The First Ever Watch Week Organized By LVMH Watches & Jewelry Division Debuted In Dubai
Held at the Bvlgari Resort Dubai from 13th to 15th of January, the LVMH Watch Week Dubai 2020 was created to showcase the exceptional strength, creativity and innovation of the Group’s watchmaking brands: Bvlgari, Hublot, TAG Heuer and Zenith. Together for three days, these four Maisons will deliver a unique brand experience in a new format — one that is testament to the unparalleled sense of expertise and savoir faire of the LVMH Manufactures.
The event kicked off with a welcome press conference held in the garden of the Bvlgari Hotel Yacht Club. In attendance were Stéphane Bianchi, CEO of the LVMH Watchmaking Division and CEO of TAG Heuer, Jean-Christophe Babin, Bulgari CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO, and Julien Tornare, Zenith CEO.
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Big Bang Integral
New product alert: the first Big Bang with an integrated bracelet! 15 years after its creation, the Big Bang features its FIRST integrated metal bracelet, with the first link fused with the case. An integrated bracelet means a restyled case, with Hublot's signature codes: UNIQUE & DIFFERENT. A single, unique piece featuring integrated architecture; a fusion of technology and style for the wrist. A watch that embodies the spirit of Hublot, with its iconic use of black ceramic, King Gold or titanium. The new launch consists of three models, including a 500-piece limited edition All Black version dedicated to the "invisible visibility" concept introduced in 2006.
"15 years of the Big Bang and a new first. A unique, fully integrated bracelet and a redesigned case for a different clientèle. The Big Bang Integral and its integrated architecture have propelled this model into a whole new universe." -Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO Hublot
2005-2020 – 15 years of the Big Bang
Launched at Baselworld in 2005, the Big Bang, a fusion of steel, ceramic and rubber, introduced the Art of Fusion and its iconic design – a huge success for Hublot.
2020 – The year of the integrated bracelet
In 2020, to mark its 15th anniversary, the Big Bang is available for the first time in its history with a tailored integrated bracelet which sits perfectly against the skin. So perfectly, in fact, that to look at the Big Bang Integral – with a visual harmony resulting from absolute proportions – you would think that it had always existed.
A UNIQUE bracelet unlike any other. Its aesthetic signature is powerful enough for it to be instantly associated with that of the Big Bang. Three links: one central and two lateral; in that respect, at least, a standard bracelet. But then its sharp style adopts the codes of the case, with edges that not only echo the aesthetic of the pushers but also the architecture of the middle with is cutouts. The polished and satin-finished surfaces, and the bevelling and chamfering of the links, create the same effect of depth and contrast as between the case and the bezel lug.
Of course, an integrated bracelet means a redesigned case. While its dial and bezel are identical to the existing Big Bang 42 mm model – with the exception of the indices which replace the Arabic numerals – its pushers return to the codes of the original model from 2005. It is these pushers which inspired the style of the bracelet, with their interplay of angles and chamfers and alternating polished and satin finishes punctuating the watch, from the middle to the bracelet.
The Big Bang Integral retains its iconic "sandwich" construction, this time without the composite resin insert, with the watch crafted entirely from one material – Titanium, King Gold, or Ceramic. The only exceptions are the black composite resin lugs on its bezel and the crown overmoulded with rubber.
It is released in three materials inextricably linked to the history of Hublot: lightweight titanium, hard-wearing, scratch-proof ceramic (500 pieces) and King Gold, a unique alloy of gold, copper and platinum which results in an intensely red 18-carat gold and is exclusive to Hublot.
Spirit of Big Bang MECA-10
Hublot has reworked its famous Meca-10 factory calibre with a 10-day power reserve to combine it with the “barrel” design of its emblematic Spirit of Big Bang 45 mm collection. This cutting-edge encounter has given rise to the Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10, which is available in three versions – titanium, black ceramic and the exclusive King Gold alloy – with the famous rubber strap that Hublot was the first brand to combine with the gleam of gold.
"As the first fusion between our popular Meca-10 calibre manufacture and the iconic Spirit of Big Bang design, this new watch—with an extraordinary power reserve of 10 days that is displayed in an innovative way—completes a collection that is gaining importance at Hublot." -Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot
Hublot stands out not only through its “Art of Fusion”, combining innovative materials or melding the traditional with the avant-garde, but also through its quest for the perfect harmony between cases and movements—a requirement that is enhanced by the fact that its mechanical movements are almost always visible through transparent dials. By seeking to marry the round factory HUB1201 Meca-10 calibre (a movement that has already had a great success in many Big Bang models) with the “barrel” design of the Spirit of Big Bang (a line from the brand’s collection that is really taking off), Hublot was not about to settle for making just a few minor adjustments. In the spirit of the great art of watchmaking, where a “barrel” frame must hold a calibre with the same shape, the engineers were tasked with revising the whole construction of the movement so that it would fit in the new space available as efficiently as possible from a technical aspect—and as harmoniously as possible on an aesthetic level.
The magic of a construction set
The new HUB1233 calibre retains the basic principles of the manual-winding skeleton Meca-10 factory movement, with its parallel twin barrel and exceptional 10-day power reserve displayed in an unusual way. At 12 o’clock, there are two racks sliding on a line between 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock with an innovative new rack and pinion, whilst the opening at 3 o’clock shows the number of days left on the power reserve. It is an entertaining and high-performance display. Another technical and aesthetic feature is also reflected in the round movement: the usual plate is replaced by bridges with a fixed length on either side of a ring that serves as a base for the movement—a highly original architecture that brings to mind the perforated “joists” of a construction set. Clever skeletonising of the components draws the eye to the heart of the mechanism, with a fascinating effect of depth, whether you look from the side of the dial or through the transparent back cover. The technical appearance of the whole is lifted by the contrast between parts made from crude steel with satin or polished finishes and parts with blackened finishes. The central display of the hours and minutes is completed by a small second hand at 9 o’clock, next to the balance and the hairspring that keeps time with total precision. Thanks to the 10-day power reserve, Hublot was able to design the mechanism in manual mode—delighting everyone who likes to feel at one with their watch by giving it a regular boost of power.
Three variations with the same DNA
With its six H-screws crossing through the bezel, the lugs on either side of the dial, its highly-readable hands that are enhanced with a luminous coating, its imposing crown that facilitates winding and its bezel strap attachments, the Spirit of Big Bang Meca-10 has all the features of the original famous Big Bang, Hublot’s flagship model, in a “barrel” shape. The construction of the case also declares its identity loud and proud, with an innovative “sandwich” principle that makes it possible to vary and blend an infinite number of materials. This new watch from the manufacturer’s workshops is available in three versions, each with their own personality. The first is in 18-carat King Gold, an exclusive alloy of gold and platinum that offers a new red-gold colour; the power of its design is further enhanced by the alternation of the cavities across its dial and beaded, satin and polished finishes. The second version pays tribute to high-tech black ceramic, a material of the future that is mastered only by Hublot, whilst the third is dressed in ultra-robust and ultra-light grade 5 titanium. The rubber strap with a lined texture, with a deployment clasp, offers optimal durability and an excellent level of comfort on your wrist.
Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic
Drawing the gaze with its striking bright red case in high-tech ceramic, entirely developed and produced by Hublot… This model reinvents horological performance, with a manufacture movement offering an unparalleled power reserve of 14 days via seven barrels which are visible from the dial side. Available in a limited edition of 100 pieces, the new Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic embodies the full splendour of Hublot's Art of Fusion.
In 2018, Hublot revolutionised the world of watch design and technology with the creation of a brand new material: the first ever brightly coloured high-tech ceramic. This world exclusive, entirely developed and produced in-house at the manufacture's R&D department and its Metallurgy and Materials laboratory, was protected by three patents covering both the material itself and its machining processes for case components. The secret was finding the right balance between temperature and pressure so as to keep the red pigments intact. Up to this point, only black and white ceramics had been used in watchmaking. The manufacture gained a significant lead in materials research, opening up new avenues in terms of both aesthetics and performance.
Hublot is adorning the Big Bang MP-11 with its exclusive red ceramic symbolising passion, power, endeavour and glory. Fully polished, this original case and bezel material offers a distinctive contrast with the iconic H-shaped screws of the Big Bang in black titanium, and with the crown and the strap in black rubber – another of the manufacture's signatures. The result: a bold, striking and innovative design in the true spirit of Hublot.
A unique movement
Effortlessly embodying the Art of Fusion, this state-of-the-art red ceramic is paired with a Hublot manufacture movement offering unrivalled performance and design. Featuring an innovative and spectacular construction which can be admired through the transparent dial, the Hublot calibre HUB9011 manual-winding skeletonised movement offers an exceptional power reserve of two weeks via seven series-coupled barrels. To enable energy to be transmitted between the horizontal barrel arbor and the vertical gears controlling the hour and minute display, the designers made use of a system rarely employed in watchmaking: a 90-degree helical worm gear. To create an aesthetic balance with this helical gear, which is visible at 10 o'clock, the balance, made from anthracite ruthenium, was moved to the dial side in a symmetrical position at 2 o'clock.
This movement, comprising 270 components, is also notable for its patented index-assembly system, its silicon escapement and its black platinum bridges. The Big Bang MP-11 Red Magic is wound manually using the large fluted crown with worm screw type relief that echoes the helical gear, or an electric Torx stylus inspired by the world of motor racing.
Spirit of Big Bang Rainbow
A celestial or divine manifestation that called for reverence or hope depending on the civilisation, this bridge between the earth and the sky was deconstructed by Isaac Newton in his theory on light and colours. These days, however, the rainbow remains a symbol of peace, joy and optimism. Like a modern alchemist, the master of the Art of Fusion, Hublot has rendered this fleeting optical phenomenon immutable by designing the Spirit of Big Bang Rainbow, two 39-mm and 42-mm timepieces, thus enshrouding the beginning of 2020 with good omens. Like a rainbow of gemstones, they make this colour spectrum sparkle, prolonging its hitherto ephemeral appearance.
After the Big Bang, it’s now the Spirit of Big Bang’s turn to take on the colours of the Rainbow! The soft shade of the cases in King Gold takes on the colours of the rainbow with a shimmering paving of round and baguette-cut gemstones. On the 42-mm Spirit of Big Bang Rainbow, the hour hand clasps the chronograph skeleton movement like the claws of a precious setting, while sapphires, rubies, topazes, tsavorites and amethysts entirely cover the dial of the 39-mm model with sparkling reflections.
The seven famous colours indefinitely extend their power by also covering the alligator straps. These two newcomers reignite the success of the Spirit of Big Bang collection whose design is directly inspired by the Big Bang with a barrel shape. This is a unique case construction that enables an infinite number of combinations of materials and colours and encloses the Hublot HUB4700 movement, considered by connoisseurs as one of the best Swiss chronographs ever made.
Classic Fusion Gold Crystal
Hublot proudly presents the Classic Fusion Gold Crystal. A watch whose dial boasts the rarest form of gold on Earth: gold crystal.
"Every one of our Classic Fusion Gold Crystal watches is unique, truly one of a kind. A fusion of matter and design that is made possible through our mastery of the complex production process. We have been able to reproduce gold in its rarest form on earth: gold crystal. From the dawn of time to the dial of our watches, thanks to our wonderful Swiss environment, gold will always fascinate us. Here we can see it in its most beautiful and magical expression." -Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot
Unique, delicate and flamboyant, the dial of the Classic Fusion Gold Crystal is decorated with gold crystal made from flakes of gold. Like a precious work of art, which needs to be framed, the dial is fitted into the black ceramic case of a Classic Fusion Gold Crystal watch, available in 38 mm or 45 mm diameters. It houses the HUB1112 calibre, a mechanical movement with automatic winding and a 42-hour power reserve. A black alligator strap stitched onto rubber allows you to wear this rare object on your wrist.
Gold crystal, the rarest form of gold on Earth
Gold has always intrigued mankind. To understand this love of the yellow metal, you need to dig deep, deep in the history of time and our planet. Gold has been part of the Universe since shortly after its birth with the Big Bang. This means that all of the atoms on the Earth have been here since it was formed, some 4.6 billion years ago. A long time after, nearly 50 million years ago, auriferous veins appeared following the formation of mountain chains. Under the surface of the Earth, water wended its way, carrying with it mineral salts and metals that were deposited in conducive spots. These metals included gold. Hundreds of thousands of years ago, glaciers eroded the igneous rock that held these gold-bearing veins. Carried away by the water in rivers, the gold was then deposited on river-beds.
When it is collected, the gold is in the form of flakes. The conditions required to form a crystal are very rare, and gold crystals scarcely occur in nature. This is where Hublot’s engineers come into play by giving gold its most exclusive form: gold crystal.
The Research and Development Department at the Hublot manufacture heats gold in the purest form possible—24 carats—to melting point, which creates emanations of gold that we could compare to steam carrying atoms of gold. These particles rise through this emanation, then set in a crystalline form when they reach the cold surface. They agglomerate there as crystals with completely random shapes that are never the same twice.
The master dial maker then delicately picks up the crystals to lay them on the dial, cluster by cluster. Only 20% of these crystals are kept. Once they have been sorted, they are very delicately placed by hand on a black dial then imprisoned in a fine transparent lacquer that took years to develop. This is a complex operation as it must be carried out in a vacuum to avoid any air bubbles appearing. The process is repeated again and again as twenty different layers of lacquer must be applied to completely hold the crystals. Then this plate just needs to be polished to make the lacquer invisible and give a perfectly flat surface.
Big Bang Sang Blue II Limited Edition
Blue is the new black! A true piece of sculpture for the wrist, the Big Bang Sang Bleu II is available in new limited editions. Evolving from ancestral practice to worldwide cultural phenomenon, tattooing is now an art form in its own right, thanks in large part to the work of visionary artists such as Maxime Plescia-Büchi, the founder of Sang Bleu. The Big Bang Sang Bleu II is a horological expression of his perfect mastery of geometry and volume. A timepiece crafted as a sculpture or a work of art to tell the time… these concepts overlap to create a unique, timeless watch brought to life by Hublot's expertise in materials.
"The work of Maxime Plescia-Büchi assumes its full symbolic significance in this piece with the new editions bearing the colours of Sang Bleu. This transposition of his geometric art, almost architectural in its structure, onto a watch illustrates the very best of the Art of Fusion." -Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot
These new versions are blue, just like the ink used by the tattoo studio, Sang Bleu. The colour appears on the dials and straps, embellishing the web of geometric lines that criss-cross the hands, bezel and case. Available in titanium or King Gold, with or without stone setting, and boasting a generous diameter of 45 mm, the case houses a Unico manufacture movement, the HUB1240 automatic chronograph, which offers a 72-hour power reserve.
Click Here To View Hublot's Collection on Westime | Click Here To See It In Person