Obama’s Watch Broke the Watch Internet… Again.
Remember when Barack Obama posted a court side shot of himself wearing none other than the Rolex Cellini? Remember how wild the watch community went when they learned the former President of the United States of America had a nicer watch that the Tag Heuer Aquaracer and Jorg Grey he had previously been seen wearing? Good times!
This week, Michelle posted a “Happy New Years” picture with her husband and a prominently displayed watch on his wrist. Naturally, the watch community was set ablaze with guesses and expectations for what it was. Well? We figured it out. And it’s probably not what you think. In fact, I know it’s not what you think.
At first, many assumed it was a Zenith Defy El Primero - they were… sadly wrong. Second guess was a GP Laureato Carbon. Also wrong. Actually, it’s an Actively Black x Teleport Watches collaboration watch (Which you can now pre-order via the Brand’s Website). As shared by company founder and Ex-NBA star, Lanny Black, the watch was created and sent to the Obama’s as a Christmas Present. Little did he seem to know that his watch would be “featured” in the WIS community with such vigor.
From the Company’s website:
ACTIVELY BLACK IS A BLACK OWNED ENTITY CREATED BY FORMER PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL PLAYER LANNY SMITH. ACTIVELY BLACK WAS CREATED WITH THE INPUT AND ADVICE FROM FRIENDS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS WITH NIKE, ADIDAS, JORDAN BRAND ETC..
WE SAW A VOID IN REPRESENTATION AND INVESTMENT BACK INTO THE COMMUNITIES WHOSE CULTURE CREATES THE COOL FACTOR FOR THOSE GIANT BRANDS.“
The brand seems right up the Obama’s alley - With a significant presence in major brands and an aim at making a difference in minority-owned businesses, mental health progress, and black physical fitness. It’s no doubt this brand has caught the eye of the former President - who’s been known to take the mantle on these issues - even Michelle took focus on health in education and minority communities. Lanny also runs a community called ActiveFaithSports, a faith-based organization that seems to work with a number of high-level Christian athletes.
As for Teleport Watches, the brand is a simple fashion watch brand that seems to emulate a mix of Hublot and Gerard Perregaux. You seem to be able to pick up a piece for around $200 - however the Actively Black collaboration seems to be on neither companies site - a missed opportunity in my opinion as I feel a watch in this price point, with this kind of story would sell well and help Actively Black achieve some more financial backing for their solid goals.
The mystery is solved! Personally, I’m rooting for this collab to be successful and I do hope to see this watch in production at some point. You can follow Lanny Smith and any of his companies, as well as the Obama’s Stylists at the handles below:
Let us know what you guys think about this collaboration in the comments below!