On 12 August, the greatest sprinter of all time hung up his running shoes after taking part in the World Athletics Championships in London for the last time. He began his career in his native Jamaica when he was twelve and chose athletics over cricket, which he had played until then. During his career, he has become a legend: 11 World Championship titles and 8 Olympic medals, not to mention world records for the 100 metres, 200 metres and 4 x 100 metres! Usain Bolt has definitively earned his place in the pantheon of athletics.
The destinies of the watchmaker Hublot and Usain Bolt have been intertwined for seven years now. It is the most logical of partnerships, since Lightning Bolt and Hublot are driven by the same force: fighting against time, competing with yourself, and the fervent desire to improve yourself and to always go a step further. It was only natural that Hublot should pay tribute to Usain Bolt as he retires from competition. And it has done so with style: the manufacture presented its two exclusive tribute models at SIAR, Mexico’s trade fair for fine watchmaking, in the presence of Usain Bolt himself who came in Mexico City with his gold medals to meet with journalists and answer their questions. After having given his all on the track, Lightning Bolt intends to continue to demonstrate his generosity!
Only eight of the first of these models, named the “Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Chronograph Unico Limited Edition Usain Bolt Victory Set” will be produced. Eight has been chosen as it represents the number of Olympic medals won by Lightning Bolt. Its 45-mm diameter case is made from polished transparent sapphire, which allows you to appreciate the complexity of its construction. It opens on Hublot’s Unico calibre HUB1242 movement, an automatic chronograph with a power reserve of 72 hours. The number of the limited edition is engraved on the sapphire glass back using a highly delicate procedure. The seconds hand on the black dial with golden markings is shaped like lightning, in reference to Usain Bolt’s nickname.
The crown and push buttons are in 18 carat gold—the colour of victory. The same hue is carried over to the calf leather strap embossed in homage to the Jamaican flag. The inside of the strap is made from rubber for the wearer’s comfort. It is held by a titanium and yellow gold clasp. Each of these eight watches shall be delivered in a box including a pair of Puma Gold sprinting spikes, the same shoes worn by Usain Bolt during his final Olympic Games in 2016, and personally signed by the great champion.
The very exclusive second model will only be made in one edition. Its sapphire case is covered with gold plate, a great first! Etched with “Unique Piece” (Single Edition) on its back. It also holds a Unico manufacture movement. The sapphire glass makes it possible to see the mark “USB17” that has been created especially for the occasion. The sale of this watch shall give rise to a donation to the Usain Bolt Foundation, a charity launched by the champion to raise funds for schooling and cultural education for disadvantaged children. This “Single Edition” shall be presented to its happy purchaser with an identical kit to that which was worn by Usain Bolt during the Rio Olympics: the famous Puma Gold spikes and his running shirt, both with his autograph.
“Huge thanks to Hublot, I am deeply touched by the tribute paid by these two wonderful models of watches, especially as this project will also support my foundation. This is a cause that I hold dearly and that now goes beyond my career. I am also thrilled to be able to go and meet my fans in person in Mexico”, said Usain Bolt, Hublot Ambassador, 8 times Olympic medallist and 11 times World Champion.
