Watch Paparazzi

Footballer Dimitri Payet spotted wearing Hublot

On a night charged with football history — West Ham United's farewell to Upton Park, sealed with a memorable 3-2 victory over Manchester United — all eyes were understandably on the pitch. But sharp-eyed watch spotters caught something equally noteworthy on the wrist of French midfielder Dimitri Payet: a Hublot Big Bang Broderie in 18k yellow gold, reference 343.VX.6580.NR.0804, one of only 200 examples ever produced.

The Big Bang Broderie is no ordinary Hublot. Introduced as part of the brand's ongoing Art of Fusion philosophy, the Broderie series distinguishes itself through its dial treatment: genuine embroidery work stitched by skilled artisans, drawing on techniques closer to the fashion atelier than the watchmaking workshop. The reference 343.VX.6580.NR.0804 takes this concept into serious luxury territory with a 41mm 18k yellow gold case set with diamonds and a matching embroidered strap. Inside beats Hublot's HUB4100 self-winding movement, offering a 42-hour power reserve with hours, minutes, seconds and date functions. The combination of precious metal, diamond setting and textile craft gives this piece a complexity that photographs rarely do justice.

For collectors, the Broderie references occupy a curious but compelling niche. The 200-piece limitation is genuinely restrictive, and the yellow gold and diamond execution places it firmly in the upper tier of Hublot's Big Bang catalogue. Pieces like this tend to appeal to buyers who appreciate the crossover between watchmaking and other decorative arts — a market that Hublot has cultivated deliberately and successfully over the past two decades.

Payet was at the peak of his powers during the 2015-16 Premier League season, widely regarded as one of the finest individual campaigns by a midfielder in the league's recent history. His choice of a limited-edition, artisan-crafted Hublot on such a landmark occasion feels consistent with a personality that has always projected flair both on and off the ball.

With a UK RRP of approximately £25,000 at time of release, the Hublot Big Bang Broderie 343.VX.6580.NR.0804 sits in grey-market territory that reflects its rarity and the enduring premium on yellow gold Hublot complications. Expect secondary market prices to track closely to or slightly above retail given the tight production run.