Chelsea names Rotary as 'global official timekeeper', with Frank Lampard named brand ambassador
Chelsea Football Club has named Swiss watchmaker Rotary as its 'global official timekeeper' in a four-year deal that sees club legend Frank Lampard named as brand ambassador for the 2013-14 season.
The deal will see Rotary branding become increasingly prominent around Stamford Bridge, along with the release of two 'special edition' watches.
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 South East Asia and Chelsea was our first choice given that their fan base in the region is huge.”
Ron Gourlay, Chelsea FC chief executive, said: "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."
Neither party has yet stated whether the deal will mean that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will be persuaded trade the £93 Polar M61 digital watch he can be seen wearing on WatchUSeek.com for a more ornate Rotary model.