Different, yet recognizable. New, yet having quickly gained prestige. At the same time desired, thoroughbred, and certainly very interesting – these are just some of the epithets that the brand categorically deserves. Hublot was created with the goal of being different by Carlo Crocco – an amateur collector from Milan, who incorporated into all models this design, inspired by ship portholes, which has now become a distinctive feature of the brand. The screws, the bezels, the 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, last but 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 piece is an example of 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 brand's development and establishment 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 presented here was created to pay tribute to one of the most decorated and, at the same time, most beloved football figures – “the mythical number ten,” “the Hand of God,” the inimitable and unforgettable Diego Armando Maradona! With this model, launched in 2012, Hublot continues its collaboration with Maradona, using for this purpose the larger case and exotic and technological materials such as ceramic, gold, titanium, and rubber. Besides being launched in a very limited series of only 200 pieces, this watch's design literally “screams” what it is dedicated to – the connection to Maradona is clearly evident everywhere in its design… If you look closely at the dial, you will see his number «10» positioned at 3 o'clock and his signature inscribed on the lower part of the dial. The light blue and white colors used are the colors of the Gauchos, and the solid case back bears the emblematic silhouette of Maradona with his arms raised in victory. The chronograph pushers are also colored in blue and white, which again pays tribute to the country that gave the world this unforgettable talent. Automatic movement with a power reserve of over 42 hours, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating, screw-down crown, solid case back, water resistance 100 m. The case diameter is 48 mm excluding the crown, the thickness is 18 mm, and the strap width at the lugs is 26mm.
A mechanical listing of the facts. So what does this watch possess to deserve its position in this high price segment where it is found? Yes, it does not have the long-standing history and popularity that a Submariner or Seamaster can boast, nor the mythological histories 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 leaves no room for doubt – this watch is not just well-made, it can boldly be placed among the ranks of the best and most competently made watches in existence. Second, the distinctive appearance – this is one of its great advantages. The overall impression it makes is that during its design development, the main task set for the designers was to try to fit a circle into a hexagon in the most aesthetic way, and then to round the corners of the hexagon… 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, clamps together with the top one with the help of 4 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 as an instrument, and it looks exactly like an instrument – massive, somewhat raw, simple to operate, and truly attracting the attention of those around while bringing pleasure to its owner by its very presence. Last but not least, it should be noted that this is a true collector's item – after his death 5 years ago, the number of offerings on the market decreased drastically, and the one offered today is truly as complete as possible, as it includes the number 10 jersey and an authentic autograph from Diego Armando Maradona!!
