Frederique Constant becomes official timekeeper for Pro Padel League
Step into a modern sports club in Miami, Los Angeles, or New York and you’re likely to hear a distinctive sound: a ball snapping crisply off glass walls, followed by quick footwork, laughter, and animated chatter. This isn’t tennis, and it’s not pickleball either. It’s padel—one of the fastest-growing racquet sports in the world and a game that has quietly become a social and cultural phenomenon.
Padel is played on an enclosed court about one-third the size of a tennis court, using solid paddles and a slightly depressurized tennis ball. The surrounding walls are part of the game, keeping rallies alive and rewarding strategy as much as athleticism. Invented in 1969, padel spent decades flourishing in Spain and Latin America before experiencing explosive global growth. Today, it resonates strongly with younger, community-driven players who see sport as both competition and connection.
In its role as Official Timekeeper of PPL, Frederique Constant will enjoy signage, clocks and more — all seen by millions of viewers.
In the United States, padel’s rise has been formalized through the Pro Padel League (PPL), the country’s leading professional padel organization. Now, the league has gained a new Swiss partner: Frederique Constant has been named the Official Timekeeper and Official Watch of the PPL, marking the brand’s first-ever professional sports partnership.
Founded in 1988, Frederique Constant is relatively young by Swiss watchmaking standards, but it has built its reputation around precision, accessibility, and contemporary relevance. Rather than aligning with legacy sports such as tennis, motorsport, or football, the brand’s move into padel reflects a strategic focus on cultural momentum and emerging lifestyles.
Frederique Constant appeals to a consistently young and energetic audience, making PPL the perfect alliance.
“Frederique Constant currently attracts a younger audience, with a clear focus on engaging zillennials,” said Jeffrey Cohen, President of Citizen Watch America, which oversees Frederique Constant in the Americas. “As we connect with a new generation, the Pro Padel League provides an engaging platform—one that aligns with the dynamic, socially engaged consumers increasingly embracing our brand.”
The fit feels natural. Padel is inherently social: matches are typically played in doubles, clubs double as lifestyle hubs, and post-game gatherings are often as important as the match itself. Timing, rhythm, and precision matter on the court—values that parallel Swiss watchmaking philosophy.
The Pro Padel League currently features 10 teams representing cities across the Americas, with broadcasts reaching an estimated 300 million homes in more than 100 countries. Throughout the 2026 season, Frederique Constant will be visible on match clocks, countdown timers, and both on-site and digital signage. The season includes five events across North America, beginning in New York City in July and concluding with the City’s Cup Finals in Miami.
Beyond visibility, Frederique Constant plans to activate immersive brand experiences at select PPL events, offering fans a deeper look into padel’s rules, culture, and competitive structure. A special limited-edition Pro Padel League watch is also set to debut later this year.
As padel continues its rapid ascent, Frederique Constant’s presence courtside signals more than a sponsorship—it reflects a shared belief in precision, passion, and being part of the moment as a modern sport finds its rhythm.
Frederique Constant and Pro Padel League team up.
(Portions of this article by Roberta Naas first appeared on Forbes.com.)
