Mao Zedong wears Omega?

Audiences will soon see the “Beginning of the Great Revival,” and the country—which is aimed at China’s 1.3-billion population—presents many advertising opportunities.

In one scene, Mao Zedong is given a gold Omega pocket watch by his girlfriend. Just like a commercial, the camera zoomed in on the Swiss luxury brand name, making it visible to the audience.

It appears to be a blatant product placement. However, the director and the star of the movie claim that it was not a paid placement. As of press time, Omega has yet to respond to the brand’s appearance on the film.

Han Sanping, the co-director of the production, says that the watch was simply a well-designed prop.