"It’s Great To Be Back": David Beckham On India, TUDOR And Sport

It’s a warm Mumbai evening at the Chambers Terrace, Taj Mahal Palace. The city hums below, the Arabian Sea glimmers in the distance, and Swiss watchmaker TUDOR is bringing its fearless spirit to life in India with David Beckham at the centre of it all. For Beckham, this moment feels personal.

“This is my second visit to India,” he says, smiling easily. “I was here two years ago. I spent some time in Gujarat and a few days in Mumbai. Yesterday I was in Vizag, and today I’m here in Mumbai for the first time with TUDOR. It’s great to be back.”

Beckham’s connection with India goes beyond this evening in Mumbai. On his previous visit, he witnessed a historic cricket moment Virat Kohli surpassing one of Sachin Tendulkar’s iconic records. “I’ve always been an admirer of Sachin. To hear about the game from him was very special.” He’s fascinated by India’s deep love for sport. “Cricket is the number one sport here, and I also know how many Indian fans watch football. My advice to all is universal. Do what you love. If you don’t, you’re not playing the right sport. Sport is the most powerful tool in the world. You give kids a football, and they smile. It’s the same in India with cricket. Do what makes you happy.”

A Partnership That Just Works

Beckham’s association with TUDOR dates back to 2017, but it’s never felt like a conventional brand partnership. There’s a genuine ease in the way he speaks about the brand less endorsement, more alignment. That shared respect for craft is what makes the relationship feel so natural and it’s also what defines TUDOR’s design philosophy. “It’s been almost ten years, and since day one, the team at TUDOR has been incredible. Working with them, I realised we have the same values. We both appreciate quality craftsmanship.” 

Ask Beckham what sets TUDOR apart, and he doesn’t hesitate. “TUDOR has got the balance right because it’s about craftsmanship and heritage with a modern twist. When the Ranger came out a few years ago, there was something so elegant about it. They’re great at balancing the heritage and modern aspects of the brand,” he explains.  That balance between past and present, boldness and restraint feels very Beckham. Classic, but never predictable.

Born to Dare: A Philosophy He Lives By

TUDOR’s #BornToDare signature celebrates individuals who push boundaries on land, underwater, on ice, or in the air just as founder Hans Wilsdorf envisioned when he created watches built to withstand extreme conditions. It’s a spirit Beckham embodies effortlessly. The brand’s rallying cry, Born to Dare isn’t just marketing language. For Beckham it reflects a mindset he’s carried through football, fashion, philanthropy and life itself. “It does match my personality. When we talked about launching ‘Born to Dare’, we both felt it was a good fit,” he says simply. 

If choosing a favourite watch feels like picking a favourite child, Beckham still manages an answer, with a laugh. “Do I have to choose one favourite?” he asks. “I guess my favourite is the Ranger and I’m wearing it today. There’s history and heritage to this watch, which makes it special. I was there for the launch in 2022, when the Ranger first came back. That was a very special moment.”

Another standout? The Pelagos his go-to for everyday life. “You can wear it for lunch, dinner, school pick-up, in a suit, or with jeans and a T-shirt. The key is to pick a watch you can wear on any occasion something comfortable and cool,” he says. Despite being a global style icon, Beckham’s approach to fashion is refreshingly relaxed. “Fashion trends happen naturally. I don’t push any particular look. I like what I’m wearing, and I cut my hair the way I want to.” There is, however, one trusted advisor he always listens to. “I do take advice from my wife. We’ve been married for 27 years,” he adds smiling. 

While watches and style are part of the conversation, Beckham is quick to steer it back to what matters most. “To me, charity work is the most important. My UNICEF work began when I was 17 years old at Manchester United. Then I became a Global Goodwill Ambassador. Charity work is very important to me and it always will be.”

Balancing that work with family life isn’t always easy. “I wish I had a little bit more time in my day. My number one priority has always been my family. I have four amazing children, and it’s a balancing act,” he admits. 

A Cultural Moment for TUDOR in India

As the evening unfolds at the Taj Mahal Palace, guests experience TUDOR’s most celebrated timepieces icons of precision, resilience, and daring design. The refined hospitality, inspired by Mumbai’s heritage and contemporary elegance, mirrors the brand’s Swiss roots and global outlook. By bringing David Beckham to India, TUDOR creates more than an event it creates a cultural moment. One that reflects its growing presence in the Indian luxury landscape and its commitment to connecting with audiences through unforgettable experiences. And as Beckham prepares to end the night with “some good spicy Indian food,” one thing is clear: whether it’s watches, sport, or life itself, he remains unmistakably Born to Dare.