After stumbling to its lowest-placed finish in the 2015/2016 English Premier League season since Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich took over the club in 2003, Chelsea took the crown last season (2016/2017) with a new manager on board as well as a switch of tactics to 3-4-3. The move rejuvenated key players such as Diego Costa and Eden Hazard, whose countless poor performances led to the departure of ex-manager José Mourinho in December 2015.
Leading up to the new season, which is set for kick-off in August, Abramovich decided to reward his players with Hublot’s Classic Fusion Chronograph Chelsea watches as a token of appreciation for their heroics last season. The Swiss watchmaker is the club’s official partner as well as the official timekeeper of Euro 2016.
Along with the expensive gift, club chairman Bruce Buck also wrote a simple thank you card, urging the players to “keep the blue flag flying high”.
Limited to only 200 pieces worldwide, the 45mm timepiece shares plenty of Chelsea’s unmistakable identity. The dial features sunray finish in blue—synonymous with Chelsea whose nickname is the Blues. On top of that, the club’s crest, which depicts a lion standing upright while holding a staff, is also etched on the 12 o’clock position. Lastly, the chronograph, which runs on a HUB1143 calibre with 42 hours of power reserve, is paired with a blue alligator leather strap with blue rubber lining and sides.