The Modest Billionaire: Roman Abramovich Wears A Polar M61

Roman Abramovich could afford just about any luxury timepiece he desired, but the Russian oligarch seems to favor discrete style over flash. Haute Time spotted Abramovich, in this photo from last year’s court battle with fellow Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky, wearing a very modest digital watch. Abramovich, who runs private investment firm Millhouse LLC. and owns the Chelsea Football Club, wore the Polar M61 on his left wrist.

The now-discontinued Finnish-made piece, which retails for about US$150, acts as a heart rate monitor to let its wearer know how effectively they are exercising. The August 2012 court battle in London’s High Court saw Abramovich triumph over his former business partner Berezovsky, who had sought $5.6 billion as compensation for stakes in oil company Sibneft and aluminum producer Rusal.

Photos courtesy The Daily Mail.

Seth Semilof

Co-Founder & COO · Haute Time

Seth Semilof co-founded Haute Living and, with business partner Kamal Hotchandani, launched Haute Time, the brands' luxury timepiece site, to educate buyers about the best watches in the world and to showcase the passion of collectors and the CEOs who lead the great maisons. His love of watches began early: a TAG Heuer at 13, an Omega at 16, and his first Rolex at 20. Through Haute Time he has been honored to visit the greatest watch manufactures in the world and meet the master watchmakers behind them. He has also personally featured private collections exclusive to Haute Time, taking readers inside the watch boxes of Kevin Hart, Carmelo Anthony, Tony Robbins and Swizz Beatz.