Dario Franchitti Celebrates Launch of TW Steel Watch

Customers and V.I.P. fans alike flocked to Kerns Fine Jewelry in Burlingame, CA for an exclusive event to meet Dario Franchitti and celebrate the launch of his special edition TW Steel watch.

Franchitti, who is a two time Indianapolis 500 winner, is not only a spokesperson for the brand, but also an admirer. Franchitti told Haute Living that the relationship with TW Steel developed naturally after he met fellow Scotsmans who worked with the company. Franchitti has been a long time watch collector and was eager to get involved with such an established brand.

The watch, which is personalized with a variety of Franchitti’s racing numbers and colors, features the standard TW Steel large face along with a sporty rubber band. It comes in both black, for males, and white, for females. Franchitti’s wife, Ashley Judd, requested the white watch be made as she was a fan of the original design, but felt the white band gave it a more feminine flair.

Guests were treated to a cocktail reception with appetizers as they perused the Kerns jewels and tried on the new Dario Franchitti watch. In addition to the watch launch, this event was also an auction, hosted by 49er alum Gary Plummer. All proceeds of the auction went to support local Hillsborough schools, as well as the 49er Foundation and Autism Speaks.

Only two auction items were up for bid, but they were both exclusive packages. The first was a special gameday event with the 49ers, including four tickets, a walk on the field, and seats with Gary Plummer and Ted Robinson. Not to be outdone, Dario Franchitti auctioned off a day at the races with a private plane ride to Infineon Raceway, tour of the race track, seats in the pit stop, and the chance to speak to Dario during the race. The items raised an astounding $43,000 for charity.

For event photos, see the Haute Living Events Gallery. For more information and store locations for TW Steel, visit www.twsteel.com.