Independent Swiss watchmaker Purnell nutmegged much more illustrious players on the way to netting Official Timekeeper status for the Ballon D’Or awards ceremony, which honours the best footballers in the world every year.
Despite only being founded in 2020, Purnell was nimble enough to secure a three year deal for the Ballon D’Or partnership, which gives it global coverage alongside an event associated for the past decade with Lionel Messi and Christiano Ronaldo going head to head for the ultimate prize in their sport.
The gala awards ceremony took place last night, with Messi, having left Barcelona for Paris Saint Germain, once again taking the prize for the best male footballer of the year. The ladies’ footballer of the year prize was won by Spanish midfielder Alexia Putellas, who currently plays for Barcelona.
Both Lionel Messi and Alexia Putellas received special Purnell watches along with their Ballon D’Or trophies.
All of Purnell’s watches have tourbillons, and the 18ct gold unique pieces presented to the winners were no exception.
What is different is that the tourbillon is encased in a golden football, which rotates every 30 seconds.
