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Pictures of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman wearing a watch worth US$530,000 (HK$4.1 million) have sparked controversy in the crisis-hit country.
Dmitry Peskov, who is given a broad remit to voice the views of the Kremlin strongman, was photographed wearing the pricey Richard Mille “Tourbillon Skull” timepiece as he tied the knot with Olympic ice dancer Tatiana Navka on Saturday in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.
As images of the glitzy event emerged, speculation centred on the striking black watch on Peskov’s wrist, its face decorated with a distinctive gold skull.
Opposition politician and corruption whistleblower Alexei Navalny identified it as the limited edition watch RM 52-01 designed by Richard Mille.
The watch is worth at least US$620,0000, he wrote on his blog, citing an e-mail written to him by the Swiss watchmakers. Various online retailers suggest a price of 488,000 euros (US$530,000), plus tax.

“The bridegroom’s watch cost more than your apartment,” he titled his investigation.
Navalny published photographs of Peskov wearing other costly watches including a Rolex and an Omega.
Russian corruption busters have repeatedly focused on extremely expensive watches worn by officials who could hardly afford them on their declared salaries.
Peskov - who has an annual declared salary of some US$145,000 - brushed off speculation over the watch, saying it was a gift from his figure skater wife.
“Gifts from a wife to a husband or a husband to a wife can hardly have anything to do with anti-corruption activity,” he told was quoted as saying by RIA Novosti state news agency.
Navka confirmed this, telling Komsomolskaya Pravda tabloid: “I can afford to give a good present.”
She said the cost of the watch had been exaggerated.
“Naturally, the price that everyone is discussing now, of course, does not correspond to reality.”
Other pictures online show Peskov wearing the watch four months ago.

The wedding guests included a host of Russian pop stars and sports figures. But Putin himself was notably absent from photographs, although the couple earlier confirmed he was invited.
The details of the wedding cast a rare light on the way of life of the Kremlin’s inner circle, with little sign of belt-tightening amid Russia’s economic crisis.
Putin - with Peskov’s help - has maintained a veil of secrecy over his own love life since he and his wife Lyudmila divorced.


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How does Vladimir Putin’s spokesman afford a US$530,000 watch?

Dmitry Peskov got married on the weekend, but it was his watch, peeking out from  under his sleeve that stole the show. Photo: Facebook

The Richard Mille Tourbillon Skull features an unmistakeable  face. Photo: Richard Mille

Another glimpse of the watch, as Peskov and his bride, Tatiana Navka, kiss. Photo: Supplied

The watch was supposedly a wedding gift from Navka to Peskov, but this photo dated almost four months ago shows him wearing the same timepiece. Photo: Instagram

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