Horological artistry from Hublot Big Bang
Hublot has constantly breathed new life into fine watchmaking with its peerless technological dimension, fusing new materials (sapphire, brightly coloured ceramic), precious stones and ultra-technological mechanisms. This year, Hublot pays tribute to the worlds of art and culture, and to the women of the 21st century who play a multiplicity of roles
Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu II
More ambitious than the Big Bang Sang Bleu launched in 2016, the new Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu II passionately channels the design skills of world-famous tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Buchi, in a case with more finely chiselled lines, conveyed in three dimensions. An expression of the passage of time, the hands – two elongated diamonds and an arrow – are stylised fragments of tattoos, set above a hypnotic chronographic movement.
Even more disruptive, the Big Bang Sang Bleu II channels the creative inspiration of Maxime Plescia-Buchi into its three-dimensional angles and edges. The motif spans the case, cutting into its hexagonal bezel, and carving into the sapphire crystal, juxtaposed against the hands with their geometric lines, and moulded onto the interchangeable bracelet. The dial plays with transparency, allowing glimpses of the Unico movement, which is a feat of construction, almost architectural in scope, in a 45-mm case.
Within the meticulously interlaced geometric lines of this new case lies the HUB1240 Unico manufacture self-winding chronograph movement: the chronograph seconds are tracked along a straight hand, while the chronograph minutes complete their laps on one of the two discs on the dial. It oscillates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, for a period of 72 hours. Two hundred titanium and one hundred King Gold pieces will be released.
A key component of contemporary Pop Culture, tattooing is no longer the sole preserve of a largely masculine underground scene. From a primitive practice to a celebrated field of art, and cultural phenomenon, its growing creative influence shows tattooing is not merely a trend but a cultural shift that will last and influence all generations to come. The new Big Bang Sang Bleu II is the horological expression of a tattoo, set in motion with timeless precision, unifying materials and crafts through geometry.
Classic Fusion Orlinski
Playing with light and shade, the latest Classic Fusion Orlinski series – including its faceted dial – is sculpted in the aesthetic signature of artist Richard Orlinski. Designed for those who prefer the very finest watches, the 40mm case is available in titanium or King Gold, transforming the piece into a jeweller’s objet d’art set with brilliant-cut diamonds.
No fewer than six Classic Fusion Orlinski watches have been created as a continuation of the artistic and technological alliance between Richard Orlinski and Hublot, following on from the Aerofusion Chronograph and Tourbillon. At the sculptor’s behest, this series has been designed and developed on a smaller scale to satisfy a new clientele. Symbolising the characteristic folds in his often-monumental works, edges, bevels and facets have been miniaturised with horological precision to create mirror effects on the dial. The understated strap in matt black rubber creates an arresting contrast, all the more pronounced on four of the six models whose diamond-set cases create a jewellery effect.
On four of the timepieces, the bezel – a dodecagon – is set with 54 diamonds and sits on a case that is either fully set with 210 diamonds or partially set with 112 diamonds. Free from precious stones, the other two watches exude a more subtle light, with the accent on the pure lines, the graduated light and shade of the materials, and the sharp-angled forms characteristic of Richard Orlinski’s sculptures.
A lover of all kinds of art and a vocal advocate of its accessibility to all, Richard Orlinski creates intelligible works and installs them in open-sky settings (Courchevel, Deauville, etc.). As the creative force behind these six Classic Fusion Orlinski watches, here he addresses new audiences, women and lovers of timeless stones or sculpture.
Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero
Hublot and Marc Ferrero, the artist behind Storytelling Art, unveil the Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero. 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.
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. Forty-two fine stones – spinels for the red version and topazes for the turquoise one – 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.
