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Footballer Xherdan Shaqiri spotted wearing Hublot

Xherdan Shaqiri was photographed wearing the Hublot Classic Fusion Skeleton King Gold ref. 515.OX.0180.LR during the period surrounding his high-profile £12 million move from Inter Milan to Stoke City — a transfer that made him one of the most expensive signings in the Potters' history and placed him squarely in the spotlight both on and off the pitch.

The ref. 515.OX.0180.LR is a 45mm Classic Fusion built around Hublot's HUB1300 hand-wound skeletonized calibre, delivering approximately 90 hours of power reserve through a single barrel. The movement is displayed through a fully open-worked dial, with the architecture of the bridges and plates left deliberately exposed — a format Hublot has refined across the Classic Fusion line since the collection was introduced in 2012 as a more restrained counterpart to the Big Bang. The case material is King Gold, a patented 18k rose gold alloy developed in-house by Hublot's metallurgical team, blended with trace elements to achieve a harder surface that resists micro-abrasions better than standard rose gold. A black rubber strap with a deployant clasp completes a combination — metal and rubber — that has become a Hublot signature.

From a collector standpoint, the skeletonized Classic Fusion occupies a credible middle ground in Hublot's portfolio. It lacks the theatrics of the MP or Techframe lines but demonstrates genuine movement finishing and restrained case design. The King Gold designation adds material value and exclusivity beyond standard steel references, making it a more defensible long-term acquisition.

Shaqiri has been a consistent Hublot spotter over the years, fitting neatly into the brand's longstanding strategy of partnering with elite footballers and football institutions — Hublot has held official timing partnerships with FIFA and UEFA, making the watch a natural choice for players at the top level of the game. His selection of the skeletonized King Gold variant rather than an entry-level ceramic model signals an informed preference rather than a default sponsorship allocation.

At UK RRP of approximately £23,000 — roughly $29,500 USD at prevailing rates — the Hublot Classic Fusion ref. 515.OX.0180.LR sits in a competitive segment. Grey market pricing typically runs 15–25% below retail for King Gold Classic Fusion references, reflecting healthy but not exceptional secondary demand.