ming” Chrono Hawk timepiece. The watch features a manufacture chronograph automatic movement housed in a 44-mm stainless steel case. It also features Yao Ming’s special symbol on the rubber strap and on the sapphire caseback. Girard-Perregaux only created two of these watches: one to honor Yao Ming, and a second which was auctioned during the evening for $16,000. (Click here to read our full report on the new Hawk collection.)
The brand also presented a Girard-Perregaux 1966 full calendar to another basketball icon, Steve Nash, for his work with the Steve Nash Foundation, which dedicates itself to providing underserved children with fundamentals for their health and education.
Receive all the news, features and reviews from WatchTime for free! Click here and get the free newsletter.
