Watches

Citizen Partners with Tennis’s Legendary King

WatchesAug 04, 2017

Citizen Partners with Tennis’s Legendary King

In a timely move, the watch brand has tapped tennis star and gender equality advocate Billie Jean King for its latest partnership.

20170804_Billie-Jean-King.jpg
Tennis star Billie Jean King, during her playing days (left) and now

New York--Citizen announced this week that it has inked a partnership with a tennis star who is as well-known as an advocate gender equality and social justice as she is for winning.

Just as the watch brand marks its 25th anniversary as the official timekeeper of the U.S. Open, it is teaming up with tennis legend Billie Jean King and sponsoring an upcoming movie about what was perhaps her most famous match.

King played professionally between 1959 and 1983. In that time, she won 39 Grand Slam titles playing singles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles.

She also is the founder of the Women’s Tennis Association, the Women’s Sports Foundation and co-founder of World Team Tennis, a professional tennis league.

And the building that houses the biggest tennis tournament played in the United States bears her name: the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens, New York is where the U.S. Open is played.

In the coming months, Citizen will partner with the tennis legend and her Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, a nonprofit that promotes diversity and inclusion in leadership.


Emma Stone plays Billie Jean King and Steve Carell is Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes,” due out in September from Fox Searchlight Pictures.
In addition, the watch brand will be the exclusive timepiece sponsor of the upcoming movie “Battle of the Sexes,” due out Sept. 22.

Starring Oscar award-winner Emma Stone (“La La Land”) and Steve Carell, of “The Office” fame, the film details the widely watched 1973 match between a then 29-year-old King, played by Stone, and tennis pro Bobby Riggs, who was 55 at the time.

King won the match, and her victory was considered a staple in public acceptance of women’s tennis and the women’s movement overall.

During the U.S. Open, Aug. 28 to Sept. 10, and throughout the film’s release, Citizen will be creating promotions around the movie, King and the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, and will sponsor a special panel discussion with King, select cast members and other notable personalities.

“I’m thrilled to be part of the Citizen watch family, which, over the years, has distinguished itself by supporting causes focused on equality,” King said. “Together with Citizen and the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, we will present many exciting programs and amplify the message of equal rights, equal pay and other issues that are important to both men and women.”

Michelle Graffis the editor-in-chief at National Jeweler, directing the publication’s coverage both online and in print.

The Latest

Kimberly Adams Russell
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEO

Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.

Birth of Venus necklace
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ Necklace

As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.

Roberto Coin Fleur de Lis jewelry
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.

The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.

Header image w logo.jpg
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a Tradeshow

Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.

Lauren K Mosaic necklace
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms  

Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.

Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury Store

The company’s Easton location will remain open.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New Chairman

Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.

national-jeweler-top-image-v1.jpg
Brought to you by
Rio’s Reimagined Podcast: For the Love of Jewelers

Meet Ben Claus—grand prize winner of For the Love of Jewelers 2023 Fall Design Challenge.

Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show Bracelets
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Vikki Tobak
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ Exhibition

Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.

Cynthia Erivo, Zendaya, Lewis Hamilton at the Met Gala
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met Gala

Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.

Rendering of M.S. Rau pop-up shop in Aspen, Colorado
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen

M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.

Vhernier Calla necklace rose gold and ebony
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler Vhernier

The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.

The six Couture Luminaries designers 2024
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up Couture

The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.

Sylvester Stallone watch auction
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s Watches

The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.

Models Wearing Venetian Link Bracelets and Necklaces
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New Collection

The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.

Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler Scholarship

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.

Rolex and Hallmark logos
Policies & IssuesMay 06, 2024
Rolex Files Objection to Hallmark’s New Trademark Application

The Swiss watchmaker said the company’s plans to use a new version of the Hallmark crown on jewelry would confuse consumers.

Anglo American executive Benny Oeyen
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen

The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.

Opening of Malabar Gold & Diamonds store in Naperville Illinois
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. Showroom

The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.

Ben Bridge Jeweler Logo
Events & AwardsMay 06, 2024
Ben Bridge Jeweler Accepting Applications for Lonia Tate Scholarship

It will award a graduating high school student with about $10,000 toward a GIA diploma and an internship with the Seattle-based jeweler.

Mug shots of murder suspects Michael McCormack and Charles Robinson Shay
CrimeMay 03, 2024
Second Suspect Arrested in Murder of Colorado Jeweler

Wheat Ridge, Colorado police took a 50-year-old man into custody Wednesday following a two-month search.

Five Platinum Pieces
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
A Sneak Peek Into PGI’s Couture Platinum Spotlight Program

PGI partnered with four new and seven returning designers for its annual platinum capsule collection.

Kristie Nicolosi
MajorsMay 03, 2024
Kristie Nicolosi Joins WJA Board Again

Nicolosi, president and CEO of The Kingswood Company, previously sat on WJA’s board from 2011 to 2018.

Karina Brez Bit of LUV Bracelet
CollectionsMay 03, 2024
Piece of the Week: A “Bit of LUV” for the Derby

Karina Brez’s race-ready piece is a sophisticated nod to the horse-rider relationship.

Stock image of handcuffs and gavel
CrimeMay 02, 2024
4 Indicted in Burglary Ring Targeting Indian, South Asian Families

The men are allegedly responsible for stealing millions in jewelry and other valuables in 43 burglaries in 25 towns across Massachusetts.

Horizon Campaign Collage
CollectionsMay 02, 2024
Foundrae Launches ‘Horizon’ Collection

“Horizon” invites individuals to explore the limitless possibilities that lie ahead, said the brand.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy