For all of us in the watch world, the beginning of the year is a moment of excitement as the brands start to present their new releases for the year ahead. This week is LVMH Watch Week, the first big event on the horological calendar, with Bulgari, TAG Heuer, Zenith, and Hublot presenting their latest creations. WorldTempus was invited to Hublot’s headquarters in Nyon just before the holidays to get a sneak peek of what is to come. Here is a selection of what caught our eye.
Hublot Classic Fusion Original
The famous 1980 Hublot Classic Fusion makes its return this year in a new collection that takes all the design codes of the original and refines them into a timepiece that is as appealing today as it was back in the ‘80s. The design of this wristwatch was ground-breaking at the time of its release as it combined precious materials with a black rubber strap, which was unheard of at the time.
This new version comes in a choice of yellow gold, titanium, or black ceramic and is available in three different case sizes: 42mm, 38mm, or 33mm. Combining a black lacquered dial, faceted hands, and six iconic screws on the bezel, the purity of the design stays true to the original. It is just the logo that has evolved over the years to become more contemporary. This new timeless classic comes in a limited edition of 500 pieces per model and provides the perfect choice for watch lovers looking for a refined and sporty timepiece that will never go out of style.
Hublot Big Bang Unico Sorai
Hublot has been supporting the conservation of rhinos through the organization Sorai since 2019. With only 27,000 rhinos left in the world, their existence is critically endangered. Sorai – which stands for Save Our Rhino Africa India – was founded by Hublot ambassador and former international cricket star, Kevin Pietersen, who made the connection between the watch brand and this important cause.
This year marks the third limited edition timepiece created for the charity, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the 100 pieces going to the organization to help its work, which includes setting up thermal imaging cameras, fitting GPS trackers, supporting rhino orphanages and sanctuaries, and supporting the rangers who keep the rhinos safe from poachers.
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sorai is housed in a 44 mm rhino-grey ceramic case with an open-worked dial that is adorned with the colours of the sunset over the African and Indian plains. The significance of these sunset colours is a reminder that this is the most dangerous time for the rhinos as poachers hunt them for their horns (a rhino horn exceeds the price of gold per kg) at this time of day. The timepiece comes with Hublot’s One-Click interchangeable strap system and a choice of a grey fabric strap with Velcro fastening, or a black, purple, and orange camouflage-style rubber strap.
Hublot Big Bang Rainbow Editions
Hublot’s love for rainbows continues to catch the eye in 2023 with these two new, non-identical, Big Bang Rainbow editions. Adorned with a river of coloured gemstones in a perfect gradation of colours, they are paved from the case to the bezel, and over the entire bracelet. The stones include rubies, amethysts, topazes, and tsavorites, as well as pink, orange, blue, and yellow sapphires, creating the whole spectrum of rainbow colours.
The first model comes in a 42 mm King gold case and is powered by Hublot’s Unico Manufacture self-winding flyback chronograph movement with column wheel, while the second version is a “Time-Only” version with three hands and a date. Both come with a black open-worked dial to allow all the colours of the rainbow to shine.
