It would take a book to list the numerous connections between Hublot and soccer. So, to get to the heart of the matter, there is nothing like an interview with “The Special One”, José Mourinho, one of today’s greatest coaches. Fair, direct, and sparing with words, the man talks about his relationship with the watch brand.
José Mario dos Santos Félix Mourinho, better known as José Mourinho, is probably the most famous coach in the world. He is considered by many to the best football tactician of his generation and has worked with legendary teams such as FC Porto, Chelsea FC, Inter Milan, and Real Madrid. His unique success rate also includes a double victory in the Champions League as well as the unrivalled record of unbeaten home games with 150 in eight seasons on the league and 183 in the cup. In addition to the wins, he is appreciated for his provocative sense of humour which has earned him a well-deserved nickname: The Special One.
On the watch front, Mourinho was awarded his own timepiece by Hublot in November 2018. In February 2021, the manufacture, which is the Official Timekeeper of the Premier League, also announced a limited edition of its connected watch, the Big Bang e, dedicated to the Premier League. This gives us an opportunity to look back with Mourinho on a partnership that has spanned seven years.
You have been with Hublot for seven years, which is a long time. What does this partnership mean to you?
It is a long and special story, a true partnership. More than that, it is a friendship. Hublot is a brand that I love, but even more than the brand, I appreciate the people and the family behind it. They are particularly loyal and supportive of me, but also of many others. We both love soccer with a passion.
What would you say are the highlights of this seven-year partnership with Hublot?
We have really shared a lot of experiences together. I have seen them partner with some of my favorite tournaments, become a major partner of UEFA, and now they are partnering with the Premier League. These are obviously two very important organizations in my career. I have always enjoyed seeing Hublot become more visible and influential in the soccer world.
Hublot loves soccer! What do you love about Hublot?
I love the people behind the brand and the special attention to details they put into every watch they make. Everyone knows Hublot by now for the quality of their work.
What feature would you like to see in a next-generation Big Bang e?
I’ll leave that question to the experts! They know I really enjoy their work and I always look forward to each new creation they make.
Mechanical or connected? In your spare time, which do you prefer?
Both, but at the moment I am wearing my connected watch more, my Big Bang e or Premier League, which I have gotten used to.
How could they make it better in the future?
I like the changes to the straps and the dial. It gives you the opportunity to add new details. It is always fun to make small changes to each piece.
How do you manage your time during a match and at half-time?
This is a very critical fact that we always keep in mind. Time is everything in soccer. And in games in general, where the smallest details can be decided in a few seconds. I am constantly watching the time. I have to be as efficient as possible with the time I have at half-time. There is always a lot to say in a very limited time.
In your private life, are you always on time or do you have a tendency to run late?
Always, always on time. For me, arriving right on time is already being late!
If you had a 25th hour in the day, how would you spend it?
I would spend it with my family.
At 58 years of age, and after so many victories, what still motivates you in soccer?
The next game. What motivates me is always the next soccer game.
You are known in the business for your frankness. Can you tell us about this?
I am who I am and I like to be myself. No one can ever accuse me of not having integrity with that!
