For the 2018 edition of the Big Bang Zermatt which pays tribute to the most famous Swiss mountain, the Matterhorn, Hublot has created a bezel based on 100% natural slate, a material not seen before in watchmaking. Merged with carbon, the slate exerts its great strength with reinforced resistance.
Deep in the ground lies a unique matter, slate, a metamorphic rock formed under high pressure, high temperature conditions and a powerful symbol of Switzerland, the Valais and its mountains. Although slate is derived from clay, Hublot has elevated it into an ultraresistant material under the effect of carbon. Once again, the innovation of the Watchmaking Manufacture has expressed itself.
Two models sport the bezel in carbon and slate composite. The Big Bang 44 mm in stainless steel (limited to 100 pieces) or 5N gold (limited to 50 pieces) which also contain the HUB4100 chronograph movement, visible beneath a sapphire back. For women, the steel bezel of the 41 mm stainless steel case is set with a carat of diamonds and, beneath the engraving of the Matterhorn, its microblasted steel and sapphire back houses the HUB 4300 self-winding movement, with its 42-hour power reserve. This watch is limited to 100 pieces. The three models have a blue slate dial to perfect their Alpine look.
The Matterhorn is engraved at 9 o’clock on the small seconds counter for the 44 mm models and at 3 o’clock for the set version. Standing 4,478 m tall, it peacefully watches over all the slate roofs of the village of Zermatt, including that of the Hublot Chalet-Boutique. Inaugurated in 2016, this boutique embodies all the principles of ‘Swissitude’ held dear by Hublot. Located at Bahnhofstrasse 27, it is reminiscent of the traditional barns of the old village of Zermatt, whose stone and timber represent its original architecture.
