Dating back over two thousand years, polo is now a universal sport in which a fusion of power, speed and precision is played out in an elegant yet friendly atmosphere. Bringing together four top teams, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup was one of the high points in the European calendar. One of the four teams competing in the arena was Team Hublot led by Shilai Liu, captain and owner of the Tang Polo Club in Beijing.
Jean-Claude Biver, Hublot Chairman & President of the LVMH Watch division, warmly welcomed his guests to this most popular of luxury resorts. A place steeped in tradition with its picturesque, unspoilt panoramic views, set against an inviting mountain backdrop, dotted with chalets and farms. After the qualifying round on Thursday 18 August, Friday marked the famous Players' Parade through Gstaad. Following the semi-finals held on Saturday 20 August, the third- and fourth-place play-off was held on Sunday at 13:30 before the Final kicked off at 15:00. At the end of the four chukkers, Team Hublot won 6 1/2 - 6. Marcos Di Paola made the difference in the 4th chukker and helped to clinch the title.
For its 8th edition, the Hublot Polo Gold Cup marks the launch of the Classic Fusion "Chukker". Dressed in "Earth" shades, its 45 mm case in micro-blasted titanium houses the HUB 1141 chronograph movement. A bi-compax chronograph whose counter at 9 o'clock measures the 7-and-a-half-minute duration of each chukker. It features a grey-brown dial with subtle central sunray satin finish, black counters and luminous beige appliqués and hands. With a beige stitched calfskin strap sewn onto rubber, the Classic Fusion "Chukker" is available in an edition of 200 numbered pieces.
On the field, the teams demonstrated the full power of their mounts and the precision of their sporting technique in combining forehand and backhand swings. Off the field, the guests enjoyed test driving Ferrari supercars – a new arrival to the tournament and a partner to Hublot since 2011 – and developing their expertise in watches at a session by the Hublot Watch Academy.
