Sandra‘s Closet

«One click is all it takes
Fallin’ in love with me
Possibilities
I look like all you need»

Finally the sun is out and we are looking forward to enjoying the warm temperatures. Luckily, Haute Horlogerie and cutting-edge technology at HUBLOT are anything but stiff and rigorous. The brand’s one-click bracelets this summer offer radiant holographic effects or present themselves with a logo in pop art style. These bracelets add an original, fun touch to the permanent collection of alligator leather, calfskin and rubber bracelets for the Big Bang. How cool is it to have all these possibilities for your watch….

One Click is a sophisticated, patented attachment system that allows you to change the bracelets of the 39, 42 and 45 mm Big Bang with just one click. So a truly timeless watch becomes a precious accessory that adapts to any outfit. Just looking at all these colorful beautiful options makes me dream…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot

This is industry news that I don’t want you to miss. Stéphane Bianchi, President of the LVMH Watch Division, and Jean-Christophe Babin, President of the Bvlgari Group, are announcing the first LVMH Swiss Watch Manufactures Exhibition.

The event will take place at the Dubai Bvlgari Hotel in January 2020 and will include Bvlgari,
TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith. The four watch brands will introduce to the international medias and retail partners their watchmaking news 2020.

Dubai Bvlgari Hotel

«In between Geneva in January and Basel in March, we have had in the recent years two major product presentations in the first quarter. This early discovery of our strategies, news and novelties has allowed our media and retail partners to better plan the year ahead and as such we have decided on this set up for 2020 to balance the scheduling of the other events», declared Jean-Christophe Babin.

Watch news this month: TAG Heuer’s second of five limited-edition Monaco timepieces that mark the icon’s 50th anniversary. 

As previously announced, Bvlgari, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Zenith are also confirming in parallel their presence at Baselworld 2020, late April/early May.

«We remain very supportive and loyal to Baselworld and the Swiss watchmaking industry. However, it was not possible for us to go 13 months without a global presentation of our products and brands. This additional event further confirms the LVMH commitment to the strategic and profitable watch category», said Stéphane Bianchi.

Hublot – proud official timekeeper of the FIFA Women’s World Cup France 2019™.

Personally speaking, I find this idea very interesting. Let’s be frank, watch fairs are extremely expensive and not very flexible. In my post about SIHH 2019 from January, I told you already about several changes that are going to happen next year with many brands leaving Baselworld or the SIHH. Solutions were found though, with the Geneva- and the Basel-based shows uniting forces and coordinating their dates from 2020.

Zenith’s new Pilot Type 20 Adventure

Still, the situation isn’t ideal for everyone. I am curious to see LVMH’s own, private «Pre-Baselworld event» in Dubai, in January 2020. The location is an interesting choice as well… stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

An example of Bvlgari’s new watch creations for 2019

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Swiss luxury watchmaker HUBLOT and MARC FERRERO, the artist behind Storytelling Art, unveiled the Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero, which could be viewed at the Baselworld trade fair this week. Paying homage to the 21st century woman, who distinguishes herself through the multiplicity of her roles, in this exclusive timepiece she is embodied as the heroine of modern times. This collaboration marks an exploratory approach to art and watchmaking.

The 21st century woman is a real muse. In turn wife, mother, friend, lover, business woman, femme fatale, fashion icon or night owl, for every hour of the day the modern woman sets herself apart as unpredictable, multifaceted and unique. She is disarming and makes light of the simple or complex adventures that she comes up against; drawing upon her charm, she juggles the lives that fill each of her days.

The dial tells the story of this heroine of modern times with ‘Lipstick’, an iconic work by the artist. Enigmatic behind her dark glasses, she remains majestic in the face of the unexpected and affirms her femininity, armed with her lipstick. Spinels in shades of red, topazes for the turquoise version, and forty-two fine stones decorate the bezel of the new 39-mm case, which is adjusted to her feminine wrists.

With one touch of its “One Click” patented fastening system, the leather strap makes way for a version in alligator and rubber, a touch of sophistication appropriate for the moment. Available in red and turquoise, the special series will be available in 50 copies of each tone.

«When I am asked ‘What innovative and modern idea develops your painting?’ Without hesitation, I answer fusion… Using different graphic styles (cubism, impressionism, surrealism, figurative, etc.) on the same plane or over my works—just like a film director uses special effects to tell a story—will always represent an extremely exciting challenge for me.»
Marc Ferrero

HUBLOT and MARC FERRERO cultivate the art of exploration in their respective fields, with fusion as the guiding principle. Personally speaking, I love these two models. They are sophisticated and cool and honor us women of today that manage to master everyday life with all its facets.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of HUBLOT

HUBLOT has always pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking industry. This year, the watchmaker is celebrating ten years since the creation of Bitcoin by launching the brand-new Big Bang Meca-10 P2P limited edition watch, available for purchase exclusively online with Bitcoins and also featuring the transaction number engraved on the edge of the bezel, rendering each piece unique.

«This is the kind of dynamism and innovation that our partners in Asia delight in. It is a visionary approach that fully corresponds to Hublot’s vision. Through its partnership with OSL, this first P2P watch allows us to continue to explore future avenues.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Bitcoin was created only just ten years ago in November 2008. This famous cryptocurrency, a virtual asset stored in digital form, was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, a name used by the mysterious person – or persons – whose identity remains a mystery to this day. In any case, the peer to peer – P2P – payment system has attracted a large following of users and investors accepting payment for their transactions.

Ricardo Guadalupe and Wayne Trench launch the Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 P2P

A trailblazer in new technological and societal trends, Hublot has decided to mark the ten year anniversary of Bitcoin by launching the first watch that can only be purchased using Bitcoin. It will be sold exclusively via e-commerce and can only be ordered and paid for online. Such innovation was made possible through a collaboration with OS Limited (OSL), Asia’s leading digital asset brokerage. This makes Hublot the first big watchmaking brand to enter this sector.

«OSL is excited to collaborate with Hublot and LVMH, an industry leader in the luxury world, to enable a digital asset industry first. As investors are increasingly looking to diversify their investment portfolio by adding digital assets with generally low correlations to traditional asset classes, we are committed to providing our clients with industry leading trading solutions to support their investment journey.»
Dave Chapman, Chairman and Co-founder of OSL

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P is a limited edition of 210 timepieces, a reference to the global limit of Bitcoins, which is fixed at 21 million.

True to the innovative design expected from the Big Bang collection, the “P2P” watch has a 45 mm case made from microblasted black ceramic. When we talk about ceramics in a Hublot watch, this does not mean clay-based pottery, but rather a high-tech material of zirconium dioxide pressed at a very high temperature. The Art of Fusion that is so dear to watchmakers and engineers at the Nyon manufacture.

It houses a HUB1201 manufacture calibre, a skeleton movement offering an exceptional 10-day power reserve. A number that was not chosen at random: Ten to mark the number of years the Bitcoin has existed. Each of the 210 pieces is unique: Manufactured for its wearer bearing the identification number of the transaction made via Bitcoin. Another reference to cryptocurrency can be found in the Blockchain inspired design – the interconnection network of computers on which virtual money works – on the blue calfskin leather strap which is lined with black rubber.

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P was presented a few days ago in Hong Kong, where OSL headquarters is located. Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, greeted special guests at an event of technological splendour. Visitors entered through a captivating tunnel with an interactive display showing the world of cryptocurrency, and the unique payment system that enables Hublot to accept payment in Bitcoin.

A revolutionary milestone in the watchmaking world!
YOU CAN ORDER THE HUBLOT BIG BANG MECA-10 P2P HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

Aren’t these watches just so beautiful?! In an ode to life, HUBLOT once again displays its positive attitude by celebrating one of the world’s most popular holidays: El Día de los Muertos. Hublot imparts its interpretation on this life affirming celebration with the HUBLOT Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina, the most carefree piece from the skull series.

Your attitude determines your altitude and at HUBLOT life is always viewed in the most beautiful and joyful way. The Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina, launching at the 11th annual SIAR ( Salón Internacional Alta Relojería) watch fair in Mexico is a tribute to life. The Big Bang is ready for the big celebration transforming its iconic design into a party-ready, carefree, elegant and eccentric timepiece available in eye-catching fuchsia, purple, green, turquoise and blue.

Bringing to life the traditional face-paint of the «calaveras» and the sophisticated make up worn by the «Catrinas» (Elegant Skull) during the celebrations the timepieces showcased a lacquered dial in black or white, engraved with coloured lacquer. The colourful and elegant dresses are conveyed through the straps with stitched multi-coloured skulls and the bezel covered in a 42 sapphire rainbow.

There are three limited editions in total: a steel version featuring a white lacquered dial with a matching white leather and rubber strap (100x pieces – CHF 15.400), a ceramic version (100x pieces – CHF 16.400) and a King Gold version (50x pieces – CHF 27.400) both with matching black lacquer dials and black leather straps.

The One Click interchangeable strap system allows the Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina to be transformed instantly and worn with blue or pink leather straps. The timepiece features the HUB1710 self-winding mechanical movement with a 50-hour power reserve.

Whether to pay tribute to El Día de los Muertos – an Aztec tradition dating back more than three centuries, and a celebration which has been recognised as part of world cultural heritage (UNESCO) since 2008 – or as a daily reminder to live fully, the Big Bang One Click Calavera Catrina tattoos the pulse of life to your wrist. A watch full of life and joy, it aims to transform every moment into a happy one.

Life in HUBLOT colors, I am on!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

Why do all good things happen at the same time? Last week, I was invited by HUBLOT to join them in Capri for the launch of an amazing nautically-inspired piece in collaboration with ITALIA INDEPENDENT. As I had my girls’ weekend in Belgrade, I couldn’t go unfortunately but I still want to share this with you as I find the watch a true must-have. Paying tribute to Lapo Elkann’s passion and love for the sea by drawing inspiration from the nautical world and from his own experiences and memories within.

Lapo Elkan working on the new Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent.

It has been several years since the Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia, Lapo Elkann, and HUBLOT were discussing about a nautical-related watch. And for good reasons. From his earliest childhood, Lapo was cradled by the movement of the waves, thanks to his iconic grandfather who was himself passionate about sailing. Lapo even won the famous race, the Fastnet, with his brother aboard the mythical Stealth.

Lapo Elkann’s legendary grandfather, L’Avvocato (the lawyer), Gianni Agnelli, had indeed an all-consuming passion for sailing. This was to such an extent that he was responsible for creating Azzurra, the first Italian team and challenge to win the America’s Cup. During his enthralling life, he had several yachts built so that he could indulge in his favourite sport.

Saint Tropez 90 – Gianni Agnelli with model Elle Macpherson and Tim Jefferies on his yacht.

In the mid-1990s, he ordered from the naval architect German Frers an exceptional, unique sailing boat whose name Stealth was a nod to the American Air Force’s F-117 fighters which were capable of avoiding radar detection. Like these aircrafts and thanks to the visionary Gianni Agnelli, this superyacht displayed the technical characteristic, a first at the time, of the wide use of Kevlar carbon and other composite material. The yacht was characterised by cutting-edge geometrical shapes, which together with the carbon fiber black sails would have a great influence on Lapo Elkann’s work as a designer.

Lapo Elkann and Ricardo Guadalupe unveiling the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent in Capri last week.

«This new project made us aware of the unsuspected links between the world of sailing and our watchmaking expertise, including, for example, the use of materials and techniques that are at the forefront of innovation we have managed to combine with traditional teak wood. A perfect match between technology and tradition, or the very meaning of the Art of Fusion! Here, our partnership with Lapo Elkann and his brand Italia Independent takes on an emotional, creative and technical dimension.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot

Paying tribute to this passion, HUBLOT and Lapo Elkann have once again come together to make a watch. And what setting could be more appropriate for its presentation than the blue of the island of Capri? It was here in the Hublot boutique on the main street Vittorio Emanuele, that guests were able to discover the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent, the production of which will be limited to 100 pieces.

Based on the legendary Big Bang Unico chronograph, this watch uses the style codes of the yachts of the late Gianni Agnelli, Azzurra, Agneta, Extra Beat, Stealth and particularly the Tiketitoo, whose hull was stained a warm golden colour. The case and the push-pieces are machined in King Gold, a unique alloy of gold and platinum developed by the HUBLOT manufacture. On the dial, the indexes are in orange while its bezel is cut out of teak, a precious wood usually adorning the deck of the finest boats. With a 45-mm diameter and water resistance to 100 metres, the watch encloses the UNICO HUB1242 calibre house chronograph movement, which has a 72-hour power reserve. This masterpiece of technology and watchmaking expertise is visible through the sapphire glass mounted on the back of the watch.

«As long as I can remember, sailing has been part of my life. I have spent many hours sailing the Mediterranean, like here in Capri or off the coast of Brazil.
I started very young thanks to my grandfather Gianni Agnelli love story with incredible boats which I was lucky to sail on. Each of them has a special memory but Stealth has a special place not only for his unrepeated, one of kind design but also because of our victory of the Fastnet with it.
I am therefore very proud to be able to pay tribute to him with this new watch.
A maritime spirit that has been perfectly restored thanks to the technical expertise of our partner Hublot.»
Lapo Elkann, Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia

Each model of the Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent has two straps. The first, inspired by the world of regattas, is cut out of a real boat sail in Kevlar carbon with a rubber base. The second, which is orange and striped, is made entirely of rubber. The watch is fitted with the revolutionary One Click system which means that both straps are interchangeable at whim.

The 100 pieces of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent watches will be delivered in a case containing a pair of Italia Independent sunglasses whose frames uses the same teak wood as the bezel of the watch. Do you fancy setting sail?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Hublot and via L’Avvocato

This week, after my post about the amazing experience with Hublot at the Oktoberfest, I got many compliments about my Dirndl look. You might be surprised but this outfit doesn’t include one single traditional Bavarian piece, every item comes from a runway collection. Over the years, I have collected so many fashion must-haves, that I love to style in different and unexpected ways. As I always say, keep everything if you have space, there will always be a time to wear those pieces again…, I am sure that you will be surprised to see the years in which I bought them.

My look: Bavarian janker jacket (F/W 2002) and corset-style dress (F/W 2010), both by D&G Dolce Gabbana, embellished leather choker (F/W 2002) and brooch (F/W 2010), all by Dolce & Gabbana, feather apron (S/S 2005) and lace-up leather boots, both by Prada (F/W 2001), plissé leather cuffs (F/W 2016) by Gucci, small classic black handbag with gold-tone metal chain by Chanel (F/W 1995), Venezia lace stay-ups (F/W 2003) by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

My avid readers know how much I love Munich, the city I lived in for eight years and the place where many important events in my life took place. Every little corner holds a memory. Therefore I was over the moon when HUBLOT invited me to join them for a «Wiesn Gaudi» to celebrate the launch of the amazing BIG BANG BAVARIA in bronze. Two renowned houses, HUBLOT & MEINDL, have joined forces to fuse innovation and tradition to celebrate Bavarian craftmanship and what could be more appropriate to present this «Art of Fushion» during the world’s most renowned festival—Oktoberfest?!

Traditions provide new generations with a unique way of reconnecting with their identity, it is why they last. Braudel said that in order to hope, in order to move forward, we also need to know where we come from.The Big Bang Bavaria is a concentration of history and traditions.

Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot

When I arrived, I was brought directly to my hotel, Roomers Munich, which celebrated its soft opening during those days. Unfortunately, there was no time for me to change as the minute I entered the lobby, I had to leave immediately due to a fire alarm. What a pity!

In my beautiful room waited a surprise for me: a MEINDL dirndl that features ultra soft buckskin, the iconic material MEINDL has been relentlessly working with for many decades on its traditional production.

With Ricardo Guadalupe enjoying the first beer after the unveiling of the Big Bang Bavaria.

As if I had a premonition of what was to come, I was dressed already in Bavarian style and ready to go to the HUBLOT Boutique on Munich’s prestigious Maximilianstrasse where the BIG BANG BAVARIA was unveiled at 4pm on the dot in true «Wiesn» spirit with Markus Meindl, CEO of Meindl, present uttering the cry «O’zapft is», Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, opened the first barrel of the event just like at the Oktoberfest. It took three taps of the mallet to get the beer flowing.

«O’zapft is» – Markus Meindl and Ricardo Guadalupe

But how does the new watch look like? Cut from bronze, a material created in 3000 BC that has the advantages of non-magnetism, resistance to corrosion and a unique appearance, it is strapped onto two robust, hand-embroidered bracelets in deer leather.

Centuries of expertise and tradition lie behind the BIG BANG BAVARIA strap. Firstly, the craftsmanship of a family that has been passing down its passion for leather from father to son since 1683. The BIG BANG BAVARIA strap is reminiscent of the «Lederhosen», the short leather breeches that originated in Bavaria and have been the traditional clothing of the mountain people since the 18th century.

Just like the garment from which the strap draws inspiration, it is cut in deer leather and hand-embroidered with a pattern only possible to create on deer leather. Traditional sewing gives a 3D effect to the leather tanned using the MEINDL tradition.

It takes 3 to 4 months to tan the hide using an age-old technique. The hides are salted then plunged into a limestone-based liquid before being washed, then treated by hand with cod-liver oil and dried. The last two steps are repeated several times until the leather is entirely soaked with the oil. The hide is left to dry in the sun to develop a light brown colour. To bring out the velvet character of the leather is then rubber with sandpaper. MEINDL then applies and brushes the leather with several tropical wood bark colorants, a procedure repeated up to 5 times. The products used are all without preservatives or chemicals to respect nature.

Big Bang Bavaria version one

Delivered with two «One Click» straps, the BIG BANG BAVARIA easily changes its look thanks to its patented attachment system. There’s a version with a cuff in natural light brown deer leather, enhanced by two leather tabs embroidered with a deer head. The second version comes in «altsalzburg» (black-brown)-coloured deer leather, embroidered with oak leaves.

Big Bang Bavaria version two

The BIG BANG BAVARIA beats to the rhythm of Unico, the Hublot manufacture movement, with 330 components for a 72-hour power reserve—a self-winding bidirectional movement with a flyback chronograph and a column wheel on the side of the dial.

The BIG BANG BAVARIA is available now in the Hublot Boutiques (88 all around the world) in a limited edition of 100 pieces for  CHF 26900 / € 27900.

After our first beer in the boutique, we went to the one & only Käfer’s-Wiesn-Schänke – a must at the Oktoberfest – also for HUBLOT! While enjoying the iconic Bavarian «Schmankerl», the crispy duck and knödel (dumplings), I was singing to the amusement of my table-mates (all from the countries) to all the German songs played by the live band. But no worries, I can be pretty contagious and finally we were all  standing on the seats, dancing the night away.

Such a great piece but unfortunately a little too big on me… 

One of those trips I will always remember and a new memory added to one of my favorite cities. Thank you Hublot! Please create a BIG BANG BAVARIA in dirndl-style. I am convinced I would not be the only one loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this, I am on my way to the Oktoberfest in Munich with HUBLOT for an exclusive «Wies’n Gaudi» at the one & only Käfer’s-Wies’n-Schänke. The dress code? Of course «Traditional Bavarian»!

Is any other traditional dress as feminine, elegant and downright sexy as a «Dirndl»?
Any man or woman alive who has visited the Munich Oktoberfest would have to answer with a resounding no! As many other Germans, I am always looking forward to the festival season rolling around, to wear my «Trachten» and «Lederhosen» to celebrate in style.

From left to right top: Breakfast at Tiffany’s –  Dirndl Time – Oh Deer!
From left to right bottom: Pucci Goes Wies’n – Tyrolean Love

From time to time, I like to play around with the outfits and don’t opt for the traditional «Dirndl» but look for designer pieces in my closet that are inspired from Tyrolean or Bavarian styles.

Finding the right Dirndl can be quite expensive and choices are versatile. You can certainly look for less expensive ones at regular department stores, but then you’re quite likely to run into other women wearing the same style around town. In case it bothers you spending so much money on this occasion, I would like to inspire you with these designer pieces that you can wear all year long.

DAYTIME TRACHT: Misha embroidered velvet-paneled gabardine jacket by Vilshenko, crochet-trimmed lace-up broderie anglaise cotton blouse by SEA, velvet shorts by Pierre Balmain, appliquéd leather Chelsea boots by Charlotte Olympia, embellished wool-blend socks, Lucia watersnake-trimmed embellished brocade shoulder bag, crystal-embellished round-frame gold-tone sunglasses and gold-tone crystal clip earrings, all by Dolce & Gabbana.

DIRNDL CHIC: Lace and velvet-paneled pleated crepe mini dress by Elie Saab, faux pearl-embellished velvet headband and velvet shoulder bag, both by Miu Miu, velvet and gold-tone multi-stone choker by Etro, Elliot floral-print matelassé over-the-knee boots by Altuzarra.

BAVARIAN QUEEN: Embroidered cotton-velvet tuxedo jacket by ALEXACHUNG, Adriana lace-up velvet-trimmed crepe dress by Altuzarra, Klara lace-up suede ankle boots by Tabitha Simmons, Padlock small appliquéd studded leather shoulder bag, metallic crochet-trimmed embroidered cotton-blend socks and frayed grosgrain, bead and faux pearl brooch, all by Gucci.

O’zapft is! Happy Wies’n Shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht

What happens when a cigar maker fuses with a watchmaker?!
They create the «Art of Fushion» und come up with something very special. HUBLOT celebrates 20 years of the most sought after cigar “The Fuente Fuente Opus X’’ with a Classic Fusion collection of three limited edition pieces.

«For any cigar connoisseur, the Fuente Fuente Opus X is an absolute reference, as much in terms of its remarkable flavour as in the quality of its execution. A quest for the finest products and for manufacturing excellence with which we at Hublot totally identify. We are very happy to be able to join in the celebrations of the two decades of this exceptional puro through our third collaboration with the Arturo Fuente house.
A partnership that is rolling along nicely!»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO Hublot

“The rarest cigar in the world” according to purists, the Fuente Fuente Opus X is celebrating its 20th anniversary. It started in 1980 when Carlos Fuente set up his cigar factory in the Dominican Republic, near the town of Santiago against everyone’s advice. It was here where, after several attempts, he and his family succeeded in growing tobacco plants that produced wrapper leaf of the highest quality, with a uniquely powerful and rich flavour. He was profoundly confident of achieving this result as the place bore a strange resemblance to the “Pinar del Rio”, the valley in which the best tobacco is grown in Cuba. Thus was born the “Chateau de la Fuente”, the first of the Fuente factories on Hispaniola, the continuity of the Fuente & Cie business that his grandfather had founded in Cuba in 1912.

To celebrate this success, he decided to produce the king of cigars, for which no concession would be made in terms of quality: the Fuente Fuente Opus X. This began with the labour: before being authorised to work on this project, the “torcedores”—the cigar rollers—had to undergo an additional 10 months of specific training.

They had to be capable of meeting Don Fuente’s requirements: the cigar had to be composed of 9 leaves of tobacco, while other factories would make do with 5 for their prestigious models (one for the wrapper, one for the binder and then 3 more leaves for the filler, the heart of the cigar). Once rolled, they were then “laid down” for at least 2 years before export to let their different aromas blend harmoniously through maturation.

Carlitos Fuente in front of the Opus X production room.

Carlos Fuente shares the inspiration that guided him: «I wanted to reproduce something that already existed in my memory. I wanted to go back in time, to my childhood. I wanted to go back to the happiest episodes of my life. I wanted my grandfather to be proud of me, my father too, and for my children to be so too one day. It was something that I owed to myself to do.» 20 years later, the Fuente Fuente Opus X has achieved success among connoisseurs, who fall over themselves to get hold of it.

Ricardo Guadalupe and Carlito Fuente

The partnership between the watchmaker in Nyon and the Arturo Fuente cigar maker first saw the light in 2012, on the occasion of the Fuente Foundation’s centenary. It is the result of a friendship between the men presiding over the destiny of two houses which share common values of meticulousness, manufacture, selection of the finest materials, production organised into workshops and, of course the quest for excellence. This partnership has already produced two horological creations.

It is therefore perfectly natural today for Hublot to choose to join the 20th anniversary celebrations for the Opus X, by launching three commemorative watches in limited editions, marking the third collaboration between the two brands. These three Hublot Classic Fusion 45mm Fuente 20th Anniversary Special Edition models will be limited to a production of 20 watches each.

The first has a 45-mm case in satin-finished black ceramic. Its bezel is cut from the same material. Its sumptuous blue dial is adorned with the famous X decorating the rings of the legendary puro, doubled for the occasion to become the number 20 in Roman numerals. It is topped by red gold plated hands and indexes with a “20 Years” mention apposed at 6 o’clock. Its back is engraved with an exclusive illustration of the Fuente family with the “Château de la Fuente, Fuente Fuente Opus X 20 Years” mention, as well the model’s limited edition series number. Its black alligator strap is lined with rubber to provide the wearer greater comfort.

The second version has sublime livery in brushed titanium. Its case and bezel are finely embossed with engravings reproducing tobacco leaf motifs interlinked into the letter X. The engravings on its back are partially lacquered in blue. The strap in grey alligator, with a deployant buckle clasp, is stitched in blue and is also lined with rubber.

The third version is in King Gold, the precious red gold developed by the Hublot house. It has the same engravings and features as the titanium model, while adding a brown strap.

All three feature the HUB1112 calibre, an automatic movement with a 42-hour power reserve. They are delivered in a case that serves as a humidor, a cigar box specially designed by Hublot so as to regulate the humidity and allow the correct conservation of the modules.

I really like this Art of Fushion!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht