As the leading producer of custom rubber watch straps, Rubber B consistently strives to innovate and improve on our existing product catalog, which features custom rubber watch straps for watches from leading watchmakers around the globe, such as Rolex, Tudor, Panerai, and Audemars Piguet.
Over the last several decades, watch manufacturers have been attempting to help be environmentally friendly in terms of the way they go about producing their watches. One of those companies is Omega, which partnered with legendary sailor Peter Blake. Peter Blake rechristened his boat the Seamaster Omega. Sadly, he was murdered while conducting environmental research on behalf of the United Nations.
Several versions of the Peter Blake Seamaster Omega watches have been produced since his passing in 2001. The most recent addition to the Peter Blake Seamaster Omega line was seen in 2020.
In honor of his impressive sailing legacy, and his important environmental work, we thought it would be appropriate to take a closer look into the life, career, and legacy of Sir Peter Blake.
Who Was Sir Peter Blake?
Sir Peter Blake was born on October 1st, 1948, in Auckland, New Zealand. He began sailing in his family’s dinghy at the age of five. By the age of 18, he was already winning local sailing contests with his brother in New Zealand.
In 1971, he began his professional sailing career aboard the Ocean Spirit during the Cape Town to Rio De Janeiro race. His boat would go on to win the entire race. The skippers of the boat recognized his natural sailing abilities and leadership skills and asked him to continue working with them during their next race.
In 1973, he would serve as a watch captain on the Burton Cutter during an early iteration of the Whitbread Round the World Race. This would only serve to further enhance Blake’s steadily growing reputation as one of the best sailors in the world. He would go on to appear in the race several more times, eventually winning the 1989-1990 edition of the competition.
In 1994, Blake and his team would go on to compete for and win, the Jules Verne trophy. They were the first non-French team to ever win the prestigious sailing award.
In 1995 and 1996, Blake would go on to lead team New Zealand to two successful runs for America’s Cup trophy. He would go on to be inducted into their hall of fame in 1996.
Post-Racing Career, Research, and Murder in Brazil
Following his retirement from sailing and racing, Peter Blake developed a new passion – environmental research. This was especially true where the oceans were concerned. He attempted to become involved with the Jacques Costeau society and take it over, but the attempt was unsuccessful. He would eventually go on to found his own organization, Blakepeditions.
He would go on to become named a special envoy for environmental research by the United Nations. He conducted much of this research on the Peter Blake Seamaster Omega, which had been previously known as Antarctica.
On December 5, 2001, Blake and his team pulled into a port in Brazil to get dinner and rest one evening. Several pirates, who were wearing masks, attempted to rob him and his crew. When one of them went to reach for his watch, Blake shot the man in self-defense. This caused the team of armed robbers to begin opening fire, and Blake was tragically killed during the robbery.
Today, the legacy he leaves behind is one of leadership and passionate advocacy for the environment.
Are You in Need of a Custom Rubber Watch Band For Your Luxury Watch? Visit Rubber B Today
All of our watch bands are made from 100% vulcanized rubber and manufactured in Switzerland by industry professionals with decades of experience behind them. All of Rubber B’s straps are also non-toxic and non-allergenic, ensuring a quality product that is sure to last for years to come.
If you would like to learn more about our complete list of products, shipping policies, pricing, or have questions about our custom rubber watch straps, please visit the Rubber B website today for more information. One of our valued team members will be happy to answer your inquiry in a timely manner.
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