LVMH Watch Week 2023: Hublot

Hublot takes a look back to its roots while continuing to redefine luxury and innovation. 

When it comes to Hublot, we’ve come to expect the unexpected. However, no one could have foreseen that the Nyon Manufacture would go back to basics for 2023, back to the Classic Fusion that not only propelled the brand into prominence but also challenged the conventional notions of luxury sports watches. While it may be commonplace today to see high-end timepieces combining precious metals and rubber straps, Hublot blazed the trail in 1980, thanks to the extraordinary vision of its founder, Carlo Crocco. 

The Classic Fusion Original is available in 33mm, 38mm, and 42mm.

Classic Fusion Original 

What is perhaps even more unexpected about the new Classic Fusion Original collection is that Hublot had just celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2020 with a trio of 45mm models in 18K yellow gold, titanium or black ceramic. But we’re not complaining since this year’s release literally gives us more to love, as each variant now comes in three sizes – 33mm, 38mm, and 42mm. While the former is fitted with a quartz movement, the latter two are powered by the self-winding Calibre MHUB1110 with a 42-hour power reserve. 

The Big Bang Integrated King Gold Rainbow Editions are fully paved in precious stones from case to bracelet.

Big Bang Integrated King Gold Rainbow Editions 

On the other end of the spectrum (no pun intended) of Hublot’s novelties, we have a pair of rainbow Big Bang Integrated in 18K King Gold. Not merely gem-set, each variant is fully paved in precious stones from the case to the bezel, each stone, be it ruby, amethyst, blue topaz, tsavorite, or sapphires of various hues, handpicked and positioned by the master stone-setter. It is no easy task to pick a favourite between these haute joaillerie watches. The Time Only model has a 40mm case, a first for the collection, and is driven by the self-winding MHUB1710 calibre with a 50-hour power reserve. The chronograph version boasts the self-winding MHUB1280 Unico Manufacture movement with a three-day power reserve. 

The neon yellow SAXEM case is the result of three years of R&D.

Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon SAXEM 

Ever pushing the boundaries in material innovation, Hublot is also introducing its second timepiece in SAXEM (Sapphire Aluminium oXide and rare Earth Mineral). While 2019’s Big Bang MP-11 had a case crafted in emerald green SAXEM, we now see the space-age material in the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon SAXEM. The seemingly simple task of creating the case in a fluorescent, citrus-like shade actually took three years of R&D to realise, and the result is pretty spectacular. Often used in satellites and some lasers, the ultra-resistant material has a brilliance that rivals that of sapphire. The timepiece seems to glow intensely from within when coupled with the bright neon hue. In addition, the open-worked HUB6035 Manufacture automatic tourbillon movement enhances the uncommon transparency of the watch. 

Part of the proceeds from the sale of the Big Bang Unico SORAI will go towards supporting the organisation's efforts in keeping rhinos safe from poachers.

Big Bang Unico SORAI 

Finally, another watch that caught our fancy is the Big Bang Unico SORAI (Save Our Rhino Africa India). Founded by Hublot ambassador and former cricket star Kevin Pietersen, the organisation helps keep rhinos safe from poachers. The third in a series of watches benefitting SORAI, the 100-piece limited edition has a 44mm case in rhino grey ceramic that is specially developed for it. Its open-worked dial features the twilight colours of sunset, a timely reminder that time is of the essence in saving the endangered animal, an applique of which can be seen on the sub-dial at 9 o’clock. It is a good-looking feel-good watch in every sense.  

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