Sandra‘s Closet

 The latest creation from HUBLOT and celebrated Japanese contemporary artist Takashi Murakami is finally here – and it may well be the duo’s most eye-catching and exceptional creation to date. Introducing the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow, reimagining the artist’s iconic smiling flower as a sapphire sculpture set with colorful gemstones and fitted with HUBLOT’s first central tourbillon movement.

Takashi Murakami in front of the Hublot Ginza Boutique with Julien Tornare, Hublot CEO

Transcending the preconceived notions of contemporary art, Takashi Murakami created his own art movement dubbed «Superflat», extending from fine arts such as painting, sculptures and installations to more commercial media such as fashion and animation. Blurring the line between high and low arts, Murakami melds the aesthetic of the Japanese artistic tradition with contemporary art and culture. Of all his works, the most iconic is the smiling flower, which HUBLOT has sought to bring into a watchmaking context through several collaborative pieces. 

The MP-15 is the symbol of a friendship in full bloom, born from a shared passion for breaking down boundaries and going beyond expectations. HUBLOT first began working with Murakami in 2021, with a shared drive of breaking down boundaries and going beyond expectations with their respective artforms. After his eponymous Classic Fusion models and a series of NFT artworks paired with unique pieces, HUBLOT and Takashi Murakami took their partnership to the next level with the unveiling of the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon for the Only Watch 2023 charity auction. Reimagining one of Murakami’s most emblematic motifs, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon took on the «smiling flower» and transfigured it from Murakami’s signature aesthetic into a wearable sculpture that seamlessly merges contemporary art, avant-garde watchmaking and exceptional gem-setting; the latter of which HUBLOT has pioneered with unexpected techniques and a mastering of the perfect rainbow effect. This requires carefully selecting gemstones that work together in a perfect transition of tones. 

Meticulously crafted from a block of Sapphire crystal, the modestly sized 42mm smiling flower case features twelve petals. True to Murakami’s highly chromatic palette, the twelve petals feature polished Titanium inlays that are set with 444 colored gemstones in total, including brilliant-cut Rubies, Pink Sapphires, Amethysts, Blue Sapphires, Blue Topazes, Tsavorites and Yellow or Orange Sapphires. These stones are grouped together so that each petal is in a different vibrant color, just like the original Murakami smiling flower. 

More than just an incredible feat of gem-setting however, the MP-15 features a truly revolutionary mechanical caliber. At the heart of the HUB9015 calibre is the central flying tourbillon, which can be admired through the domed sapphire crystal engraved with two twinkling eyes and a smiling mouth. A first for HUBLOT, the central tourbillon is an exceedingly rare type of complication that demands advanced engineering and reimagining how a mechanical movement is built. In the MP-15, it is animated by means of a manual-winding caliber that boasts an exceptional power reserve of 120 hours – enough to run for nearly a whole week. To make the winding experience as effortless as possible, HUBLOT has created a special rechargeable stylus that’s placed on the crown, which winds the twin barrels in 100 revolutions. 

With this work of sculptural, wearable art, the notion of innovative and original watchmaking nonetheless takes center-stage. Surrounding the MP-15’s central flying tourbillon and keeping its view unobstructed, the hours and minutes are indicated by two hand tips that revolve around its periphery. The hands are actually positioned beneath the tourbillon cage, with just their tips bent upwards and outwards thanks to an intricate co-axial construction. Making the reading of time effortless and intuitive, the opening features a flange ring set with twelve baton hour markers, each continuing the color of the petal. The visual intrigue of the MP-15 is further enhanced by the fact that most of the movement’s components have been skeletonized, which appear as if floating in a vacuum. A true feat of superlative watchmaking. 

The finishing touch comes in the form of the strap, which is transparent and decorated with Takashi Murakami’s signature flower motif. Like the case, the deployant buckle is crafted in Sapphire crystal and Titanium. 

An artistic endeavor that’s bound to garner the appreciation of contemporary art lovers for its audacity and discerning watch aficionados for its complexity, the MP-15 Takashi Murakami Tourbillon Sapphire Rainbow is a limited edition of 20 pieces, available to HUBLOT boutiques and authorized retailers around the world upon request. 

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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In the first episode of MY STYLE ROCKS this week, I wore this super fabulous fun outfit. The topic of the show was «Club Night» and I couldn’t think of a better look to wear on stage. I had sported this outfit before for a night out with Hublot x DJ Snake in Paris.

My look: Sequined tulle jumpsuit by Halpern, Cassandre small suede shoulder bag, patchwork belt with snake head buckle, and Bianca leather sandals, all by Saint Laurent, Impatiens silver-tone crystal clip earrings by Oscar de la Renta, and Big Bang Unico Summer turquoise watch by Hublot.

Please tune in daily at 6pm at Sport1 to see MY STYLE ROCKS! Every time with a new topic and of course a new outfit from my closet …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka and My Style Rocks / Beyza Babacan
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After my crazy traveling, I came back to Zurich to attend a special event at «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen as Hublot and Andreas Caminada’s castle of Schauenstein celebrate 20 years with the special edition Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein. For this occasion, Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe and friends of the brand, such as retired cross-country skier Dario Cologna, who won four overall World Cup victories, and four Olympic gold medals, Swiss World Cup alpine ski racer Corinne Suter, and profi golfer Joel Girrbach came to Zurich.

With Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe

The Art of Gastronomy 

Blending meticulous expertise and a passion for fine artistry with time, gourmet cuisine and Haute Horlogerie share essential elements. Precise timing is vital for chefs, from ordering to plating up on the pass and through to service. This shared mentality has intertwined Hublot with the world of gastronomy. Hublot admires haute cuisine and those who convey their savoir-faire onto their dishes, skillfully fusing ingredients to create uniqueness while staying authentic. This connection has fostered remarkable partnerships and, notably, the iconic Big Bang Unico Gourmet watch. 

Final touch by 3 Michelin stars chef Andreas Caminada.

This expansive universe continues to evolve, illuminating new opportunities to explore the bond between Hublot and a chef, starting in 2017 with the one and only Andreas Caminada. 

Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein

A Tale of Fusion 

The story of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein goes all the way back to 2004 when Hublot redefined luxury watchmaking with the concept of «The Art of Fusion,» blending traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde materials. Around the same time, Andreas Caminada took his culinary odyssey to new heights, taking over the historic Schauenstein castle, earning him prestigious Michelin stars for his innovative cuisine. 

With Andreas Caminada

Over the past two decades, both Hublot and Andreas Caminada have personified the art of individuality in  their respective fields. Hublot’s groundbreaking creations, including the iconic Big Bang and Classic Fusion lines, mirrored Caminada’s unrelenting pursuit of perfection and culinary artistry at the castle. This shared dedication naturally led to an inevitable partnership in 2017, when the 3 Michelin Stars chef joined the Hublot Family as a brand ambassador. Since then, Caminada has garnered numerous acclaims, including the Sustainable Restaurant Award, and continues to amaze with each passing year. Collaborating in events such as the Art of Fusion Night in 2019 alongside Hublot, this culinary maestro consistently reinvents the fine dining experience, remaining true to Art of Fusion ethos. This relationship culminates in a collaborative celebratory watch, the perfect tribute to such a talent. 

The Schauenstein Castle is located in the village of Fürstenau, known as the smallest city in the world, in Switzerland’s Grisons canton. This captivating setting exudes a timeless allure and embodies the cherished ‘Swissness Attitude’ valued by Hublot. Within the acclaimed triple Michelin-starred restaurant, Chef Caminada immerses guests in an exploration of culinary awakening, echoing Hublot’s philosophy of perpetual exploration in crafting extraordinary pieces. 

Gorgeous location for the launch event: The view from «The Nest» of the Hotel Storchen.

In honor of the 20-year jubilee of the Schauenstein castle and of Caminada’s culinary prowess, Hublot unveils its new Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein, underscoring its commitment to distinction and support for the best in their fields. 

Sporting the new beauty on my wrist. I love the size of the 42mm case.

As the watch’s name suggests, the concept revolves around the color black, highly prominent throughout the various features of the timepiece, a design philosophy inspired by Andreas Caminada’s looks and reflecting Hublot’s desire to explore ‘invisible visibility’ in high fashion style. The watch features a 42mm microblasted black ceramic case, offering a sleek, modern aesthetic, with black plated H-shaped polished and microblasted titanium screws and a satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber crown. The bezel, made of satin-finished black plated titanium with black rubber inserts, complemented by the satined and microblasted black plated titanium pushers, add depth and texture to the design. The sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment ensures optimal visibility. Additionally, the microblasted black ceramic case back is engraved with a depiction of Schauenstein’s castle in shimmering silver tones. 

Elevating the watch, the matte black dial serves as a canvas for the applied silver-toned logo of Andreas Caminada on the small seconds counter, reflecting the spirit of culinary fineness. The black plated satin-finished titanium hands provide striking contrast against the dial, emphasizing legibility and style. 

At the heart of the Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein beats the in-house Hublot HUB1280 self-winding chronograph movement. Introduced in 2010 as the first movement designed by the manufacture, the Unico calibre saw refinement in 2018 with the launch of the 1280 reference, a slimmer iteration tailored to a broader range of wrists, used in this new release in collaboration with chef Caminada. 

With super sweet Corinne Suter

The watch proudly exhibits its inner workings with a skeletonized dial, offering a glimpse of the column wheel automatic winding mechanism that orchestrates its chronograph functions, and a date at 3 o’clock. Boasting a 72-hour power reserve and enhanced accuracy, it incorporates five patents for facilitated assembly, modernized architecture, and increased performance. The Unico 2 calibre offers a sleek 42-mm case and notable technical developments, including gentler winding, faultless chronograph display, and exceptional shock resistance, further emphasizing the best for the best with this limited edition. 

The Big Bang Unico All Black Schloss Schauenstein comes in a presentation case complete with a black ceramic and black titanium deployant buckle clasp on the black lined rubber strap. Each watch is accompanied by a signed booklet by Andreas Caminada, a custom-engraved knife, and a knife block, reflecting Caminada’s passion for precision and authenticity in watchmaking and gastronomy. 

Limited to just 20 pieces, each watch is a symbol of exclusivity and craftsmanship. The price is set at CHF 25,900 or EUR 29,600.

LoL, Sandra

With Dario Cologna

With Lucy Tallo, owner of PRticular

Profi golfer Joel Girrbach

Photos: ©Hublot Dominik Orth –  Instagram @orthart , © Sandra Bauknecht
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Chen Fenwan graduated from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and currently lives and works between Guangzhou and Foshan. When she was younger, she was heralded as one of the top upcoming paper artists in China by the media. Most of her works lie in the language of paper, bringing imagination of narrative on flexible materials, usually with large scale and multi-dimensional pieces. She excels at combining her personal experience with universal memories, in which the emotional tension of collective resonance gather to communicate with a wider audience and inhabit public spaces.

Hello, Walls, 2022

Universe of Paper Cuttings 2022

Paper artist Chen Fenwan was named as one to watch by the Chinese Modern Art Archive (CMAA) in 2019. In 2022, her two in-site works Hello, Walls and Papercut on the Earth’s Window exhibit in Art Field Naihai Guangdong. In 2021, The West Lake in Vectorial Dynamic was created as a public work through solicitation. One of her Representatives Lucky Garden participates in the 2021 Chengdu Biennale Exhibition, as well as the ten-year exhibition of Zhejiang Art Museum in 2019. Infinite has been touring exhibited for 11 times from 2018 to 2021. In recent years, she has taken «symmetry» as her personal research topic, to continue to her large-scale artworks such as A Symmetrical Nature series and Jintian in Tianjin, constantly giving new understanding to stage by way of contemporary paper cutting.

A Symmetrical Nature, 2019

Jintian In Tianjin, 2021

For HUBLOT, she has created the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon in a limited edition of 88 pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chen Fenwan / Hublot
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Drawing inspiration from the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting, the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon layers its hands, wheels and H-shaped screws to form a 3D silhouette of an eastern dragon. Hublot presents a rubber strap with a marquetry design for the very first time. Created in collaboration with the Chinese artist Chen Fenwan, this limited edition of 88 pieces is the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, combining metaphors and symbols in the spirit of Hublot: first, unique, different!

In the Chinese calendar, 2024 marks the return of the Dragon, which comes around every 12 years. This celestial creature, revered in Chinese culture, is associated with prosperity. A symbol of luck, strength and wisdom, the dragon is also an imperial icon that embodies life and immortality. Loong is a symbol, an icon, and the universal auspicious meaning is the foundation of Loong culture. Equivalent to the year 4722 in the Chinese calendar, 2024 marks the year of the Wood Dragon. Through artist Chen Fenwan’s paper-cutting expertise, Hublot pays homage to wood through the natural fibres that form the soul and spirit of paper.

So, can you recognise what’s hidden within the dragon?
This piece is a metaphor for the ‘Art of Fusion’ and the art of continually reimagining materials and their areas of expression. A symbol of Hublot’s philosophy, the Hublot creates a different way to interpret times, through its distinctive features. The components of its pieces: hands, cogs or screws, are positioned in multi-dimensional layers to form a dragon’s silhouette created in paper cut-outs by the Chinese artist Chen Fenwan. The dragon’s head made up offive layers that alternate between hands, wheels and H-shaped screws, with a body and scales that extend onto the strap. The colours, reflect those of the paper cut-out sculpture created by Chen Fenwan.

A metaphor for the «Art of Fusion»
Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, this watch is also a metaphor for the «Art of Fusion» embodied by the eastern dragon. Also known as the Loong, it takes on the features of nine different animals—the eyes of a prawn, the horns of a deer, the mouth of a bull, the nose of a dog, the whiskers of a catfish, the mane of a lion, the long tail of a snake, the scales of a fish and the claws of an eagle. A dragon whose metamorphosis has taken place over several thousands of years. Under Chen Fenwan’s touch, this sacred animal, talisman and totem, celebrates one of the greatest cultural legacies of Chinese art: the art of paper cutting. This is a craft that originated in China around 2,000 years ago, coincinding with the invention of paper. Chinese paper cutting has been on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2009 and is used to express the moral principles, philosophies and aesthetic ideals of its creators. It is used in festivities to honour events such as weddings and births, and paper-cut decorations symbolising happiness and good luck are intrinsic to Chinese New Year celebrations.

Hublot invites Chinese Tradition into 2024 with a Hublot first: a rubber strap with a marquetry design
Hublot has invited Chinese artist Chen Fenwan to combine traditional Chinese «sculpture in the round» with contemporary art, creating a majestic and dynamic loong, which conveys an auspicious atmosphere as it rises to the heavens. This artwork symbolizes the ever-renewing totem of life. Expressing Hublot’s philosophy ‘Be First, Unique and Different. In a 42 mm titanium case, Hublot transposes the layered effects of paper cutting into a multi-level dial construction overlaying a base panel with several levels of appliqués that incirporate the aesthetic codes of Hublot’s components.The dragon’s silhouette extends onto the rubber strap, which features a rubber marquetry motif—a first for Hublot. Each of the dragon’s scales is coloured and nano-vulcanised to be integrated into the strap. This delicate decorative operation is carried out entirely by hand and takes around 8 hours per strap.

The Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon, offered in a limited edition of 88 pieces, comes with a second, titanium-grey Velcro fabric strap. This Chinese New Year celebration features an HUB1710 automatic movement and power reserve of 50 hours.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
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The latest addition to Hublot’s High Jewelry collection of watches is a Classic Fusion High Jewellery 42 mm. Combining iconic design with the most remarkable gem-setting techniques, the watch is embellished with baguette-cut diamonds and enhanced with sleek lines of white gold.

The highest form of sophistication is simplicity, so Hublot has chosen to go back to basics and to the very shape that epitomised its creation in 1980. The result is now one that offers an acclaimed expression of high jewelry, accentuating the timeless purity of the Classic Fusion model. What a stunning piece! Master gem-setters have brought this new Classic Fusion High Jewellery 2023 to life with no fewer than 431 baguette-cut diamonds—around 14.6 carats in total. These gemstones adorn the watch’s case, bezel, dial and clasp. On the dial alone, it took 120 hours of painstaking, meticulous work to set the 241 baguette-cut diamonds. That’s almost three weeks of full-time work! Then came the task of setting the 60 additional diamonds around the bezel.

The 42-mm case is set with 94 baguette-cut diamonds and contains the HUB1710 calibre, which is visible from the back of the watch through the sapphire glass. The self-winding movement oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz (or 28,800 alterations per hour), offering a power reserve of no fewer than 50 hours.

Of course, watchmaking of this quality must be perfect in every detail: even the black rubber-lined alligator strap features a deployant buckle adorned with 36 baguette-cut diamonds.

All in all, it takes over 200 hours to set all the 431 diamonds that grace this exceptional piece of high jewellery, the perfect fusion of watchmaking excellence and jewellery artisanship. The Hublot Classic Fusion High Jewellery watch is available for CHF 330’000.00.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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HUBLOT’S SIGNATURE MECHANICAL WATCH MAKES ITS PREMIER LEAGUE DEBUT
THE CLASSIC FUSION CHRONOGRAPH PREMIER LEAGUE TAKES OVER FROM THE BIG BANG E LAUNCHED IN 2021.

To the delight of millions of football fans worldwide, the Premier League season is once again underway. Hublot Loves Football, and the house couldn’t miss the opportunity to release a new limited edition to celebrate the return of the most competitive and compelling football competition- introducing the Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League.

The launch of the Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League demonstrates Hublot’s commitment to the beautiful game, the largest partnership ever by a watch brand and an association with football that has gone from strength to strength since it started in 2006.

As the official timekeeper of the Premier League since 2020, Hublot has always been an ardent supporter of the world’s most popular football league. The Premier League is broadcast to 900million homes in 189 countries and is followed by 1.66bn people who interact at least weekly through the media.

But a story is only worth telling if it benefits the present, or indeed the future. So, on 8 and 9 October, Hublot will assemble its greatest ambassadors and contemporary icons of the game for a unique event as part of the Arsenal vs. Manchester City match.

A top-flight match, the world’s most prestigious football league and legendary football guests… What more could Hublot want for launching an exclusive range? With a limited run of just 100 individually numbered pieces, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League is Hublot’s vibrant testimony to all the League’s fans and its greatest champions. This is the first mechanical chronograph ever created by Hublot for the Premier League.

Following in the footsteps of the Big Bang which was created for the Premier League in 2020, the Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League also sports the distinctive intense purple colour adorning the strap and dial which displays the two iconic Classic Fusion counters. At 3 o’clock, the counter indicating the seconds is struck by the iconic crowned lion, the proud emblem of the Premier League. The crowned lion can also be found on the rear glass, and above the individual number belonging to each of the 100 lucky owners. This is a piece for collectors for whom passion, tradition, performance and excellence go hand in hand.

«We were the first to give the Premier League its own smart watch, and now we’re the first to give it its very first Swiss Made mechanical chronograph! It’s strongly symbolic, combining the talent of a team and the precision of a chronograph: mechanical excellence, total cohesion, and perfect timing.» – Ricardo Guadalupe HUBLOT CEO

The Classic Fusion Chronograph Premier League is available for CHF 11700 in a limited edition of 100 pieces.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
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This was my outfit that I wore to the beautiful soiree with Hublot in Monaco. Before leaving the the event, we took these pictures at my hotel Hermitage on my private terrace. Here comes the summer! As the world’s most popular colour, blue symbolises new horizons, kindles a desire to get away and inspires new avenues for exploration. Sporting the new BIG BANG UNICO SKY BLUE, I love its summery feel in combination with this beautiful dress and hope you will like it, too.

My look: Tama asymmetric cutout printed linen and silk-blend organza maxi dress by Zimmermann, Triple Heart crystal-embellished satin pumps by Mach & Mach, crystal-embellished heart-shaped earrings by Alessandra Rich, green mini flap bag with straps (Pre-fall 2022), and 23P mini top handle classic flap retangular in emerald green and navy blue lambskin leather, both by CHANEL, and Big Bang Unico Sky Blue watch by Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Hublot / Gabriele Di Martino
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This summer, I flew to Monaco with Hublot for an outstanding experience. Arriving at my hotel Hermitage, one of my favorites in Monte Carlo, lots of surprises waited for me in my beautiful suite. We shot my look for the night on the terrace of the hotel (post coming up shortly), before leaving to the exclusive Villa Cap Estel to celebrate summer in a luxurious and elegant setting. It was the perfect opportunity to live the «Hublot Loves Summer» experience and to unveil the latest special edition in honor of the Mediterranean in attendance of many celebrities, who are ambassadors of the brand.

Immersed in deep tones of blue, the Big Bang Unico Azur is a beautiful watchmaking interpretation of this eternal shade. Fifty pieces will be released and will be exclusively available at Hublot’s two French Riviera boutiques in Monaco and St Tropez.

Set against a blue ceramic case, the luminescent hands and hour-markers intersect like the wake of a passing ship at sea, observed through a porthole, transfigured by the white ceramic bezel. The 42 mm case, crafted from the same high-tech, hypoallergenic material, houses the HUB128 Unico chronograph self-winding movement. This is complemented by the dial and a choice of two straps: one in the iconic natural rubber and the other in a simple yet elegant white calfskin leather.

The cocktail reception was held at the pool, before we had dinner at a long table in the center of the lawn. The table setting was absolutely stunning and live music entertained us the whole evening.

The night culminated at Sass Café in Monaco where we danced the rest of the night away. Thank you, Hublot, for having me, it was an amazing experience!

And one thing is for sure, Hublot and Sandra love summer… for more impressions scroll down please.

LoL, Sandra

My host Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO Hublot, with me.

With artist Marc Ferrero, who did two of my favorite Hublot watches, the Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero and the Big Bang One Click Lipstick.

With the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt, whom I had met and interviewed the first time in 2015 when Hublot opened their NYC store in his presence, and whom I I witnessed making history when he was ending his Olympic career after his victory in the 4x100m relay in Rio de Janeiro.

With Didier Deschamps, French professional football manager and former player who has been managing the France national team since 2012.

Always having a blast with lovely Mandy Bork.

Great table conversations with Italian actor Giuseppe Maggio who sat next to me at dinner.

Cherry on the cake: ran into Nicole Scherzinger when leaving my hotel in Monaco.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Hublot / Gabriele Di Martino / Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Hublot
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Hublot loves to surprise, invent, innovate. With the highest expectations from the manufacture, in every possible domain: from the sapphire case, to the movement, complications and design, and, of course, the universe of its ambassadors. Only this time, with the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold, Hublot has returned to basics.

It all starts with the Big Bang, today instantly recognisable in the world of watchmaking. The iconic 44 mm case, the «sandwich» construction, large pushers, bezel with 6 visible, unaligned, functional screws, case and pusher guard, skeleton dial and interchangeable rubber strap which uses the brand’s own One Click system. The aesthetic is powerful, modern, disruptive. The dial features the full complement of Big Bang signatures: Arabic numerals and skeleton Big Bang hands, beneath which lies the manufacture chronograph movement, the self-winding UNICO 2.

Then, there is the exterior. Hublot has skilfully transformed this, raising it to the ranks of a true complication: stronger, more brilliant, more innovative. Always first, unique and different: Magic Gold is the embodiment of this philosophy. The unique alloy has been sublimed in this limited edition of 200 pieces, where the Magic Gold is featured on both the case and bezel. Its hues are echoed on the indices, counters and hands, in satin-finished and microblasted 3N gold. The contrast with the rest of the components of the case is all the more powerful: the titanium pushers, guards, and screws and the rubber strap are all in the deepest black.

The contrast will stay eternal. Why? Because that is how Magic Gold was designed to be. It is exclusive to Hublot. Unveiled in 2011, it is a true fusion of 24-carat gold – the ultimate noble and natural material – with the most high-tech mastery of ceramic. The result is 18K gold that is patented, unalterable and scratchproof. To give an idea of its hardness, traditional gold has a rating of 400 Vickers. Hardened steel, 600 Vickers. Magic Gold, 1000 Vickers. By injecting liquid gold into the cold-pressed boron carbide components at very high pressure, Hublot has managed to create a completely unique material, composed of gold and ceramic, that can only be scratched by diamond.

Technical accomplishment also lies at the heart of the watch, with the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold being driven by the new UNICO 2 manufacture movement (HUB 1280). Thinner, more precise and more innovative than the UNICO 1, its successor offers a power reserve of 72 hours and a 2-year warranty, extended to 3 years when registering for an Hublotista account.

The subject of several patent applications, the UNICO 2 boasts a gentler and quieter winding system. Its chronograph does not jump at the start, and it no longer quivers, thanks to a brand-new clutch mechanism. The UNICO 2 also offers better resistance to shocks. Furthermore, it has retained all of the aesthetic characteristics from its predecessor that are so loved by collectors – the highly technical and illustrative open worked design, and the signature «H» for Hublot. This results in a movement which requires less maintenance, and offers more operational efficiency following services, ultimately benefiting the customer.

FULL MAGIC GOLD 421.MX.1130.RX – Limited to 200 pieces.
Available for CHF 36900 / € 40600 / $ 38800 / £ 33500.

Stay tuned. I will be with Hublot in Monaco next week and I am so excited!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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