TISSOT MARKS ITS ONE-YEAR COUNTDOWN TO THE FIBA BASKETBALL WORLD CUP 2019

September 24, 2018

Tissot marks its one-year countdown to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 with ceremonies in competition's eight host ci

Friday August 31 2018, marks exactly one year to the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 tipping off in China. The milestone was commemorated today in Beijing and will continue to be celebrated in the eight cities that will host FIBA's flagship competition.

Tissot has been a FIBA Partner and Official Timekeeper since 2008. In September 2017, the largest traditional Swiss watch brand based on volume and FIBA extended their partnership beyond the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup. In addition, Tissot is also the Official Timekeeper of the FIBA EuroBasket, Asia Cup, AmeriCup and AfroBasket and also recently became the Official timekeeper of FIBA 3x3. As a true Global Partner of basketball, Tissot is also the Official Timekeeper of the NBA.

To celebrate this significant milestone on the way to the first World Cup in China, the brand decided to place in these eight different cities countdown clocks, which present the time remaining until next year’s tournament.

Tissot President François Thiébaud said: “We look forward to continue our longstanding relationship with FIBA and these upcoming events will reinforce our relations. Being associated with such an international sport as basketball underlines our dynamic nature and our values of precision and performance. Offering exclusive services to the World Cup and celebrating the key moments also give our customers an additional reason to be proud of their commitment to Tissot”.

Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary General and International Olympic Committee (IOC) Member, said: "We're honoured to be in Beijing to mark exactly one year to the start of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019. This milestone means there are only 365 days to go before we witness an historic FIBA Basketball World Cup - the first played in China, the first hosted by eight cities and the first to feature 32 teams. It is so close, we can almost touch it.”

"The Road to China 2019 is gathering pace and, thanks to our longstanding partner Tissot, celebrations to mark this latest milestone will live up to expectations. The unveiling of countdown clocks in every host city will enable fans to know exactly how many days, hours, minutes and seconds are left before basketball's biggest competition takes centre stage around the world.”

"We look forward to being back here in a year's time to see the best of men's world basketball and of course, witness the Final right here in Beijing."

The launch event, which took place this Friday, opened the series of the eight events which will last for two weeks (August 31-September 12). On hand to witness the festivities were distinguished guests, including Susan Chen, Country Manager of Swatch Group China and Patrick Baumann, FIBA Secretary General, together with provincial and local government officials and special guests.

As well as the official part of these ceremonies - consisting of speeches and the unveiling of the Tissot countdown clocks – the city complemented the festivities with its own entertainment program and side activities such as basketball games.

About FIBA

FIBA (fiba.basketball) - the world governing body for basketball - is an independent association formed by 213 National Basketball Federations throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

For further information about FIBA, visit fiba.basketball or follow FIBA on facebook.com/fiba, twitter.com/fiba, instagram.com/fiba and youtube.com/fiba.

About Tissot

The plus sign in the logo symbolises the Swiss quality and reliability Tissot has shown since 1853. The watches, sold in more than 160 countries, are authentic, accessible and use special materials, advanced functionalities and meticulous design. Tissot stands by its signature, Innovators by Tradition. The high calibre of the brand has been repeatedly recognised. Tissot has been named Official Timekeeper and Partner of many disciplines, including, basketball with the NBA and FIBA; cycling with the Tour de France and the UCI World Cycling Championships; motorsports with MotoGPTM and the FIM World Superbike Championship and rugby with the NatWest 6 Nations Championship, TOP14, the European Rugby Champions and Challenge Cups. It is also the Official Timekeeper of the World Championships of fencing and ice hockey.