Spotlight: golden years
Hublot and Ferrari’s collaboration over the past years has yielded magnificent timepieces, each more exquisite than the last. In 2018, the two brands show no sign of slowing down
Hublot and Ferrari’s successful collaboration zips ahead with more stunning work
The collaboration between Hublot and Ferrari has produced brilliant timepieces over the past years. This year is going to be even more extraordinary as Hublot incorporates its revolutionary material into the new aesthetic of the Big Bang Unico. Restyled as per Ferrari’s design language, the result is a watch that delivers both form and function: the Big Bang Unico Ferrari Magic Gold.
Magic Gold was the groundbreaking patented alloy that first put together the two titans of industry. Seven years after its creation, Magic Gold remains the only scratch-resistant 18ct gold. It is recognised as the hardest gold in the world.
In 2011, Hublot became the exclusive watchmaking partner of Ferrari. Both brands knew from the very beginning that this was going to be a collaboration for the ages. Nearly a decade on, the bond looks stronger than ever. Exclusivity, technology, passion, and style remain at the heart of the partnership. A pooling of resources and information resulted in the first-ever Big Bang Ferrari watch.
Hublot unveiled the Big Bang Ferrari at Baselworld 2012. Combining unique notes that address the respective DNA of both brands, the Big Bang Ferrari also marked the very first redesign of the Hublot Big Bang since its release in 2005.
Last year was yet another momentous one as Ferrari celebrated its 70th anniversary. It comes as no surprise that Hublot came out with an exceptional timepiece. Conceived with the same approach as designing a car at the Ferrari Design Centre and integrating Hublot’s watchmaking expertise, the Techframe Ferrari 70 years Tourbillon Chronograph is an absolute wonder to behold. While it seemed like an impossible task to upstage such a timepiece, it seems like the two teams have once again broken barriers in design and function.
This year, the Big Bang Unico Ferrari Magic Gold has a 45mm case with a bezel cut out entirely of Magic Gold. The new contours of the Big Bang Unico model superbly frame the various complications on the dial. A tachymeter-style minute counter, a date aperture in gear selector mode, and a second counter designed like an air extractor truly showcase the design elements inspired by Ferrari. Black alcantara sewn onto black rubber with red topstitching of the Ferrari upholstery make up the straps. The HUB1241 movement—below the dial just past the golden prancing horse—guarantees a power reserve of 72 hours.
Each year the horology world waits with anticipation for Hublot and Ferrari to break barriers of innovation and design. With the Big Bang Unico Ferrari Magic Gold, it is clear to see that they have done it yet again.