Beckham under fire

Odell Beckham of the Cleveland Browns violated NFL policy by wearing a six-figure designer Swiss watch in a loss to the Tennessee Titans (AFP Photo)

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — The National Football League (NFL) said Odell Beckham violated league rules by wearing a designer Swiss timepiece during the Cleveland Browns’ 43-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans.

The flashy wide receiver, who joined the Browns this year from the New York Giants, wasn’t wearing any old disposable Timex or Casio wrist watch, but rather a color-coordinated Richard Mille RM 11-03 McLaren with a flyback chronograph.

There is a similar limited-edition piece listed for sale on the watch retail site Chrono24 for $370,000.

NFL spokesman Michael Signora told reporters the league allows players to wear jewelry during games but there is a policy “prohibiting hard objects.”

Signora said the league spoke to Beckham and the Browns, who visit the New York Jets next Monday. No fine is expected.

“I was not aware he had the watch on,” Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said Monday. “As long as they enforce that with everybody, I am okay with it.”

Richard Mille timepieces have a close association with Formula 1 auto racing and are known for their extremely lightweight features.

Beckham is just the latest professional athlete to jump on the lucrative watch sponsor bandwagon.

Serena Williams has a sponsorship deal with Swiss watch icon Audemars Piguet. Williams wore a watch during her loss in the US Open final to Canadian Bianca Andreescu, which she proudly flashed on court as she was presented with her runner-up award.

Williams’ watches are customized with the crown moved to the left side to accommodate her swing.

Newly crowned US Open men’s champion Rafael Nadal and golfer Bubba Watson have also signed sponsorship deals with Richard Mille.

Golfers Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia wore Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra Ultra Lights during the recent European Masters tournament.