Different – yet recognisable, new – yet quickly gaining prestige, at the same time desirable, thoroughbred and certainly very interesting – these are only some of the epithets that the brand unquestionably deserves. Hublot was created with the aim of being different by Carlo Crocco – an enthusiast collector from Milan, who embedded in all the models this design, now an unmistakable hallmark of the brand, inspired by ship portholes. The screws, bezels, crown and all other accents only emphasise the naval theme embedded in the design of this brand. The unique design of the watch case merges with the equally unique straps in terms of design and execution, and this whole 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 very best. For more than three decades, they have produced a range of technologically advanced watches – some ordinary in appearance, others based on entirely new concepts, but always high-quality and prestigious. Each example is a demonstration of inventiveness and unique capabilities in the field of haute horlogerie. With the arrival of Jean-Claude Biver from Blancpain and the subsequent launch of the fusion-based Big Bang line, the development and establishment of the brand gained new momentum. Big Bang, with its DNA of high-tech materials and thanks to its contemporary design, won the Wristwatch of the Year award for 2005.
Hublot Big Bang Aero Bang Orange in Black Ceramic 310.CI.1190.RX.AB010 Limited Edition
The watch presented to your attention is part of the brand’s Big Bang series – an automatic chronograph with a ceramic case and a rubber strap with a titanium clasp. The bezel is also made of ceramic, fixed, and attached to the case with the brand’s 6 proverbial bolts. The dial is skeletonised, with orange accents, luminous semi-skeletonised yellow hands and applied hour markers, again with luminescence, making the indications very easy to read even in the absence of light. Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating, screw-down crown, transparent caseback, water resistance of 100 m. The case diameter is 44 mm excluding the crown, the thickness is 14.5 mm, and the strap width at the lugs is 26 mm.
Through the transparent caseback, we can enjoy the work of the brand’s in-house movement – Hublot Calibre HUB 44, based on the La Joux-Perret 8144, which in turn is built on the well-known ETA Valjoux 7750 – an 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 listing of facts. And what exactly does this watch possess to deserve being positioned in the high price segment where it sits? Yes, it does not have the long history and popularity that a Submariner or Seamaster can boast, nor the mythological stories of the Fifty Fathoms or Radiomir, but it does possess several very important characteristics that allow it to become one of the cult watches in its class. First, quality – starting with the materials used, moving through the finish of every detail and ending with the overall composition and the impression this watch leaves when examined, this characteristic leaves not even a gram of doubt. This watch is not simply well made; it can confidently be placed among the best and most intelligently made watches in general. Second, the different 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 lowest one, to which the caseback is screwed, together with the upper one, is clamped with the help of 6 bolts with sleeves, while the bezel is attached to the upper cover. In order for the contact between the bezel and the case to be tighter, a composite rubber gasket is used.
This is truly not a watch one would call delicate, elegant or refined, but nobody is asking for that. This is a tool, designed to be a tool, made like a tool and looking exactly like a tool – massive, somewhat rough, simple to handle and truly attracting the attention of those around it, while giving its owner pleasure from its presence. And the fact that it is part of a very limited series of only 500 pieces makes the offer even more attractive!
