A Big Huge Bang!

Without question this is a watershed deal for Jean-Claude Biver and Hublot that will cement the brand’s visibility and prospect’s for success for many years to come. Today, Hublot joined FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) to announce that the brand would be the “Official Watchmaker” for the coming FIFA World Cups to be held in South Africa in June and Brazil in 2014.  This new venture is also undoubtedly the crowning achievement of Hublot’s sports legacy as it allies itself with the most popular sports event in the world — World Cup football.

Hublot already has a long and illustrious history in the footballing world.  I have covered much of it extensively including its sponsorship of the Swiss team in 2006, an official partner of Euro 2008, the “Official Timekeeper” for Manchester United (which brought us the Red Devil Bang I and II, and the 30 foot tall Hublot clock which stands proud outside Old Trafford), and most recently a partnership with legend Diego Maradona (a great watch, the Big Bang Maradona). And now it is football’s supreme authority — FIFA.

Hublot’s CEO, Jean-Claude Biver had this to say:

We already have an in-depth understanding of the footballing world, as Hublot was the first luxury brand to become involved in this field. It is a great honour and an immense pleasure to become the “Official Watchmaker” for the next two FIFA World Cups(TM), and to be a part of the largest televised event in the world.

Joseph S. Blatter, FIFA President was of course also ebullient about the partnership:

I am delighted that Hublot will be with us for the coming FIFA World Cups(TM). I have a lot of respect for Hublot and their ability to innovate and to stand apart, driven by Jean-Claude Biver’s own dynamism and passion!  Hublot’s image is a mark of Swiss quality and accuracy.

Yes there will be watches! The Watchmaker’s role on the pitch as “Official Timekeeper” means that HUBLOT will be visible on the referee’s boards when they show substitutions or stoppage time. This will start at the forthcoming 2010 FIFA World Cup. In addition, as the “Official Watchmaker”, Hublot will create an exclusive limited edition series for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, and special collections of watches linked to the FIFA World Cup from 2011.

My congratulations to everyone at Hublot and FIFA on achieving this phenomenal partnership.