GTE 2013 Hublot's Zebra Stripes

Last week I blogged about watch companies and their pets.  My mind is still whirling with animal themes watches so when  spotted the Hublot's Big Bang Zebra Bang, I thought it a wonderful addition to my mental  menagerie of animal themes.  It seems Hublot is sliding down the food chain by unveiling a harmless grazer for its GTE 2013 timepiece. Read more about the Geneva Trade Show which runs from January 21st-25th.   As you recall the previous two animal themed timepieces were the Leopard Bang and Boa bang.  Stylistically Hublot is right on target with this one.
Zebra Stripes are a fashion mainstay  with a history dating back to the late 1800's.  In fact in 1793, a striped clothing frenzy became known as the "zebra period." In the 19th century it was  prisoners who donned the zebra stripes, not out of whim ,of course, but rather a disgruntled obedience. Take a leap to the "now" and one will find zebra stripes accessorizing many a wardrobe. From leggings to handbags to scarves and even commanding an entire outfit whether by night or by day. 

Hublot's Zebra Stripes 41mm ceramic timepiece for the ladies is punctuated with feminine graces. The bezel surrounding the leopard print dial is set with 48 topazes and baguette-cut spinels.

 If you are not familiar with the term Spinal, don't be to disheartened, Spinals are precious gems in themselves - thought to be part of the Corundum family.  The red spinals are often confused with rubies, but in fact are quite different stones. Spinals are found in a variety of colors - the red and cobalt blue spinal.  The purple color spinal owe its hue to iron and chromium.  Spinals require very little treatment as in nature they are flawless and transparent.

 6 signature H shaped titanium screws are embedded, polished and locked upon the bezel. 

Eight bezel set diamonds serve as hour markers and add a glamorous glitter to the dial. A trapezoid date aperture is placed at the 4.30 mark.
The dial is protected by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal  coated on the interior with an anti-reflective treatment.

  A zebra print calfskin strap affixed to a supreme comfort rubber makes for a highly comfortably and flexible strap. Without a doubt the sense of style and fashion afforded by the Hublot Zebra Stripes is impeccable, to say the least, it is the drive beneath its zebra coat which demands a mention.
  The watch is powered by a HUB4300 Automatic Mechanical chronograph movement comprising of 278 components, beating at 28,800 vph, baring 37 jewels and equipped with a 42 hour power reserve.   The efficiency of the automatic winding mechanism is heightened due to  a rare super hard high density chemical element segment known as tungsten affixed to the rotor. (chemical symbol W and atomic number 74). As a result of its high density, tungsten is often as weights and counterweights.
The HUB4300 is equipped with a Glucydur hairspring. The hairspring and balance wheel regulate the entire watch mechanism and thus determining the precision of the timepiece. However the functioning of the  hairspring is highly sensitive to change in temperature thus many higher end  modern watches use an alloy of beryllium, copper, and iron known as Glucydur.  Glucydur (or beryllium bronze) is non-magnetic and is resistant to deformation resulting from temperature change.  In addition it has superior shock resistance than steel.
Companies like Omega prefer a silicon Balance Spring - read A look at Omega's Silicon balance Spring.

This watch is water resistant to 100 meters; however, I am not sure if the strap can take a good swim.


I apologize if my posts are few and far between, but Hurricane Sandy effected by internet connection and it took longer than I thought to get back on track.  However things are returning to normal and posts should be coming on a more regular basis.
Please contact me at rikivanh@gmail.com if you would like me to review a certain watch; link to your webpage, advertise on my site or contact me about writing articles or blogs.  Any other comments or criticism are welcome too. 
Thanks Vicky 

Hublot Ambassador Usain Bolt Prepares to Beat Personal World Record

Hublot King Power Usain Bolt Watch

Hublot Ambassador and Olympic Sprint Champion Jamaican Usain Bolt is prepping to beat his own personal record of 9.58 seconds in the 100 meter dash at the London Olympics.  The question as wot whether Usain Bolt could beat his own record and run  race in a mere 9.4 seconds was the object of a Dutch Mathematical Study.  The authors of a Tilburg University study revealed today that Usain Bolt could still shave off two tenths of a second and beat his record, but this was the absolutely lowest a world record could go.  
... and as to how they worked this out , one of the study authors, Sander Smeets explained
"The study used various mathematical and statistical models collated from the best times posted over 100m by the 1,034 best male athletes going back to 1991"
This newest number overrides his previous  "ultimate world record"of 9.51.  I suppose this newer study was necessary before Usain Bolt proved Sanders 1991 study wrong.


 
  
Hublot and Usain Bolt have much in common - Hublot beating its own world record  by creating a Five Million Dollar Big Bang unveiled at 2012 Baselworld, a huge increase from its Two Million Dollar Big Bang unveiled at the Formula 1 Grand Prix De Monaco 2011. 
  
For Usain Bolt, Hublot created a Hublot King Power Bolt Watch Limited Edition.  A striking feature of the watch is its unique strap.  The strap is actually crafted from identical gold colored synthetic leather as the shoes Usain Bolt wore when he sprinted to victory in Beijing 2008 and broke the world record. 


The 48 mm black ceramic case and black ceramic bezel punctuated by Hublot signature 6 black PVD H-shaped relief titanium screws surrounds a gold circular satin-finished flange with 2N gold coating specked with green in representation of the Jamaican flag. A meteor gray silhouette of Usain Bolt is visible within the small seconds sub dial at the 9 'o'clock position.   Turning the case over one will find another silhouette of Usain Bolt on a sapphire case back.  The automatic mechanical Caliber HUB4100 comprising of 252 components and 27 jewels is protected by a resilient micro-blasted black ceramic case.  The Usain Bolt Watch is Limited to just 250 pieces and has a 42 hour power reserve.

At this year's London Olympics the world is watching Usain Bolt.

Hublot's Big Bang Tribute to the 50th Costa Smeralda Consortium Anniversary

I had never heard of the glittering shores of  Costa Smeralda before Big Bang unveiled the Big Bang Costa Smeralda for her and the King Power Costa Smeralda for him  as a tribute to the 50th Costa Smeralda Consortium Anniversary.  After doing a bit of research and a lot of drooling, I am smitten.  Costa Smeralda, founded 50 years ago by  Prince Karim Aga Khan himself, with an abundance of pristine sandy beaches, an aquamarine sea, the world class Pevero Golf Club host to the Italian Open and the quaint village of Porto Cervo is truly a worthy location of mention and destination.

Hublot red and white color theme is a highly popular  combination dating back to their early Big Bag Models
Hublot timekeepers is not stranger to this picturesque location, dotted around the Pevero, Hublot Clocks grace the walls tracking time for celebrities and honorees, one gloriously relaxed minute at a time.

Both watches sport Hublot red and white color theme which is a highly popular combination dating back to Hublot's early Big Bang Models.  The white straps,  warm red gold and red accentuation represent a perfect summer timepiece worn best on the deck of a yacht. 

The Big Bang Costa Smeralda is accentuated with a diamond covered grill inspired by Hublot's the polo-themed watch - the Chukker Bang. ("Chuka" refers to a single period play in polo). The grill prevents damage to the dial during play. (If you remember - Jaeger LeCoultre entire Reverso Collection was inspired by the game of polo).

The King Power Costa Smeralda is more macho in appearance with a black dial center and sub dials; however a lightness of appearance is notable in the white straps and outer dial.  A perfect blend of irresistible masculinity and charming elegance.

Both watches display the red signature mark of Porto Cervo Marina.

The watches were presented on the eve of July 16th at an exclusive event organized by the dala Di Volpe Starwood Hotel.  The guests were treated to a  performance by Elton John.

As a side note Corum also paid tribute to Porto Cervo Marina in 2007 in Limited Edition of 100 - “Admiral’s Cup, Porto Cervo Marina“

Hublot Releases The Skull Bang - A Dark Watch

The Skull Bang roars upon the horological stage leaving open mouth onlookers with a fleeting glance of a shadowy skull transfer set on a black galvanic sunburst dial entirely surrounded by black ceramic.
 Hublot announced in a May 2012 press release, "The Skull Bang is a rock'n'roll rebel!" and indeed it is.
The pitch black Skull Bang exudes a powerful rebellious energy accompanied by a distinct understated elegance like a character from one of Anne Rice's novels.
Limited to a mere 100 pieces, the Skull Bang is already a coveted collectors item.  The "Classic Fusion" 45 mm case, bezel and crown are crafted in polished black ceramic.  6-H black PVD titanium screws on bezel; Hublot logo on crown and distinctive lugs in black composite resin is all Hublot. A HUB 1112 automatic movement is visible beneath a transparent skull outline via a scratch resistant sapphire crystal case back.  The oscillating weight is open worked with black PVD coating sporting a rare super hard high density chemical element segment known as tungsten. (chemical symbol W and atomic number 74). As a result of its high density, tungsten is often as weights and counterweights.

Clear read-out is enabled due to faceted, black galvanic, diamond polished, skeleton hands.

A black leather strap stitched onto black rubber creates the intriguing illusion of formality. The Skull Bang is water resistant to 50 meters and is capable of a 42 hour power reserve. A date aperture is located at the 3 'o'clock.
I would love to see who will be sporting The Skull Bang at the next big gig beneath pulsating lights and surrounded by the powerfully jarring crescendo of an electric guitar and screaming fans.

Hublot Creates a Big Bang at Baselworld worth 5 Million Dollars

Wherever Hublot goes they make a BIG BANG and Baselworld 2012 is no exception.
The current Hublot buzz is due to a 5 Million Dollar Big Bang Hublot Creation (SOLD to the Hour Glass Singapore).
 So let me start by describing the Five Million Dollar Masterpiece (and masterpiece it must be)
A Five Million Dollar Timepiece demands plenty of diamond - and diamonds it has - no less than 1282 diamonds totaling 140 carats. 
 And these diamonds are no ordinary compilation of carbon.  These diamonds were collected from all over the world, matched for color and clarity eliminating any imperfections.  6 Emerald cut diamonds adorn the bracelet.  Each weighing over 3 carats - exceptional in clarity - VVS and color - G. Unlike many diamond encrusted timepieces where it seemed the diamonds an after-thought to increase the worth of the timepiece, the diamond cutters at  Hublot first created the design of the watch and then went searching for the perfect diamonds.

Each diamond was hand selected, sized, if required, and set into the dial, bezel, case and bracelet with painstaking precision required by Hublot's desire to create an "invisible setting".  Although the setting is there, it cannot be seen and thus the entire watch seems as if it is crafted from diamonds. This task demanded 17 people working exclusively for 14 months.  One of whom was a Master- Cutter from New York who worked on the largest diamond.

If you missed viewing the watch in Basel world and cannot make it to Singapore where it will be on display at Hublot boutique in Marina Bay Sands and then at Hublot's section at The Hour Glass boutiques, you can view the watch in this wonderful video by Hublot.

New Hublot King Power Unico GMT Bares a Striking Resemblance to Urwerk 103

The Hublot King Power Unico Gmt is an incredible feat of watchmaking technology, but although the movement is a brand new in-house Hublot construction, it bares a striking resemblance to the Urwerk 103 collection - save for the analog time display. 
All comparisons aside, I think the Hublot King Power Unico GMT is an exciting step into the companies consistent focus at innovative time display.
 The new time display enables the timepiece to track 24 different timezones which are located on the bezel and at an angle on the edge of the dial.  At first glance the time display may seem a tad overwhelming, but it is a 24 hour time zone watch.  Within the dial, the four GMT discs move with the main time while red indicator lines display the differing timezones.

Urwerk UR 103T

The powerful Hublot caliber HUB 1220 automatic GMT movement has the capability of a 72 hour power reserve.

The Hublot King Power Unico GMT is housed in a 48mm case and available in black ceramic or 18k gold. 
Personally I think satellite discs work better  with the simplicity of pure hour display on the Urwerk 103 timepieces, however in Hublot's defense, it is always quite a challenge to track 24 time zones on the dial of a single mechanical timepiece.

Hublot Oceanographic 4000 for Only Watch 2011

Back in April I blogged about Hublot's Diver watch, which could accompany a diver down 4000m - if a diver could in fact dive to that depth.   In reality a diver cannot . Hublot made this watch as a symbolic gesture to push the limits of rationality and endurance.  One thing is for certain, if the Hublot Oceanographic watch is unwittingly dropped over the side of a ship, it will merrily keep on ticking ,surrounded by inquisitive fish, on the ocean floor since the Hublot Oceanographic can endure the pressure and resist water at a depth of 4000m.   Hublot spent 18 months of intense research and development to create a watch with this type of water resistance and pressure endurance.
The model depicted above is based on the original Diver's Watch and is Hublot's contribution to the Only Watch Auction 2011, to raise charity for the awareness and research of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
For a watch to be presented by a company for the Only Watch Auction it must be either the first watch of a limited edition, or a completely unique model.

Hublot's Oceanographic 4000 timepiece is unique in that it is the very first watch crafted from ultra-technical carbon fiber. The watches colors - bright red with white accents- represent the colors of Monaco's flag. The signature "King Power" 48mm case and bezel is crafted from an attractive and powerful Matt Carbon Fiber.  The Matt Black dial sports bold red  indexes treated with white SuperLuminova, which enables clear dial readout in murky or dark conditions. The dial is protected by Scratch Resistant Sapphire crystal. The watch is powered with precision by HUB1401 automatic movement comprised of 180 components and 23 jewels with a 42 hour power reserve.  The red stitched alligator strap on black rubber accentuates the red on the dial and is affixed to the wrist via a black PVD titanium ardillon buckle. bright red strap complements the red on the

One of The Most Expensive Timepieces Ever Made!

At the Formula 1 Grand Prix De Monaco 2011, The Hublot the official F1 timekeeper, unveiled one of the most expensive timepieces ever made: The 2 Million Euro’s BB unique piece.
Over 140 carats smother this transfixing time teller. The 18k white gold bracelet is a sparkly array of 353 Baguette Diamonds totaling 102.62 carats. The signature Hublot 18k white gold case is covered in 72 baguette diamonds which amounts to 20.85 carats. 72 baguette diamonds (11.14 carats) situated on the bezel surround a dial embedded with 116 diamonds (8.87 carats). One mustn't forget the rose cut diamond on the crown.
45 gem cutters worked solidly for an entire month ,putting in over 13,000 hours, to cut the diamonds. Once the diamonds were cut, it took an additional 2000 hours to set.
The movement is by no means less impressive , within the glittering exterior of the watch case beats a HUB 6003, mechanical hand-wound movement.
The dial, on two dimensions, is crafted from 18k white gold and palladium 150 (an extremely rare silvery white metal belonging to the platinum group metals). The case back is Sapphire crystal so when one tires (if ever) of staring at the front, one may be mesmerized by the movement.

Mr Bernie Ecclestone, President of Formula One Management together with Mrs Tina Zegg from ZEGG & CERLATI presented of one of the most expensive jewellery timepieces ever created, the 2 Million Euro’s BB.

5 Exceptional Timepieces for Women

At Baselworld 2011, Patek Phillipe SA demonstrates unsurpassed watchmaking skills with the release of a Ladies watch sporting a skeletonized movement.

The manually wound watch is ultra thin, gracefully decorated and engraved by hand. Both front and back of the 31.40mm case are protected by a scratch resistant sapphire crystal with brown tinted parameter creating a window to the Caliber 177 SQU movement. A slender yellow gold linked bracelet elegantly encircles the wrist.

Comprised of 110 components and 18 jewels, this Patek Phillipe SA timepiece is an example of worth.

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Hublot's Big Bang Leopard is a Timepiece of note. In the wild leopards are elusive secretive creatures, who spend much of their time in trees. On the other hand Hublot's Big Bang Leopard is meant to be noticed.

The dial is decorated with a leopard rosette pattern and matching leopard print denim strap. Matching smoked quartz, andalusites, and citrine baguette cut stones punctuated by Hublot's signature H-shaped screws accentuate the bezel. The 18k red gold ,41mm case house a HUB4300 automatic chronograph movement. 18k red gold hands and yellow diamond hour markers indicate the time.
A timepiece created for the inner wild.





Van Cleef & Arpels awakes the spring in its latest unique Poetry of Time Haute Jewelry timepiece. It is a jungle scene. A pink flower in full bloom supported by diamond vines shelter a dial beneath its sapphire encrusted petals. If the skies fill with rain, the flower moves over and protects the dial. Monkeys crafted in white gold and set with high quality hand picked stones, as with the entire timepiece, frolic among leaves of emeralds and sapphires. Alternating bands of onyx and diamonds accentuate their tails crafted to simulate their boundless energy. With this timepiece Van Cleef and Arpels has, for now, come to the end of its Voyage Extraordinaire and what a voyage it has been.
The white gold case ,ringed with diamonds, houses a Swiss Quartz movement. A jewelry bracelet set with diamonds completes the look.


Flowers, jewelery or timepiece? Flowers, jewelry or timepiece? What does a women want? Breguet has solved this dilemma with its Petite Fleur Haute Jewerly watch. 43 baguette-cut diamond petals attached to hidden pivots flutter and quiver with the movement of the wrist. The concave dial is set with 141 diamonds arranged in the snow setting technique concealing the white metal dial beneath. Blued steel hollow tipped hands are hand molded to precisely move across the concave surface of the dial. A domed sapphire Crystal baring the individual number of the timepiece protects the dial. A sapphire Crystal case back displaying high quality finishing ,including circular grained bridges and barleycorn guilloché motif embellishing the platinum oscillating weight, has earned the mechanical automatic timepiece the Geneva Seal.

DeWitt Golden Afternoon Collection is quite fitting for this blog - being an entire collection dedicated to women. The collection was inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites ,a group of English painters, poets, critics who formed a brotherhood in 1848 in celebration of women, romance and symbolic nature. They were none to pleased with the current state of affairs at the Royal Academy and wished to enrich the Academy with a more direct and honest artistic expression overflowing with details, color and complex compositions.

DeWitt's The Golden Afternoon Collection embraces the stages of a women's life capturing her changing perspectives as time moves on. Adding a light sense of fantasy, DeWitt intertwines poetry and art to create a moving collection. The Golden Afternoon Dial depicted to the left, is a mother-of-pearl garden of delicate flowers which seem to float towards the dial. Dark clouds serve as the backdrop adding a powerful contrast quality to the dial. Feathers or "the wings of an angel" dial hands ,depending on how you wish to interpret the dial, indicate the time with the aid of 12 diamond hour markers. A DeWitt logo seems to waft across the dial on a sudden breeze in preparation of a storm. This watch creates a sense of powerful symbolism. Stay tuned for more remarkable additions to DeWitt's Golden Afternoon Collection.

To all the Mother's out there - HAPPY MOTHERS' DAY.

Hublot La Clu De Temps Stokes A Passion for Watches

Not too sure if your wristwatch interest has reached the level of outright passion. This may add a little fuel to your fire. Check out the new Watch Machine - The Hublot La Cle Due Temps Watch or the "Key of Time."
Part of Hublot's extremely high end division "Hublot Confrerie" this watch has an incredible mastery of time. In fact the Hublot la Cle Due temps can actually speed up or slow down time, as if to say, "Time waits for no one, aside for myself". Of course it is all in the perception of the wearer made possible by a ingenious mechanical movement of the timepiece. Then again, increments of time are man made and can be divided in any which way. The actual watch look is quite bold and slightly evil looking. The dial reminds me of an industrial stove top fashioned from wrought iron and the luminescence glows as if radioactive. But it is the shape of the dial that really interests me. It is fashioned like the coronal view of the brain. A vertical tourbillon is mounted on the watch case like a submarine propeller. The time is displayed on the upper left corner of the dial. On the left is a selector, which enables one to manipulate the passage of time by either speeding it up or slowing it down. The selection is made via a specialized crown on the left of the watch. One can always switch back to the correct passage of time. Below the selector is a 5 day power reserve displayed as an enigmatic green glow.

I find this idea of playing with time quite intriguing, after all the speed at which time passes us by is within the confines of our own personal experiences. If one is under water holding ones breath, one can only imagine how achingly slow time nudges by; then again if one is on a weekend getaway basking under the Caribbean sun, time rushes by and very soon one is scrambling back to work.

No! I have not forgotten about the green stuff. I do not know the exact chemical composition exuding the bright green glow, but it sure has great luminescence capabilities. Futuristic looking watches seem to ask for a green glow as in Concords C1 QuantumGravity Tourbillon

The Hublot La Clu De Temps shall be revealed next month.

Hublot Unveils Official FIFA World Cup 2010 Watch

The watch is a beauty isn't it and unveiled not a moment to soon. The Fifa World Cup Games in South Africa begin in just 18 days (I checked the official Hublot counter on FIFA.Com). First match is between South Africa and Mexico. Hublot is on hand as the Official Timekeeper.
The Official FIFA World Cup 2010 Watch is an exquisite combination of rose gold and rubber and alligator strap. The coveted World Cup Trophy is emblazoned at the 6 'o'clock position as well as the case back. The Classic Fusion Hublot Timepiece evokes a sense of elegant luxury and serious sports. This watch does well to honor the prestige of the FIFA World Cup and the importance of achieving the ultimate victory - winning the World Cup. Limited to 100 pieces.

Since the World Cup is just days away, I'd thought I'd post a music video entitled BAFANA BAFANA produced by famous South African Comedian Leon Schuster, to get you in the FIFA World Cup spirit. Trust me it does the job.

Hublot Official Timekeeper and Watchmaker for FIFA 2010

South Africa is a bustle of activity preparing for FIFA 2010, which begins in just 52 days. Soccer balls are literally everywhere; swaddling the Hillbrow Tower, flanking the airport walls and popping up on hundreds of billboards far above the noise of jack hammers and lawn mowers. Stadiums in iconic shapes loom under the bright yellow African sky such as Johannesburg's calabash (an African pot) shaped stadium and Cape Town's Green Point Stadium a stone's throw from Table Mountain. Soccer trinkets emblazoned with FIFA 2010's lovable mascot, "Zakumi"- a soccer ball toting leopard with bright green hair- herald the games approach. Bright yellow and green T shirts have become quite a fashion statements as entire families don their teams attire. South Africa counts their sleeps as watches and clocks tick the coming of the games; however, once the games begin Hublot will track the time. Hublot's name will be on all timekeeping devices and time displays; in addition, Hublot will release wristwatches for the occasion.

So grab your vuvuzela, paint your face and get ready for a GOOOAAAALLLL.

Jewelery Watch of the Year Hublot Black Cavier Bang Out of This World.

Hublot won the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve prize for jewelery watch of the year 2009, and I am not surprised. Limited to but one piece, the Black Cavier Bang is strictly black tie with a Solo T Tourbillon and Power reserve of 120 hours making this watch a power house. Hublot ,however, thinks it rather resembles caviar and has provided the watch with the title,"Black Cavier Bang."
At One million Dollars it does not matter what it is called, it matters what it costs.

The cost may have to do with shipping of the raw materials; specifically the Black Diamond. Hundreds of precision cut black diamonds totaling 34.5 total carats (322 on the case, 179 on the bezel, and 30 on the clasp), pave this watch and thus the surprising origins of the black diamond is quite pertinent.
What if I say, black diamonds have journeyed from outer space? No, this is not some cheap sci fi fictional notion that I have concocted. This is real.
According to geologists, black diamonds came to our earth from outer space. (Source: Astrophysical Journal Letters December 20, 2006) Otherwise known as carbonado diamonds, these diamonds contain trace elements of hydrogen which indicates an origin in a hydrogen-rich interstellar space. Infrared synchrotron radiation at Brookhaven National Laboratory was used to discover the diamonds' source.
In addition, black diamonds are found only in Brazil and the Central African Republic. In all the worlds mining fields whether it be South Africa, China, India; where 600 tons have been mined, not a single black diamond has been found. Another clue to the extraterrestrial nature of the black diamond is in its make up. The black diamonds Carbonado diamonds are typically pea sized or larger porous aggregates of many tiny black crystals.
Early data from scientists Jozsef Garai and Stephen Haggerty of Florida International University, as well as new research support the theory that showing that carbonado diamonds formed in stellar supernovae explosions.
Black diamonds were once the size of asteroids, a kilometer or more in diameter when they first landed on Earth.

No wonder the Hublot Black Caviar Bang is a world "first". Hublot says it is both a technological and artistic achievement. The setting is completely invisible and only the black and deep tones of rare black diamonds are visible.

Creating this exceptional watch demanded over 2,000 hours of meticulous work, from design to final adjustment. 544 VVS TW-IF quality baguette diamonds adorn the watch’s case, dial, crown and deployment clasp.

Now putting the black diamond in perspective, the One Million Dollar Price Tag doesn't seem that cosmic.

On the throne at BaselWorld 2009 Hublot Gold King Power

Hublot's latest innovation the Hublot Gold King Power. The watch is named after a new alloy ,"King Gold", developed especially for Hublot and used for the first time in the " Hublot King Gold" Collection. This gold alloy is redder and more resilient with a brilliant intensity. The Case is 48 mm in diameter and is crafted from the new alloy. The Bezel is a striking mix of "King Gold" and black rubber moulding accentuated with 6 black PVD coated titanium raised H shaped screws. The Bezel Lug and lateral inserts are comprised of black composite resin whereas the crown and push-pieces are crafted in "King Gold" and rubber inserts.
The dial is an intricate model of matt black and gold plated microblasted counters and flange; applique gold plated markers and black SuperLuminova transfers. The hour and minute hands are gold-plated. The split second hand is gold plated and black nickel with black SuperLuminova.
The automatic Hublot King Power HUB 4144 calibre is a split second foudroyante which is a chronograph that has a hand that makes one rotation every second, pausing four, five, even eight times to indicate quarters, fifths or eighths of a second. This exceptional movement was developed with La Joux-Perret.
Other features within the movement:
Bridges: Polished, satin-finish with chamfered edges
Screws: Black PVD
Oscillating weight: Tungsten carbide with dimpled surface coated with black PVD
Bottom plate: Sand-blasted; rhodium-plated
Barrel: With reinforced spring
Escapement: Glucydur balance spring
Power reserve: 42 hours

The strap is adjustable jointed black rubber with a "King Gold" and steel gold PVD deployment clasp.
The Hublot King Power is cutting edge and powerful limited to just 500 pieces numbered from 1/500 to 500/500.

Hublot Big Bang does Valentine in Pink!

Hublot BIG BANG "Saint Valentin"

At first glance this gorgeous burst of color will surely make your loved ones heart melt. The seductive pink is a treat to ones heart and mind. The Hublot Big Bang Ladies Chronograph harmoniously blends the perfect shades of pink, from the 48 pink sapphire baguettes nestled on the bezel to the rose gold case; from the gentlest of pink on the alligator band to the pink rubber inserts on the crown and push pieces.
The size of the 41mm case size is a fashion statement as the larger case sizes in ladies watches is the current trend. The scratch resistant Sapphire crystal is treated onto the interior with anti-reflection. This watch is perfect for a summery day at the pool as the watch has a water resistance of 100m. The white dial compliments the pink accents.
A Mechanical Chronograph Timepiece with an automatic winding and an exceptionally precise Hublot HUB41 Calibre movement. Although this watch looks like a piece of cake, or rather the icing, it is anything but. With 278 components, 37 rubies and 42 hours power reserve, this watch is a perfect example of precision and beauty.

This watch will add another color to the already very colorful Ladies Big Bang Collection of aquamarine, orange an purple.

Watches worth a Dream!

To dream about owning a luxury watch or clock is not a new concept,although the reasons behind the wanting may have changed. In ancient times, the dream was to have an instrument that would keep track of time. Once that was done, the dream was to have a dependable precise infallible timepiece that would track time under harsh conditions. When that was achieved the dream was to have a personal timepiece that would portray ones sense of self. We have come a long way and its our wanting and our drive to create more beautiful and better time pieces. Every day another watch company unveils a heart stopping timepiece each a complete whole, each unique and each the stuff dreams are made of. Here are a few timepieces that have carved a spot in my memory to be willed to the forefront of my mind at any desired moment.

Roger Dubuis King Square Ladies' Tourbillon eludes to ballgowns and beautiful women. This watch has been awarded the ladies watch of the year by Salon Internacional Alta Relojera in Mexico. Although it has a definite whimsical nature to it, its clear bold shapes gives the sense that this women will not swoon at the slightest sign of trouble. This watch is in line with the large amount of Ladies Tourbillon watches that have been introduced into the market. With 13 rubies and 482 diamonds, this watch is a picture perfection creation. This watch reminds me of the movie, "The Matrix," and "Star Trek" all at the same time. It seems to resemble a futuristic spacecraft. The Hub Solo T Tourbillon and the Power reserve dial add to the look. Hublot however thinks it rather resembles cavier and has provided the watch with the title,"Black Cavier Bang." For One million Dollars it does not matter what it is called, it matters what it costs. Why so pricey? Well lets see. a) The hundreds of precision cut black diamonds totaling 34.5 total carats (322 on the case, 179 on the bezel, and 30 on the clasp). Now this is where the dreaming begins, this watch is limited to one piece. One will own the watch and all of us, well we will have to dream about it.
Bell & Ross BR01 Tourbillon Phantom with carbon fiber main plates and gold tourbillon carriage is a watch that may creep up in nightmares. The blackness of it is a bit terrifying, but awfully striking. Limited to 40 edition, keep dreaming.

Dreams do come true, you know. They did for the gentleman (in that old newspaper article above) who passed away before April 26, 1878 and they will work for you.

Hublot Big Bang.

It was in 1980 when Hublot astounded the horological world by unveiling its first collection with a porthole design attached to an integrated rubber strap. Most luxury watch companies at that time were still solidly attached to gold, steel and leather straps. A rubber strap for luxury was practically unheard of, but hey it worked. The Watch was an instant success. In 2005 Hublot released its earth shattering Big Bang watch. The Big Bang launched Hublot into a new era of success. The rubber strap gives the illusion of going right through the case. Hublot creates watches in two impressive sizes, the 41mm and 44mm. The Hublot materials are quite unusual and similarly cutting edge. Materials such as tungsten, palladium, ceramic, rubber, carbon and titanium. The brand is under the highly competent direction of JeanCleadeBiver. Biver has four C rules which are the basis of his development strategy: Continuity. Concentration. Consistency. Coherence.

There are three up and coming amazing 38mm Hublot's Big Bang for women. Hublot fuses modern materials with ancient diamonds. Gorgeous. Big Bang 38 Gold is rose gold and uses six titanium H shape screws to attach the bezel. The titanium screws portray a suggestion of adventure juxtaposed by two rows of serene sparkling diamonds on the bezel. The Big Bang 38 Portocervo is crafted in rose gold and bears white brilliants on the case as well as the bezel. The strap is white rubber (no surprises there). The dial is white matte, white ceramic insets and rose gold numerals and hand.

The Big Bang St. Moritz is steel with two rows of diamonds on the bezel.

These ladies watches are quite unusual and outrageously beautiful. The fusing of old material with new innovations is part and parcel of Hublot tradition.

Just look at these three watches, aquamarine, orange an purple. The color fusion is unbelievable. I love watches. I know watches, but never before has a set of watches made my blood pump like these three do. The colors are so alive, pulsating with energy, electric. Hublot you are genius. Big bang Carat Collection. Words are just going to seem bla in comparison to the images. So just feast your eyes and let the watches spin you into a world of vivacious color.

Striving for the ultimate luxury watch material

Since the first watch was created, watch makers have been striving to better their timepieces in terms of accuracy, durability and aesthetics. Watch manufacturers are forging ahead inventing exciting new materials. Many of these material innovations are targeted to eliminate friction without the use of oils and thereby obtaining greater accuracy in mechanical movement and simultaneously increasing durability and decreasing weight. Up till now the oils and lubricants are critical for reducing the friction of wheels. These oils and lubricants deteriorate with time requiring ongoing watch maintenance. Is there a material that is so friction free within itself that no oils or lubricants are necessary to maintain the accuracy of the timepiece?


Patek Phillipe has gained great ground in the progress of inventing an oil free watch in experimenting with the potential application of silicium in watchmaking techniques. During the past six years Patek Phillipe Advanced Research Department developed Silinvar - a patented substance derived from oxidising the constituents of pure silicium in a vacuum. From this material , Silinvar, Patek Phillipe has presented an escape wheel, a hairspring and an escapement which requires absolutely no oiling as well as eliminating long term servicing concerns, resistance to corrosion and magnetism and in addition improves the performance of the mechanical movement. Patek Phillip has utilized Silinvar in its Patek Philippe Ref. 5450 Annual Calendar watch. This platinum timepiece, produced in a limited series of 300, features an escape wheel, hairspring, and pallet fork in Silinvar which boasts a density 1/3 that of steel components.

Richard Mille agenda in developing a new material was to create an ultra lightweight watch that is expectationally resistant. The success was in the RM 009 which has Alusic for the case- a super light hybrid material- aluminium AS7G, silicium and carbon used for the production of ultra-light satellites, and another aluminium-lithium alloy for the tourbillon skeleton movement. The RM 009 weighs just over one ounce and is the worlds lightest mechanical watch ever produced as well as being extremely resistant.






Audemar Piguet has adopted carbon for its Royal Oak Offshore Alinghi Line as Carbon is both lightweight and shock resistant.




Jaeger-LeCoultre presented a watch that required no lubrication - the ExtremeLab Tourbillon. Jaeger-LeCoultre tested the amazing properties of its watch to a whole slew of witnesses to provide evidence for its claim. The watch was first subjected to extreme temperatures from -40 degrees Celsius to + 60 degrees Celsius. A quartz watch and another regular mechanical watch was used as a control. When these watches were removed from the test baths only one was working - you guesses it - the ExtremeLab Tourbillon. The success is not as a result of a simple new material but a collage of 13 different materials such as carbon, titanium, ceramic, magnesium, polyurethane, carbonitride Easium, silicium carbonitride, black crystalline diamond, platinum-iridium and Ticalium. The end result is a new calibre, the 988C. Jaeger-LeCoultre is definitely ahead in the game for the development of ultimate watch - a watch where time does not symbolize the nearing of the end, but merely the passage of time.


Some Watch Manufacturers have developed there very own materials that actually bear there name: Zenithium - A Zenith innovation. Zenith has every right to name a material after its company. 7% of all Zenith turnover was poured into years of research and development. The end result is Zenithium which is three times stronger than steel. The material is comprised of titanium for resistance, nobium for memory of shapes, and aluminium for lightweight. Zenith is not the only company to name a material after its company:


Hublot has created Hublonium. Hublonium which combines magnesium and aluminium creating a timepiece that is lightweight and durable. Its Mag Bang timepiece is the first timepiece ever to have a movement and case made of the same material.


These materials are incredible in innovation and functionality, but don't kiss the good old elements goodbye ... not just yet.

Traditional materials such as brass (copper and zinc), steel (iron and carbon) and nickel silver (copper, nickel and zinc) are still favored in watch productions. Many modern companies have attacked the use of these materials as old-fashioned; however, steel pinions and brass wheels still provide the best friction coefficient and so these two alloys remain crucial in modern watch production. In addition, these materials are familiar to watchmakers and watch repairers throughout the world, and there workbenches are laden with tools, oils and lubricants designed to service these old time materials. If these new materials flood the market will the watch makers know how to repair these pieces or are these pieces going to be so durable that no repair is needed?
These pieces are still very costly as the price incorporates the years of research and development as well as the specialized craftsmanship and materials required to manufacture a watch of this calibre.

This blog is a Luxury Watch Treasure Trove.

In case you were confused by the word "Luxury" this watch will re clarify the concept. Chopard (Founded in 1860) sells a Super Ice Cube Luxury Watch. Retail $1,130,620. Take your Tourbillons - give me diamonds - lots and lots. 66.16 carats of diamonds including 1,897 brilliants, 288 trapeze-cuts, and a center case glimmering with 16 squares. The watch is subtly pretentious and overtly glamorous. Chopard offers over fifty variations on the "Ice Cube" from black diamonds to pastel sapphires to rubies. Chopard is renowned for its incredible "gem sense" in that every hand picked gem is placed on the watch in perfect harmony and balance.
This next watch is a Blancpain 1735 - Blancpain was founded in 1735 and this watch was named for the year. At first glance this Luxury Watch worth about One Million Dollars seems quite humble; however this watch has 6 individual complications. Two more than necessary to qualify as a "Grand Complication". The 6 Complications are compacted in an ultra slim 42 mm case which in itself can almost be deemed a complication. The Blancpain 1735 is equipped with:
a) A Perpetual Calander making allowances for different lengths of month as well as leap years till the year 2100.
b) Split-second chronograph or "rattrapante" which has two second hands, one of which can be blocked with a special dial train lever to indicate an intermediate time while the other continues to run. When released, the split-seconds hand jumps ahead to the position of the other second hand.
c)Minute repeater which has a striking mechanism with hammers and gongs for sounding the hours or quarter hours at the will of the wearer. The wearer pushes a slide which winds the spring. Most Repeaters use two different gongs to signal hours (low tone), quarters hours (high and low tones in succession), and minutes (high tone).
d) Tourbillon - said to compensate for the interference of gravity on the watch thus improving the watches accuracy, From the French word "whirlwind", in the Tourbillon the entire escapement escapement is mounted on a epicyclic train in a cage and rotated completely on its axis over a regular period of time, usually once a minute. A tourbillon is valued more for its superb horological craftsmanship than its actual functional abilities.
e) Moon-phase minder which displays the phases of the moon.

The streamlined case encapsulates 740 components that takes eight to ten months to build. This timepiece collection is limited to 30 watches. Crocodile Strap and 80 hour power reserve, what more could you ask for.
Hublot does everything big. The materials under the diamonds are invisible giving a perfect shimmer to the watch. The "Big Bang Chronograph" with a heart throbbing tourbillon is worth One Million Dollars.

The following three watches have yet to be priced, but my guess is it is going to be quite high and they add quite nicely to my treasure trove of watches blog.

This sleek bracelet is more bracelet than watch but since it is a Jaeger-LeCoultre creation the tiny watch nestled between the gleaming squares is a mechanical masterpiece of fine watch craftmanship. No price quoted as of yet for this Joaillerie 101 Manchette stunning timepiece.
This watch is the Tag Heuer Fantasy where for the first time the diamonds tell the time. There is no one other than Tag Heuer themselves to explain how this marvelous space age watch operates:

This luxury watch set with 879 Top Wesselton (5.8 carats) VS/SI (1.1 mm), full-cut, diamonds hides a surprising innovation: the digital display through the diamonds. 54 of the 879 diamonds have been cut in a revolutionary way to provide a very high-definition concentration of the light emitted by 54 LEDs (light emitting diodes) that display the time in glowing red. The red is echoed in the satin strap that gives a warm and silky look contrasting with the brilliance of the multiple diamonds.

There you have it and the price is inestimable as only three of these watches have been crafted. Quite mind-boggling that a creation like this has been limited to but three.
Diamond Rotolog Watch. Crafted by Watch Manufacturer Nixon. Interesting no doubt. I kind of cannot wrap my mind around it. This watch is studded with 1,851 diamonds - 764 full cut white diamonds while the remaining ones are full cut black diamonds, bringing the total number of carats to 9.25 carats.By this time I expect you to be salivating at the sight of all these luxurious items. I was going to sign off but Corum's Classical Billionaire Tourbillon kept on surfacing above my subconscious. Retailing at around a Million Dollars - Okay $998,000. A spectacular time-piece with a white gold case set with baguette diamond bezel, transparent dial and a stunningly blue alligator strap. The watch is a manual winding tourbillon with sapphire bridges. A 90 day power reserve with a 2007 limited production of 10 pieces.

A watch like this comes up for sale only once in a lifetime like a fleeting comet. The Girard-Perregaux Opera One. This luxury timepiece has no dial hiding the craftsmanship. The watch has three bridges, a tourbillon and a minute repeater sounding a Westminster Chime.

Imagine wearing one of these beauties on your wrist.