Different, yet recognizable. New, yet quickly gaining prestige. At the same time desired, thoroughbred, and certainly very interesting – these are just some of the epithets that the brand unequivocally deserves. Hublot was created with the aim of being different by Carlo Crocco – an amateur collector from Milan, who in all models incorporates this design, inspired by ship portholes, which has already become a distinctive feature of the brand. The screws, bezels, crown, and all other accents only emphasize the naval theme embedded in the design of this brand. The unique design of the watch case merges with the uniquely designed and executed straps, and this entire fusion is thanks to the different solution for attaching the straps to the case and, not least, the brand's interesting clasps.
Hublot is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious watch manufacturers, producing only the finest timepieces. For over three decades, they have produced a range of technologically advanced, some simple in appearance, others – based on entirely new concepts, but always high-quality and prestigious timepieces. Each example is a testament to ingenuity and unique capabilities in the field of haute horlogerie. With the recruitment of Jean-Claude Biver from Blancpain and the subsequent launch of the fusion-based Big Bang line from this collaboration, the development and establishment of the brand gained new momentum. The Big Bang, with its DNA of high-tech materials and thanks to its contemporary design, won the Wristwatch of the Year award for 2005.
The watch was created in honor of the collaboration with the Luna Rossa team for their participation in the America’s Cup – and references to the sports yacht are everywhere in the watch's design and the materials used. The case is ceramic with parts made of Kevlar and titanium, the bezel is also ceramic, fixed, and secured to the case with the brand's 6 proverbial screws. The dial is made of carbon fiber with luminous semi-skeletonized hands in black and applied hour markers, also with luminescence, which makes reading the indications very easy even in the absence of light. The minute markers are located on the sub-bezel around the outer edge of the dial, and the date window is at the '4:30 o'clock' position. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating, screw-down crown, transparent case back, water resistance 100 m. The case diameter is 44.5 mm without the crown, the thickness is 14.5 mm, and the strap width at the lugs is 26 mm.
Through the transparent case back, we can enjoy the workings of the brand's in-house movement, the Hublot Calibre HUB 4100 – based on the well-known ETA 2894-2 automatic chronograph – with a power reserve of over 42 hours, operating at 28,800 vibrations and made of 252 parts and 27 jewels.
A mechanical enumeration of the facts. So what does this watch possess to deserve its positioning in the high price segment where it is found? Yes, it does not have the long-standing history and popularity that a Submariner or a Seamaster can boast, nor the mythological stories of the Fifty Fathoms or Radiomir, but it possesses several very important characteristics to become one of the cult watches in its class. First, the quality – starting from the materials used, moving through the finish of every detail, and ending with the overall composition and the impression this watch leaves upon examination, this characteristic does not raise a gram of doubt – this watch is not just well-made, it can boldly be ranked among the best and most competently made watches ever. Second, the distinct appearance – this is one of its great advantages. Third, but not least, is the technology – the watch seems to be assembled from four separate layers: the bottom one, to which the case back is screwed, together with the top one, are clamped with the help of 6 bolts with sleeves, and the bezel is attached to the top cover (and to make the contact between the bezel and the case tighter, a composite rubber gasket is used).
Indeed, this is not a watch you would call fine, elegant, or sophisticated, but no one wants it to be. This is an instrument, designed to be an instrument, crafted like an instrument, and looks exactly like an instrument – massive, somewhat rugged, simple to operate, and truly attracting the attention of others while bringing pleasure from its presence to its owner. And last but not least, the fact that the series is limited to only 1000 pieces makes this watch truly very rare, and the number itself is extremely interesting and always sought after by collectors of limited edition watches – 666
