By Hallie Engel
Swiss watch brand Rotary has signed an exclusive four year sponsorship deal, making it the Global Official Timekeeper of Chelsea FC. Frank Lampard will become the Chelsea Football Club Rotary brand ambassador.
In honour of the sponsorship, Rotary has designed a special edition watch in two versions. The first Chelsea FC design has unique defining features, including the Blues’ famous blue lion badge and each timepiece pays tribute to the 2012 Champions League winners, the only London club to have achieved the feat. The special watches will be available on a dedicated website that will launch soon.
As Global Official Timekeeper, Rotary branding will be prominent within the club’s ground at Stamford Bridge. Additionally, Chelsea’s star midfielder Frank Lampard will become the Chelsea Football Club Rotary brand ambassador for the 2013-14.
Victoria Campbell, chief executive of Rotary, said: “This is an extremely exciting sponsorship for Rotary and one that we are very proud of. Like us, Chelsea enjoys a long standing heritage and operates on the world stage. Our partnership represents a mutually beneficial strategic alliance given that we share many common values. We are committed to growing our brand awareness overseas particularly in Southeast Asia and Chelsea was our first choice given that their fan base in the region is huge.”
Ron Gourlay, Chelsea FC chief executive, also commented on the development, saying: "We have never partnered with a watch company until now but believe Rotary are a perfect fit as we share a similar outlook and goals. We are very pleased to be joining forces with a Swiss fourth generation family owned watch brand which has a worldwide name. ‘I am happy to announce that Frank Lampard will become the Chelsea Football Club Rotary brand ambassador for the 2013-14 season and we look forward to building a great relationship with them."
Chelsea has never partnered with a watch brand until now.
