A Swiss luxury watchmaker has unveiled its new "Proud to be Russian" line after the wristwear was commissioned by French actor Gerard Depardieu, who became a Russian citizen last year.
The Geneva-based Cvstos will produce a watch that features Russia's double-headed eagle symbol in gold on a black clock face, Itar-Tass reported, citing the Belgian radio station Contact.
Depardieu was given a Russian passport and met personally with President Vladimir Putin early last year when he renounced his French citizenship after complaining of high taxes on millionaires in his homeland.
The expatriate has immersed himself in a series of Russian cinematic adventures, starring in last year's Russian reproduction of "Rasputin," where he played the title role of the early 20th century Siberian mystic. While the Frenchman may be proud of his new homeland, his adopted countrymen were not fans of the film, which was largely panned by critics.
The 65-year old actor has also reportedly been filming an action movie in Grozny about a Chechen man seeking to revenge the death of his son.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
