World Cup and Hublot – the Official Timekeepers

Hublot: The Official Timekeeper

We’re in the last days of the highly anticipated World Cup. Here, the top two teams are in the final round, hoping to claim victory in Russia. Every four years, the legendary sporting event partners with a luxury watch brand as the official timekeeper. If you’ve been watching the reference clocks closely, you may have noticed Hublot scored the coveted honor. The World Cup and Hublot, it may seem like an odd pairing, but for Hublot, this is their third World Cup.

In addition to serving as the official timekeeper of each match, Hublot created a limited edition timepiece to commemorate the special event. The Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is not just unique because of the tie to the holy grail of soccer tournaments. The watch is also the brand’s first smartwatch.

The World Cup and Hublot: FIFA and the Referee’s Watch

When collaborating on the timepiece, FIFA expressed the need for a superior connected watch that referees could wear on the pitch during matches and that would appeal to the event’s global fan base. The result is the brand’s first connected watch, produced in a limited quantity of only 2,018 pieces. It appeals to both seasoned and up and coming watch collectors.

The Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia combines the iconic features of Hublot’s beloved Big Bang with the modern touches of a smartwatch. It composed of functional, lightweight titanium and features a bezel decorated with six screws and a Kelvar insert. Yet, the connected aspect of the model shines through on its analog face. It features two neutral dial options in addition to 32 unique “fan” dials. They take inspiration from the colors of the flags of each participating country.

Image Credit: Hublot

Keeping with the contemporary nature of the watch, the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia boasts a hefty 49mm case. It comes equipped with the brand’s patented interchangeable “One Click” strap and two strap options. They are a cuff showcasing the 2018 FIFA World Cup emblem and a sleek black rubber strap. Additional strap options in each of the country colors are also available.

Special Features

For those sporting the watch throughout the tournament, there are a few particularly special features. First, a notification announcing each match fifteen minutes prior to kickoff. In addition, the watch displays match statistics. This includes the score, names of goal scorers, player substitutions, match time, and issues of red and yellow cards throughout each game. Finally, when a player scores a goal, the watch vibrates and proudly displays the word “GOAL” on the dial.

In addition to the standard functions of the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, the variation worn by the referees comes equipped with a few additional features. Each is synced with goal-line technology as well as an electronic video assistance system. They follows each trajectory of the ball, allowing them to definitively determine if the ball entirely crosses the goal line. Ultimately, this is an equally superb watch for referees and soccer super fans alike.