Different, yet recognizable. New, yet has quickly gained prestige. At the same time desirable, thoroughbred, and certainly very interesting – these are just some of the epithets that the brand categorically deserves. Hublot was created with the aim of being different by Carlo Crocco – an enthusiast 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, 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 watches. Each specimen 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 is definitely one of the most interesting Hublot models that have passed through our hands. Let's start with the fact that the watch arrives in a grandiose 48 mm – a size that most watch brands cannot boast of. It would hardly look good on most wrists, but it will certainly stand out on the hand of the one who dares to acquire a watch in such an unconventional size. The second thing that strongly impresses us in this model is the incredibly beautiful combination of matte black and 18-carat rose gold, which we can notice throughout the entire watch – the bezel, the crown, the clasp, and even through the movement, which we can enjoy both through the sapphire case back and through the skeletonized dial, giving the feeling that we can touch every single part of the movement, no matter how small and barely noticeable it is.
The watch is part of the brand's Unico series, which unites models with Hublot's in-house movements. Automatic HUB1240 movement with a power reserve of over 72 hours, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with double anti-reflective coating, screw-down crown, skeletonized case back, water resistance 100 m.
A mechanical listing of the facts. And what does this watch possess to deserve being positioned 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, the mythological stories of the Fifty Fathoms or the Radiomir, but it possesses several very important characteristics to become one of the cult timepieces in its class.
First, the quality – starting from the materials used, passing 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 placed among the best and most competently made timepieces in general. Second, the different appearance – this is one of its great advantages. The overall impression it makes is that during the development of its design, the main task set before 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, together with the top one, are clamped with the help of 4 bolts with sleeves, and the bezel is attached to the top case (and to make the contact between the bezel and the case tighter, a composite rubber gasket is used).
Truly, this is not a watch you would call delicate, elegant, or sophisticated, but no one wants that. This is an instrument, designed to be an instrument, crafted as an instrument, and looks just like an instrument – massive, somewhat rugged, simple to operate, and truly attracting the attention of those around, delivering pleasure from its presence to its owner.
