Vijay Mallya is back in the spotlight but this time, not just for his words. The flamboyant former tycoon, infamous for the rise and crash of Kingfisher Airlines, made a rare public appearance on entrepreneur Raj Shamani’s podcast, where he opened up about his journey, his IPL team Royal Challengers Bangalore, and the financial storm that has followed him since 2016. But amid all the headlines his statements have sparked, fashion and watch enthusiasts couldn’t help but zoom in on the ultra-luxury timepiece he wore for the occasion.
Seated in a sombre-hued full-sleeve shirt, Mallya kept his outfit understated but let his wrist do the talking. He was spotted wearing the Hublot King Power F1 India, a show-stopping rose gold watch that is as exclusive as it is expensive. Only 200 pieces were ever created to mark the Indian Grand Prix, and Mallya’s piece is crafted from 18K King Gold, a red-gold alloy unique to the Swiss watchmaker. With a price tag of approximately $47,400 (₹40.66 lakh), the watch is not just an accessory, it’s a statement.The Hublot King Power F1 India boasts a 48 mm case, black ceramic and gold bezel, and a rubber-Nomex strap that’s a nod to its racing heritage. Inside, it’s powered by the brand’s robust HUB4100 automatic chronograph movement, offering hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions with surgical precision. Sapphire crystal, a transparent case back, and 100m water resistance elevate the watch into true collector’s territory. This is luxury built for performance, and Mallya wears it like second skin.
During the podcast, Mallya also addressed the possibility of returning to India – n the condition of a fair trial. “There are others India is seeking to extradite from the UK… the courts have found Indian detention conditions in breach of the European Convention on Human Rights,” he said, raising eyebrows and igniting fresh debates online.Mallya’s appearance has triggered a viral wave, not only for his first-hand insights into one of India’s biggest financial scandals but also for his unabashed display of opulence. While his legal troubles are far from over, his taste for luxury remains firmly intact, reminding the world that when Mallya speaks, he still does so in style.
