Spot the difference: Hong Kong champ Andrey Rublev shows off Bulgari watch during trophy ceremony

Andrey Rublev left fans playing a game of ‘spot the differences’ at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open trophy ceremony, after the champion donned a luxury watch that appeared to change color during the post-final photo shoot on Sunday.

The Russian kicked off the season by lifting the trophy at the ATP 250 event, taking down Emil Ruusuvuori 6-4, 6-4 in the final. Rublev, a Bulgari brand ambassador, was ready for the familiar trophy ceremony drill as he made sure to celebrate his 15th career title with the Italian luxury jewelers’ timepiece on his wrist.

Moments after match point, he donned a black ceramic Octo Finissimo skeleton watch—one of the highlights from his growing collection of luxury watches he's amassed since becoming the fashion house's first ambassador in tennis in 2021.

Rublev, who also launched his own sportswear project Rublo last year, recently chatted about his watch collection in an interview with Portuguese sports journalist and watch expert Miguel Seabra.

“I do what I feel, and I have a great affinity for Bulgari and what it does as a watch and jewelry brand, and the company's philosophy,” he told Portuguese outlet *Raquetc*. “I met with the head of Bulgari's watch division, Antoine Pin—we talked and they explained to me how mechanical watches work.

“I need to go to the Bulgari factory in Switzerland and see how watches are made to understand better!”

Rublev's collection includes three Aluminum models (the Chronograph, GMT and Match Point Edition), two Octo Finissimo models—one in black ceramic and one in titanium—as well as a blue Octo Roma.

“I really like wearing the Octo Finissimo Skeleton, the look is completely different from any other watch!” he told Seabra. “It's a super cool watch. I'm alternating the Octo with the Aluminum."

His relationship with Bulgari has also grown over the years: Last summer, Rublev helped launch the brand’s new Aluminum Match Point Edition. The lightweight watch is specifically designed for tennis and features a velcro strap and left-hand crown, meaning the big-hitting Russian won’t be bothered by the watch’s crown when he’s smashing forehands should he choose to wear it during the match, like he did during the Rolex Shanghai Masters final.

Currently ranked world No. 5, Rublev will be back in action next week in Melbourne as the Australian Open kicks off on Sunday, January 14.

"I played a good level of tennis the whole tournament," Rublev told press in Hong Kong. "I think I played at high level in the final. It will give me more confidence for Australian Open."