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Swiss watchmaker becomes partner of Formula One

By Chen Qide (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2010-04-19 14:24
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Formula One has appointed luxury Swiss watch brand Hublot as an official watchmaker for the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition.

Both launched a ceremony in Shanghai last weekend to announce the Hublot F1 King as the official watch of Formula One.

"I have long had a keen interest in watches and the art of watchmaking and I am very pleased to be announcing this deal today," said Bernie Ecclestone, CEO of the Formula One Group.

The Swiss watchmaker marked its presence with the creation of a special watch in the form of the F1 King, a restricted production run of a King Power model incorporating the famous F1 logo.

As part of a multi-year agreement, Hublot will produce a range of high-tech and limited edition watches for Formular One on an exclusive and global basis, said Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot.

"Hublot is delighted to have elevated itself to an unassailable position in Formular One motor racing by securing an agreement with the iconic brand itself," said Biver.

A Hublot boutique will present its collections in the Formula One Paddock Club at several events and the company will run a guest hospitality programme throughout the F1 season.

"The series of watches dedicated to Formula One will be directly inspired by the world of F1, combining the finest know-how and manufacturing processes at the cutting edge of research and high-tech materials," Biver said.

He said the first of the 500 F1 King watches will be delivered in November, but Hublot has received 168 orders.