David Beckham: Truth or Dare

I daresay, both!

When Tudor #BornToDare global ambassador, philanthropist, entrepreneur and global style icon David Beckham unveiled the new Glamour Double Date timepiece on the top floor of The Murray in Hong Kong, he also consented to a frank discussion with the press.

Tall, tanned and handsome, and with eyes as piercing as my stilettos, David strode into Popinjays of The Murray Hotel in Hong Kong with a smile that dazzled as much as the lights of Hong Kong’s glittery skyline.

When I introduced myself as a member of the Philippine press, he shook my hand warmly, firmly. “Your son Brooklyn was in the Philippines recently,” I told him, referring to Brooklyn’s endorsement of Bench. “I met him, too.”

Our conversation was brief, but he listened to my every word — at least he looked like he did.

Before the cocktail reception, we had a brief Q & A with him, where he showed that he was a hardworking man who always dared to be different, and who dared to put his family above all else — despite the challenges of his celebrity.

The brand ’s latest timepiece, the Glamour Double Date is the latest iteration of the established Glamour Double Date model.

Excerpts:

You played many roles in your life, from football player, fashion icon, entrepreneur, and watch ambassador to a father. How do you juggle these different roles in your daily life?

Beckham: You have to prioritize what’s important. And obviously, my business is very important to me. And Victoria’s business is very important to her. But as parents, as husbands and wives, the most important thing to us is each other and our children.

Our priority will always be our family, our children. But I think we will not be setting right example to our children if we did not work hard to get our business or jobs.

My children are seeing me be a successful football player. They see me work hard as a football player. They have seen their mom be a Spice Girl. They have seen their mom go into fashion business and be very successful.

I think it’s important to set the right example and be the role models for our children. I want them to know, if they want to be successful, they have to still work hard, very hard, and that’s what Victoria and I try to teach to our children.

What do you think of the slogan “Born To Dare?” What’s the boldest, most fearless, most daring thing you’ve ever done?

Beckham: Yes, that’s it, this is incredible, exactly what Tudor is all about. There are certain parts of my life that #BornToDare came in. I have my love for motorbikes, fits very well in #BornToDare, a very perfect slogan for Tudor and its ambassadors.

Most fearless thing I’ve done? Recently, I went to Miami and tried deep-sea diving…free diving. I’ve never been a big fan of diving, it was a challenge. I moved from Manchester United, Real Madrid then America. I love a challenge; free diving was definitely a challenge I overcame.

David and Victoria Beckham with their children Romeo James, Brooklyn, Harper and Cruz. Photo from www.instagram.com/davidbeckham

What is the main reason for deciding to work with Tudor? And how do you feel being the Tudor global ambassador? (The Tudor #BornToDare spirit is supported globally by high-profile ambassadors whose life achievements directly result from a daring approach to life: David, Lady Gaga, Jay Chou and the All Blacks.)

Beckham: I feel very proud…proud to be part of something that has so much history and heritage. To be part of a brand that cares so much about what they do.

I was like a kid stepping into a candy shop when the offer came. This is a partnership that’s long-term, and it’s about commitment, I felt like I’m part of the family, Real Madrid…again part of the family. I’m very lucky to have a partnership that gives me that feeling.

Have you ever had any memorable moments with your watch? Do you have any stories to share about your watches?

Beckham: One watch in particular…I can’t remember the brand, the story behind is, it’s my grandfather’s; and right before he passed away seven years ago, he gave this watch to me. I know my grandfather would have been very proud of my partnership with Tudor, he used to wear this elegant watch — gold, and sophisticated looking...My first memory of a watch was my grandfather’s, and it’s the most important watch in my small collection.

David Beckham with the author.

You’re known as a style icon, please share some of your style tips.

Beckham: I have a wife that has great experience in the fashion world. I’ve worn many different things, mostly good, but I also need to be a bit more classy. Change of hairstyle? I’m 43 years of age, I want to look classier. The English do classic very well. I ask my wife’s advice if I look good or not. She’s a good person to get advice from.

What other areas would you like to explore to challenge yourself?

Beckham: I want to continue to stay healthy, stay fit, same goes for my family. I want to continue to be successful as a businessman, my business excites me, I enjoy it, have great partners. Born To Dare embodies what Tudor is all about.  I am excited in the potential we can create together. I feel like I’m part of a family, that’s the most special thing.

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As for my getting my photo with David, I dared myself to do it. And that’s the truth.

(You may e-mail me at [email protected]. Follow me on Instagram @joanneraeramirez.)