Leandro Paredes

At its core, this collaboration delves into the intricate synergies between elite-level athletes and the enigmatic world of watchmaking. The result is an indelible work of art—the Rolex Daytona Leandro Paredes Edition, a one-of-one creation born from the vision of SWM, Leandro, and the innovators at DiW.

Leandro will carry his bespoke DiW Rolex Daytona with him for the rest of his life, a perpetual symbol of the remarkable achievements of not only himself but also his teammates and the entire nation of Argentina.

In the world of professional football, precision is everything. A split-second can mean the difference between winning and losing, success and failure.

In the fine art of horology, that precision finds its parallel, and few have mastered the art of customising the world’s most beautiful watches as well as DiW.

Founded in Germany by two visionary designers, DiW has pushed boundaries from the very beginning, redefining the concept of traditional watchmaking.

Fuelled by a team of master craftsmen, DiW has garnered global recognition for customising iconic brands through the incorporation of high-end composite materials and revolutionary design.

To mark the recent achievements of Argentina’s national team, DiW has joined forces with one of the nation’s most beloved stars, Leandro Paredes.

Renowned for his presence, strength of character, and sense of purpose, Leandro represents the ethos and values upheld by DiW, setting the scene for a symbiotic collaboration.

Over the last decade, Leandro and DiW have been on an extraordinary voyage of self-discovery, which has seen them reach the pinnacle of their respective fields.

For Leandro, the defining moment came last December when Argentina beat France 4-2 on penalties after one of the greatest World Cup finals of all time in Qatar.

That day etched his and his teammates’ names into the chronicles of footballing history, and solidified their status as godlike figures in Argentina.

In celebration of that momentous achievement, DiW and Leandro have come together to create a one-of-one Rolex Daytona bearing the iconic blue and white of Argentina, Leandro’s squad number, and name etched in the case.

But this is more than a custom watch; it’s a part of history on Leandro’s wrist – an ever-present reminder of the incredible feat he and his teammates achieved beneath the lights of the Lusail Stadium that famous Sunday evening.

“What DiW has created for me is beautiful,” says Leandro. “It is exactly what I’d asked for and even better than I’d imagined, I couldn’t be happier. It’s particularly special because it will always remind me of winning the World Cup, a dream I’d had since childhood. I want to thank my teammates and the people of Argentina for making that dream come true.”

The World Cup – a quadrennial spectacle that captivates the world – is a dream for every footballer, and just like countless others before him, Leandro clung to this dream from the very first moment he kicked a ball.

Initially, the 2022 FIFA World Cup was marred by controversy. However, it will be remembered by the Argentinian people and football fans for all the right reasons.

It was a tournament filled with drama, passion, and unforgettable moments, and one which marked a pivotal juncture in Leandro’s life.

“It was an unforgettable month for us as players and the Argentinian people,” Leandro reflects. “Life has changed so much since that day; we can’t go out in Argentina anymore because everywhere you go people cry when they see you, they’re so grateful.

“So my life has changed but I don’t think I have changed as a person. I’m still the same guy that I always was – I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and making the most of the time I have with them.”

On and off the field, Leandro has it all – a beautiful and loving family, millions of devoted fans, and, of course, a coveted World Cup winner’s medal. But what truly distinguishes Leandro is how he plays the game.

As a footballer, his movements are characterised by an almost uncanny sense of timing. His perfectly weighted passes, crucial interceptions, and last-ditch tackles all hinge on the precision of his actions, much like the intricate workings of a Rolex.

In a similar vein, his elegance on the pitch is mirrored by the timeless design of the DiW Rolex Daytona model – a crucial element of this collaboration that’s not lost on Leandro.

“One of my favourite things about the design is the use of national team colours,” he says. “Like I said before, this project has been so special to me because it takes me back to the time we spent in Qatar. But not just that, it’s a reminder of all that we have conquered in the last year including the Copa América, so it represents more than a watch to me.”

From the outset, DiW has been pioneering a new sub-genre of horology, leading the way for a new wave of watchmakers. In doing so, the brand has won popularity with some of the world’s most influential people, including athletes, celebrities, and watch aficionados.

Speaking of the brand’s reputation, Gleb Karlsen, Brand Manager at DiW, admitted the reason for its popularity is that its ethos is about more than owning a bespoke watch; it’s about owning a piece of art designed with you in mind.

“DiW, from its inception, has always been about elevating the personal experience of luxury,” he says. “While many brands sell watches, we offer something far more unique and intimate: exclusive customisation services on request.

“Each timepiece we work on isn’t just another product; it’s an embodiment of a personal journey, a tale of individual passion. Our clients come to us with a vision, and we bring that vision to life, combining traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde materials.

“We believe in creating not just timepieces but memories and stories. Our ethos is rooted in personalisation, and our commitment is to ensure that every customised piece speaks volumes about the individual wearing it. It’s not just about owning a luxury item; it is about owning a piece of art that’s uniquely yours.”

Every watch DiW creates undergoes a strict manufacturing process to ensure it meets its exacting standards. It is the result of years of research and development, resulting in some of the most unique works of art available anywhere on the planet.

“We pride ourselves on integrating advanced materials with traditional watchmaking,” says Karlsen. “For the Daytona project with Leandro, we employed our proprietary techniques, utilising composite materials, in this case highend Quartz fibre. This ensures a lightweight yet incredibly resilient construction.

“One of the standout features of this collaboration is the bezel of the Daytona, which is adorned with hand-encrusted diamonds. The selection process for these diamonds is rigorous. Only the most pristine, perfectly matched diamonds make the cut.

“The challenge doesn’t end there; our artisans meticulously hand-encrust each diamond into the bezel, ensuring they sit perfectly and reflect light brilliantly. This level of detail and dedication is what sets our manufacturing process apart, making every piece not just a watch but a work of art.”

The bond between Leandro and DiW is a testament to teamwork and the power of collaboration. Just as a football team relies on coordinated efforts to succeed, this partnership merges Leandro’s vision with DiW’s expertise.

The result is a one-of-one Rolex Daytona that’s not just beautiful in its design, but beautiful in the story of unity that it conveys.

“The design journey for this particular piece was a harmonious blend of Leandro’s persona and DiW’s signature style,” says Karlsen. “We wanted the watch to capture the dynamism and spirit of football. Special elements inspired by Leandro’s character were seamlessly integrated.

“The use of white Quartz fibre in the case, with intricate weaves, mirrors the complexities and layers of Leandro’s on-field strategies, and the dial perfectly matches his signature colours. Every facet of the watch tells a story, making it not just a timepiece but a conversation starter.”

The collaboration between Leandro and DiW is a fusion of two worlds, defining both the footballer and the horologist.

For both, time serves as a constant motivator, a driving force. The watch, an embodiment of time itself, reflects this ethos, reminding us all that every moment counts.

Leandro’s awareness of the fleeting nature of life is undeniable, a sentiment he reinforces with a meaningful tattoo just above his neckline.

“‘Vivere’ means to ‘live’ and is a term that means a lot to me,” he says. “Often in life, you forget to live and take advantage of all that happens around you. It’s important to live in the moment and enjoy life because time is precious.”

Leandro embarked on a poignant move last summer, one that brought him back to the awe-inspiring Stadio Olimpico and reunited him with the city that captured his heart. In his own words, he shared his sentiment, “I’m really happy to be back in Rome. From the moment I left, I wanted to come back not only as a footballer but to live with my family when my career had finished. So for me and my family, being back in Rome is really exciting.”

In Leandro’s eyes, his return to the Eternal City represented more than just donning the maroon and orange of Roma once again, it was a homecoming with purpose. “I’m back in Rome to win with this shirt,” he confides. “It would be a dream to win trophies here because I know what is important to the people of Rome. They live and breathe football, so it would be a huge pleasure to be successful.”

Winning in Rome is not about achieving personal glory. For Leandro, it is about satisfying the city’s insatiable appetite for success. It’s something that the fans of Argentina and Roma share, and it’s clear that Leandro’s appetite reflects the genuine passion and pride of the Giallorossi.

But the midfielder’s career aspirations extend beyond club football. Leandro has been instrumental in Argentina’s national team, and shared his ambitions to continue their success: “With Roma, I want to win as much as possible and with the national team, it is important that we continue to win. In the last year and a half, we have won everything because we have a winning mentality, and we will continue to fight to win.”

Having played a pivotal role in Argentina’s recent success, Leandro understands the importance of maintaining a winning mentality. Whether he’s wearing the iconic blue and white stripes of Argentina or the famous red and yellow of the city of Roma, one thing is a certainty: Leandro Paredes is a man on a mission.