Russian politician's 'modest and patriotic' car purchase undermined by his luxury Swiss watch

A Russian politician’s display of patriotism has been somewhat undermined after people noticed he was wearing a luxury swiss watch.

Vitaly Milonov, who clashed with Stephen Fry in 2013 over Russia’s anti-homosexuality laws, bought a new 657,000 rouble (£6,000) Lada Vesta, a modest Russian family car, inviting a television crew to join him as he made the purchase.

However, his attempted show of modesty and patriotism wasn’t the main talking point to arise from the photo op, as Twitter decided instead to discuss his choice of watch: a Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine which retails for £6,800, or just over 730,000 roubles.

Mr Milonov paid for half the car at the dealership with the other half to be paid over three years in instalments.

In 2014 it was reported that Mr Milonov earned around £48,000 as a local politician, sparking accusations online that he obtained the watch in exchange for political deeds.

One Twitter user wrote:

Milonov bought the Lada Vesta on credit. Yet his watch is more expensive than the car.

Mr Milonov denies any wrongdoing. According to the BBC, he told television channel REN:

People have nothing better to do. The watch is 10 years old... Maybe my grandmother left it to me? I don't want to say anything - it's nobody's business.

HT BBC