Hublot is presenting three very special timepieces at this year’s LVMH Watch Week in Singapore, all of which break with old conventions. From a transparent neon-coloured case and a watch helping to protect the rhinoceros to a new edition of an all-time classic, Hublot is coming up with all the goods.
The Hublot Classic Fusion marked an industry first upon its launch. It was distinguished by the combination of a yellow-gold case with a black rubber strap; a controversial combination that caused a lot of discussion at the time, as rubber had previously only been known as a material for quartz watches and was thus challenged within the industry. However, the decision by Carlo Crocco proved to be visionary, gradually developing into an industry standard that is now indispensable.
Hublot revives this history with its new Classic Fusion series. The three watches, available in 18-carat yellow gold, titanium and black ceramic, are aesthetically inspired by Carlo Crocco’s original design. Thus, here, the black lacquered dial and the rubber strap are reminiscent of the original model. For all three materials, there are versions with diameters of 42 mm, 38 mm and 33 mm – surely a wise decision, as buyers are increasingly looking to smaller sizes once more. The 42 mm version is 10 mm thick, the 38 mm version measures 9.85 mm, while the 33 mm quartz version is a svelte 8.5 mm in height. However, all three models have one thing in common: they are water-resistant up to 50 m.
Differences are also noticeable inside the novelties. While the cases of the 38 mm and 42 mm versions contain the HUB1110 calibre with a frequency of 4 Hz and a power reserve of 42 hours, the smaller 33 mm version contains the HUB2913 quartz movement with a power reserve of 3 to 5 years.
The Classic Fusion Originals in titanium are available at €6,800 for the 33 mm model, 8,200 euros for the 38 mm model and 8,600 euros for the 42 mm model. The black ceramic versions are priced at 7,600 euros for the 33 mm model, 8,900 euros for the 38 mm model and 10,400 euros for the 42 mm model. Finally, the yellow gold versions cost 18,600 euros for the 33 mm model, 21,400 euros for the 38 mm model and 25,200 euros for the 42 mm model.
Since 2019, Hublot has been supporting the organisation SORAI – Save Our Rhino Africa India. The organisation’s founder is Kevin Pietersen, Hublot ambassador and former world cricket star. He commits himself to protecting endangered rhinos from poachers. Similar to the two previous limited editions, part of the proceeds from the sale of the Big Bang Unico SORAI, limited to 100 pieces, will go to the organisation. The organisation uses the funds among other things, to equip helicopters with cameras, to educate schools about the consequences of poaching, and to strengthen local ranger squads.
The case of the Big Bang Unico SORAI, with a diameter of 44 mm and a height of 14.5 mm, uses polished and micro-blasted ceramic. This was specially developed for this limited edition. Its openwork dial evokes the colours of the sunset – yellow, orange, violet and pink – and thus a particular danger for the rhinos. For at dusk, the poachers spring into action because they are even more difficult to spot when camouflaged in the darkness.
Inside the case of the Big Bang Unico SORAI is the HUB1280 Unico automatic movement with a power reserve of 72 hours and a frequency of 4 Hz. Thanks to the One-Click system for changing the straps, the wearer can combine the watch with a grey fabric strap with Velcro fastener or with a strap in black-purple-orange camouflage design. The price of this novelty is 25,200 euros.
Following the launch of the Big Bang MP-11 in 2019, when it appeared in emerald green, Hublot has spent almost three years researching to make the 44 mm case of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon SAXEM shine in a transparent, fluorescent yellow. The intense hue of the SAXEM material visibly contrasts with the six H-shaped screws of the bezel and crown, all of which use polished titanium.
Powering the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon SAXEM is the patented self-winding calibre HUB6035 and guarantees a power reserve of 72 hours. In order not to obscure the back of the movement, as a conventional rotor would have done, Hublot made a complex decision: a self-winding mechanism with a mini rotor. In addition, the manufacture decided to skeletonise the entire calibre. The calibre sits in plain sight, with the bridges also using sapphire crystal. Sitting at 6 o’clock, the wearer can admire the tourbillon.
The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon SAXEM is available in a limited edition of 50 pieces. The watch comes with a neon yellow rubber strap specially made for this model, equipped with a titanium folding clasp. Interested parties can purchase this exclusive model for 220,000 euros.
