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Forget about Fergie time, a leading Swiss watch-maker has celebrated the launch of its latest timepiece with the current Manchester United boss during an evening devoted to duality and team spirit.
The Special One is the nickname of football manager José Mourinho. It is only fitting that his watch be special as well … presenting the Hublot Big Bang Unico Special One, a technical gem, to be produced in a limited series of 200 pieces.
“If I hadn’t already known his nickname, I’d definitely have given him the same one after meeting him: José really is a one-off, unique in his nature and his expectations. Qualities that we share. Mourinho and Hublot, The Special Two!” claimed Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.
Instantly recognisable, this version of the iconic Big Bang design is adorned in blue. Why blue? Because it’s Mourinho’s favourite colour. Known for his sartorial elegance, he always wears a touch of blue, whether it’s his suit, tie or shirt. So blue is painted straight onto the bezel and 45-mm polished ceramic case. Why red? Because, as Mourinho explained, red gives character.
The dial, with hints of red and black, is skeletonised so as to reveal Hublot’s famous UNICO manufacture fly-back chronograph movement, the calibre HUB1242.
The movement can also be seen from the back through the transparent sapphire case back and offers a 72-hour power reserve. The rubber-lined alligator strap boasts the same blue shade as the watch, adorned by red top-stitching.
Mourinho said: “I’m honoured to receive a second watch bearing my name from Hublot, and I’m particularly happy about this one,” he said. “Since we started working together, I’ve been extremely impressed by the work ethic, technical knowledge and inventiveness of the brand’s watchmakers and engineers. Values that are very useful on the football pitch. And above all, we share the same passion, the same madness: football!”
Fergie Time, named after retired former United boss Alex Ferguson, remains a phrase used in English football referring to a generous or excessive amount of time after the injury time had been added at the end of a match, allowing a team more time to score a late equaliser or winner.
Mourinho kept the legend alive last week and provided his own pyrotechnics on the touchline. With seconds ticking away, the Portuguese coach celebrated Marouane Fellaini’s late 91st-minute Champions League winner against Young Boys by throwing a crate of drinks bottles to the floor.
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Special One is presented in a case worthy of its exclusivity: a box in the same blue shade as the watch itself, enhanced here and there with touches of black and red, sporting his signature in the window and containing a personalised Moleskine notebook. Perfect for recording the future feats of The Special One!
