HUbLOT

THE gold rusH and a dEsirE To dazzlE

Dan Diaconu

“A man must be very inert to have no character at all”. This thought from La Bruyère (1645-1696), who excelled in his portrayal of the human being, is also rather appropriate for the personalities of watches. Time and contemporary luxury call for nonconformity. Fortunately, at Hublot, insipidness is unbecoming. Every creation strives to enliven the wrist. And, to do so, from the word ‘go’, the brand would shake up traditional stylistic watchmaking codes. In 1980, and for the first time ever, its Classic Original would combine a yellow gold case with a rubber strap. Since then, the firm’s mastery of precious and high-tech materials and its ability to conquer colours constantly push back the limits of what’s possible. To celebrate this faculty to espouse the improbable, the LVMH Watch Week 2022 is, without a doubt, the place-to-be for unveiling the star pieces of this new year. The spotlights all turn to centre stage the Yellow Gold collection. This collection, comprising outstanding models, conjuring up the signature of the Nyon

watchmaker, showcases timepieces created around a 42 mm-diameter 18-carat yellow gold case. The Classic Fusion Chronograph reiterates the finery of the model that helped spark the sporty-chic spirit. The Big Bang Unico references harmonize elegance and ForTunaTEly, aT HubloT, insipidnEss is unbEcoming. precision, just like the sculptural, high-performing Spirit of Big Bang. A trio of Big Bang Integral watches EvEry crEaTion sTrivEs places the accent on ultimate grace. To EnlivEn THE wrisT. In addition to a piece crafted entirely in the noble metal, two other versions adorn precious gems. These pieces, revealed back in 2020 in 42 mm, become slimmer with their Time Only upgrades. Hublot proposes an unprecedented size

and brilliantly reinterprets the traditional three-hands with date yet ensures its DNA reigns. A 40 mm-diameter case, waterproof to depths of 100 m, embraces a smaller-scaled automatic calibre that powers the essential time data. Three versions are available. A 250-piece All Black limited edition that takes on a total black ceramic look. Complemented by yellow gold and titanium variations, new to the catalogue. Aspiring musthaves, for sure! Highly-demanding wrists questing sophistication haven’t been left aside. The diamond-set or paved Big Bang One Click 33, 39 and 42 mm stand out with their springtime shades through a wide choice of brightly-coloured rubber straps.

Hublot continues to wow with its limited editions. Its 2022 vintage of its architectural Big Bang Sang Bleu II goes for scratchproof materials with 18K Magic Gold and black or green ceramic. This option exhibits the threedimensional geometric scenography. And, the only watch capable of memorizing the number of shots on an 18-hole golf course rolls out a vitaminboosted cocktail of just 98 grams to stroll along the greens in its Big Bang Unico Golf Orange Carbon version. As for the Spirit of Big Bang Carbon Gold Tiger, its case dazzles with speckles through the use of carbon fibre integrating a frosted effect and gold inclusions. Hublot celebrates the Lunar New Year subtly and majestically. The motto of the Year of the Tiger, disguise yourself to better stand out?

nEw sizE, prEcious and HigH-TEcH maTErials, a widE array oF colours: HubloT sETs THE TrEnd.