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.