Hublot, the swiss watchmaker brand most involved in international sports, just launched its own version of a smart watch. With the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia watch, Hublot presents a limited-edition collection piece, specially designed for the current soccer world cup.
The Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia watch features a totally digital display. Equipped with Google Wear OS technology, this model can be synchronized with any smartphone —either Android 4.4+ or iOs. But its most distinctive asset is an exclusive app that provides statistics on all the matches in the 2018 Soccer World Cup Russia.
Some of the faces chosen to represent the brand around the world are the manager of the Argentine national team, Jorge Sampaoli, and Julen Lopetegui, former head coach for the Spain national soccer team. These personalities join international soccer celebrities such as Diego Maradona and Brazilian legend Pelé.
El reloj Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. / © Hublot
This is not the first time that Hublot shows up in a soccer world cup. For the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, the Swiss company was the official timekeeper of the event. On that occasion, Hublot introduced the Big Bang Unico Bi- Retrograde Chrono, an analog clock that paved the way for the Referee model. Pelé was also the face of that watch, which, by the way, was on the pitch during the embarrassing 7-1 defeat of Brazil against Germany.
El reloj Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. / © Hublot
That’s not all. The user can customize this watch by choosing from 32 different screen designs, which show the colors of the participating nations in the world cup. The body of the watch responds to the classic aesthetic of Hublot’s Big Bang: big, bold and unanimously celebrated by soccer stars. The Referee‘s titanium case comes with a single peripheral button and the characteristic screws on the frame.
Diego Maradona, representante del reloj Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. / © Hublot
The strap of the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia watch is easily interchangeable. Just by pushing a button, the standard rubber strap is released. All options, of course, also reflect the world cup’s colors and flags.
El reloj Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. / © Hublot
“Soccer creates impressive bonds,” said Juan David Ariza, Hublot’s vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean, during the presentation of the watch. “Our brand is very young and rooted in soccer.”
It’s true. Hublot began its association with soccer in 2006 as official sponsor of the Switzerland national team. Since then, Hublot has been in three world championships and three FIFA Confederations Cups. Some UEFA EUROs, Champions Leagues and Europa Leagues have also kept time using this brand.
The Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup watch comes in a limited edition of 2,018 units, priced at around $5,000. If work or distance kept you away from Russia these days, this watch is a good way to jump in this worldwide soccer fever. ■
