Ridiculously Aweseome…

Baselworld 2012:  The wait is finally over… The Hublot Big Bang Ferrari watches are here and they are rockin’.   Hublot is THE hottest hippest brand in the market right now, no doubt about it.  After the announced partnership between Hublot & Ferrari last November, watch collectors, Hublotistas and Ferrari enthusiasts the world over have been eagerly anticipating the fruit of this passionate collaboration.   Today Hublot is proud to unveil the Big Bang Ferrari, a true departure in terms of designs and aesthetics that keeps the distinct Hublot feel, but this time with a touch if Italian flare that is subtle yet compelling. Two variations are available — Magic Gold  or Titanium.  Recall that Magic Gold is another Hublot breakthrough in the world of high-tech materials (announced a few months back) and the world’s first 18-karat gold alloy that is virtually scratch-proof.

Magic Gold Case

Titanium Case

The Big Bang Ferrari features tighter curves and sharper angles than the original Big Bangs. Inheriting design cues from both the King Power and Big Bang lines. The attachment piece (sometimes referred to as the “ear”) has also been enhanced, featuring a thicker Kevlar insert without visible screws. The end-pieces also feature a quick-release strap button (just like on the Oceanographic 4000 models) to easily swap between the different leather/rubber straps supplied.

The sides of the case also feature new traits. On one side, the extra-large gear shifter-inspired pushers which offer smooth chronograph activation/deactivation, and the new crown design with a touch of Ferrari red.

The other side features a more detailed Kevlar insert with an inlay of carbon-fiber; reminiscent of  the different car components fashioned in this exotic material which is very hard and yet extremely light.

The dial, in sapphire glass to reveal the “engine” below (guess where that inspiration came from?) features a new style of “chiseled” hour-markers, and applied cubical minute markers add a very 3-dimensional aspect to the watch. The dial itself holds subtle Ferrari symbols, such as the Cavallino at 9 o’clock and a dashboard-inspired chronograph minutes counter at 3 o’clock.

Last but not least is the engine that runs the watch. Just like in a Ferrari, the beautiful exterior covers something perhaps even more alluring; the “heart of the machine”.   Hence, Hublot decided to use nothing less than its own manufacture designed and made Unico chornograph mechanism, which boasts a column-wheel flyback chronograph, bidirectional winding with a 70 hour power reserve in an avant-garde style and finish.  This is also the first time Hublot houses the Unico in a Big Bang case — you can see the “Unico” stamp in this picture:

Pics/Notes Courtesy Hublot SA 2012

For 2012 Hublot will broaden its “Classic Fusion” collection with a new extra-thin, skeleton dial watch — available in a couple different metals.  In recent years I really like what Hublot has done with the Classic fusion line — recall last year’s Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph or 2010′s Classic Fusion “FIFA” edition, both outstanding looking watches. But, while this new piece is impressive with its nice thin profile and clean movement lines (seen from the back-side), the dial side lacks that “wow” factor for me (the skeletonization work is too generic & lacking character) and is instead hard to read.  Priced at £12,200 and £25,000.  Check out both the stock photos and some live pics that I have.  And tell me what you think — yay or nay on this one?

Hublot Classic Fusion Extra-Thin Skeleton Watch

1,000 pieces in titanium and 500 pieces in King Gold (red gold)

45mm satin-finished titanium or King Gold case, manual-wind skeleton movement (90 hrs power reserve), small seconds at 7 o’clock

The Boa Bang or the call of the jungle…After the phenomenal success of the Leopard Bang which really left its mark on the catwalk last winter, Hublot is now giving pride of place to the snakeskin print.  Snakeskin fashion, hints of the jungle — will the fashionistas come running?  ;-)

Hublot Big Bang Boa Bang

TECHNICAL DETAILS

References 341.PX.7818.NR.1978 (gold/green version)

341.PX.7918.NR.1979 (gold/brown version)

341.PX.7817.NR.1978 (steel/green version)

341.PX.7917.NR.1979 (steel/brown version)

Series Limited edition of 250 numbered pieces for each of the 4 versions

Case Big Bang – Diameter 41 mm – Steel or 18K red gold, depending on the version

Bezel Steel or 18K red gold (gold version) set with:

48 baguette andalusites, dark smoky quartz, smoky quartz and transparent smoky quartz (brown version)

48 pale green baguette tsavorites, tourmalines and pale green sapphires (green version)

Crystal Sapphire with interior/exterior anti-reflective coating

Bezel Lugs Black composite resin

Lateral inserts Black composite resin

Crown Steel or 18K red gold with black rubber inserts

Push-buttons Steel or 18K red gold with black rubber inserts

Case-back Steel or 18K red gold

Water resistance 10 ATM, i.e. approx 100 metres

Dial Green or brown Boa print

Indexes set with 8 diamonds, with total weight 0.14 carats

Hands Steel version: polished, rhodium-plated

Gold version: polished, gold plated

Movement HUB4300 Automatic mechanical chronograph

Date Trapezoid aperture at 4:30

Oscillating weight Openworked with black PVD coating, tungsten segment

Power reserve Approximately 42 hours

Strap Denim fabric with green or brown Boa print, stitched onto black rubber

Clasp Steel or 18K red gold deployant buckle

Some big news today that watch industry rock star Jean-Claude Biver has relinquished the top spot at Hublot to longtime company insider Ricardo Guadalupe.  Guadalupe, who has played an increasingly prominent role at events and product unveilings over the last couple years, is a 20 year veteran of the company as well as close friend and confidant of Biver.  Even though Biver will stay on as Chairman, the eponymous “face” of Hublot is no more.  While Hublot is surely in good hands under Guadalupe, there is no denying that Biver’s larger-than-life personality will be a sorely missed by Hublot and many of us who follow the industry at arm’s length.

Pioneering the art of “fusion”, Biver basically resurrected Hublot from the ashes to become one of the hottest and most innovative brands on the market today.  Biver’s many successful exploits — from Blancpain (1980′s) to Omega (1990′s) to Hublot (2000′s) — are largely highlighted on Biver’s Wikipedia page, though numerous interviews can be found via Google.

Congrats on all your achievements Mr. Biver.

Jean-Claude Biver (l) and Ricardo Guadalupe (r)

From Hublot:

All of us at Hublot are very pleased to inform you that Mr. Ricardo Guadalupe, former Managing Director of the Company, and personal friend of Mr. Jean Claude Biver with whom he has been working since nearly 20 years, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer effective January 1st 2012.
This  step was  planned a long time ago in consideration of  Mr.  Guadalupe’s significant and instrumental achievements together with Mr. Jean Claude Biver since joining Hublot in 2005.  Mr. Jean Claude Biver will continue to serve Hublot as the company’s Chairman of the Board, and as in the past give his precious insights into business strategy and product development.

As the official spokesperson of Hublot, Mr. Biver will also coordinate communications activities
with the press, collectors as well as trade and industry.

“There is a time for learning, a time for doing, a time for handing over, and a time for moving on. I’ve happily made it safe and sound to the hand-over stage. With the gratification of being able to hand over to a friend and colleague of more than twenty years. And happiness at the prospect of remaining part of the team on matters relating to strategy, products and corporate relations.”

This morning Hublot unveiled a sneak preview of the King Power Unico GMT watch, set to debut in January 2012.  This watch not only features one of Hublot’s new in-house movements (its “Unico” series), but it also an interesting, though somewhat confusing, manner of showing 24 timezones on the dial.  I have several mixed opinions about this watch.  At first glance I saw a clear influence from Urwerk’s rotating satellites and I thought “kinda cool.”  At second glance, I was scratching my head about the various “rings” of cities which go from bezel to dial, all in different font sizes and even in different planes/orientations (horizontal vs. vertical).  So as far as the GMT (24-hour) goes, I I must say that am not too keen this execution. but perhaps my appreciation will change once I better understand it.

This said, I must admit I’ve been waiting for something like this from Hublot — it is now clear to me that now that it has its own in-house movements ( the “Unico” series) and some new in-house talent (BNB and others), we are finally starting to see Hublot diversify its product lineup.  This is a very good thing for Hublot and also for the many of us who have been feeling a bit of “limited edition” Big Bang fatigue lately.  But at the same time, I would like to see Hublot would start offering some more modest case sizes (42-44mm range), as these 48mm monsters are just too big for most wrists.  Perhaps we will see something to this effect in 2012, so stay tuned in.

Hublot King Power Unico GMT Watch

48mm gold or black ceramic case, automatic mechanical Hublot Caliber 1220 (GMT function)

Look carefully and you can see that there are four GMT discs attached together by arms that form ” + ” shape — these discs are all linked and they move/rotate centrally with the main time.   As they do so, you are able to tell time in each of the 24 time zones which is marked off by little red lines and city names around outer edge of the dial.

Swiss luxury watch brand Hublot brought “The Art of Fusion” to Dalian, China today, where it held a grand launch ceremony for its Hublot Jet Li limited edition watch.  Jet Li joined the Hublot family in November 2010 to become its first brand ambassador in Asia. The limited edition Hublot Jet Li watch designed together by Jet Li and Hublot will be limited to 200 pieces globally, and features a matte black open-worked skeleton with Chinese screen decoration on the watch face, with an Yin-Yang symbol and the signature of Mr. Jet Li on the back.  The sapphire crystal also appears to be red-tinted (something we first saw on the Hublot F1 Monza watch).

Hublot Big Bang Jet Li Watch

Limited Edition 200 pieces

44.5mm black micro-blasted ceramic case, ceramic bezel, automatic mechanical movement, black rubber and black gummy alligator strap with red stitching

 Yin-Yang crystal and the signature of Mr. Jet Li

Ref. 311.CI.1130.GR.JLI11

Jet Li went on the record saying:

“As a world-renowned creator of premier timepieces, Hublot’s fusion of traditional watchmaking art and modern high technology is second to none. I truly admire that as a luxury brand, Hublot also remains incredibly active in its support of charity initiatives worldwide with its “Sharing and Caring” philosophy, sharing its success with individuals who need caring most. “

Here are a few live looks at the new Hublot Big Bang Chrono Tourbillon Ferrari watch that I showed you just recently…for my commentary on this watch and the future Hublot-Ferrari pieces we can expect at Baselworld 2012 (March 2012), click through to my original feature — otherwise, enjoy the photo reel…

Hublot Ferrari Big Bang Chrono Tourbillon (Live Looks)

damn the Prancing Horse is a beauty, ain’t she?

can’t take my eyes off of the Prancing Horse emblem…reminds me of time me and a ‘mate were doing 150+mph on a West Texas highway in a 360 Modena Spyder (or perhaps my man will recall more fondly the land speed record we set in the 550 Maranello (right, Harris? )

Hublot recently concluded the 2011 F1 season at the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo with the unveiling of the F1 King Power Interlagos watch. This marks the second new Hublot F1 watch unveiled this month and the eighth model overall for the Hublot F1 collection.  The watch is in the now familiar F1 King Power theme, except the cobalt blue color which is found in the centre of the Brazilian flag (pantone 280, anyone?).  Also this watch comes on a hornback alligator strap rather than the often seen Nomex-style strap.

More Hublot F1 Watches >>> Hublot F1 King Power Abu Dhabi, Hublot F1 King Power Gold, Hublot F1 King Power Ceramic, Hublot F1 King Power “Suzuka” Watch, Hublot King Power F1 – the Official Watch of Formula 1, F1 King Power Monza (red sapphire), F1 King Power India

 Hublot F1 King Power Interlagos Watch

Limited, Numbered edition of 250 pieces

48mm carbon fiber case, ceramic F1 “brake disc” style bezel, automatic mechanical chronograph movement, horback alligator strap with cobalt blue stitching

 (Ref. 703.QM.1129.HR.FIL11)

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Did you Know?

Formula 1

Formula One™, which began in 1950, is the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition and is the world’smost popular annual sporting series. In 2010 it was watched by 527 million unique television viewers from 180 countries.

Interlagos F1

The Sao Paolo circuit is notorious for, among other things, the fact that unlike other F1 courses it is run counterclockwise.

And so it begins…

Girard-Perregaux disappointed.  Panerai  fared only slightly better.  And now Hublot becomes the third fourth (five if you count the highly limited Cabestan Scuderia) high-end watch brand to try its hand with Official Ferrari-themed watches.  Live from Guangzhou, China, Hublot unveiled the first genuine Ferrari-Stamped Hublot watch – a pure collectors’ item of just 20 pieces.   This watch was expected given Hublot’s recent announcement of its global partnership with Ferrari, but rest assured that it is only a teaser — we can expect one if not multiple Hublot-Ferrari watches to be unveiled next March at Baselworld 2012 (I’ll be bringing You the first looks, of course).

As far as this piece goes I like the carbon fiber case, red sapphire-tint crystal, and the hornback crock strap with red stiching.  However, I will definitely expect much more than this in March 2012 and beyond.  After all, there is really nothing new in terms of design or functionality from Hublot (not even the red-tinted sapphire crystal — it debuted in the Big Bang Monza).  My bet (and hope) is that the Hublot-Ferrari pieces will evolve off of Hublot’s F1 watch series (see ‘em all here), which are quite impressive and distinct.  Stay tuned…

Hublot Big Bang Chrono Tourbillon Ferrari Watch

20 pieces LE for the 20th Anniversary of the First Ferrari in China

44mm carbon fiber case, automatic mechanical column-wheel chronograph movement with tourbillon, red tinted sapphire crystal

up close you can see the red-tinted sapphire crystal — nice!

Update:  Live Look added (first two pics)

Hublot, the Official Watchmaker of Formula 1, has introduced a new model in its popular but limited “F1″ series.  The newest Hublot F1 King Power was unveiled at the penultimate Grand Prix of the Formula 1 season, Abu Dhabi.  While TAG Heuer ambassador Lewis Hamilton raced to the checkered flag, Hublot’s JC Biver was seen with with F1 Boss Bernie Ecclestone showing off this new piece.  Like all Hublot F1 pieces, this one is a limited edition (250 pieces) and sports a light blue color inspired by the Yas Marina Cicruit in Abu Dhabi.  The brake-disc style ceramic bezel, the Nomex strap and F1-inspired pushers are all there, too.

More Hublot F1 Watches >>> Hublot F1 King Power Gold, Hublot F1 King Power Ceramic, Hublot F1 King Power “Suzuka” Watch, Hublot King Power F1 – the Official Watch of Formula 1, F1 King Power Monza (red sapphire), F1 King Power India

Hublot F1 King Power Abu Dhabi

48mm carbon fiber case, black ceramic bezel, automatic mechanical movement (split seconds), Nomex strap

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