Water, Lidija Lijić's Partner In Crime
Press Release
Water, Lidija Lijić's Partner In Crime
Maurice Lacroix is delighted to welcome Croatian diver Lidija Lijić into the brand’s circle of friends. A multi-record-breaking athlete who isn’t afraid of anything.
An Unstoppable Fascination
“I grew up in Split, and whenever I looked out at the sea, I only had one desire, to dive into it and explore its abysses”, Lidija Lijić dreamily reminisces. When she discovered the joy of admiring coral and fish with her mask and snorkel as a child, she already knew her fascination with water would become her job. Today, Lidija is world champion in freediving with the impressive achievement of staying underwater for 5 minutes and 43 seconds.
“I set my first freediving world record in Turkey in a warm sea surrounded by turtles... I was in the unknown, full of fear and uncertainty, but I was able to do it. It was an unforgettable moment.” It is a record that includes several others as she has won numerous gold medals at the Freediving World Championship, has held a Guinness World Record for under-ice apnoea, and set a freediving World record in the Himalayas...
But the journey to the top is not all smooth sailing. “It’s a long-term commitment that requires constant, tough training and more, as you also have to work on your mental strength. Self-control, concentration and confidence... Freediving is a dangerous sport which requires great aplomb”, says the sportswoman.
A Brand Perfectly Aligned With Her Values
“I contacted Maurice Lacroix because I found that we share common values. My discipline is less glamorous than certain others and few are nominated. I like the idea that this brand believes in people. I see myself mirrored in Maurice Lacroix’s motto, which is ‘Success is a journey, not a destination’. I need a partner that understands me and supports me in my achievements, someone who will back me in both success and defeat.” While the athlete is looking to achieve more underwater victories, she also takes on other sports challenges, such as flying - she holds a pilot’s licence- and mountain climbing.
During her visit to the manufacture in Saignelégier, her determination as well as her insatiable curiosity impressed Stéphane Waser, Managing Director of the brand: “Lidija is woman with a very precise and ambitious logbook! She’s afraid of nothing and is constantly surpassing herself. We love her attitude, since at Maurice Lacroix, we believe that the only limits we have are those that we set for ourselves. We are happy to be a part of her adventure!”
In addition, the movements and complications immediately fascinated her: “With my education in engineering, I like to understand how things work, and discovering how the timepieces are made and their subtleties really inte- rested me. I also really fell in love with the brand’s skeleton watches. Observing the mechanism’s moving parts is captivating!” Equally attracted to the dive models from the AIKON range as well as the styles of the Eliros range, Lidija was able to find a complete range of watches made for each moment in her life: “Whether it’s for sports, elegance or the design... I already know in which situations I’m going to wear each one. I love the idea that these luxurious Swiss-made watches have accessible prices. These are timepieces made for regular people and not just an elite group.”
The diver, who travels to bodies of water around the world, continues her journey in 2020 with different challenges for which she is eagerly preparing. “I can now count on the support of a partner who will remind how much time I have”, she says.
Lidija Lijić: #YOURTIMEISNOW!