A LONG-STANDING PARTNERSHIP
Hublot keeps up a long and proud collaboration with Ferrari by introducing two new models at this year’s Baselworld
SWISS LUXURY WATCHMAKER Hublot and Italian luxury sports car manufacturer Ferrari have been fusing the very best of watchmaking and automotive by introducing uniquely-designed watches characterized by innovation, excellence and performance. From the very first watch that born out of this partnership in 2012—the Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold—until now, Hublot and Ferrari have introduced 50 collaborative pieces. At this year’s Baselworld fair, Hublot extends this collaboration with a contemporary piece that draws inspiration from the “Gran Turismo” universe along with a new model that reflects the rich history and heritage of the Ferrari, as a special tribute for the brand’s 90th anniversary.
A New Universe
For the first time in the history of Hublot and Ferrari’s partnership, the two have combined their sense of aesthetic creativity and mechanical innovation in a Classic Fusion—a watchmaking chassis that is both traditional and modern. More importantly, it is also in line with the stylistic codes of the “Gran Turismo” universe. This is a universe of innovation and refinement that comes with a passion for mechanical performance and an appreciation for elegance and beauty. Using this idea as inspiration, Hublot then created the Classic Fusion Ferrari GT.
Designed and crafted in the Maranello workshops, the design of this watch is very contemporary. Hublot worked on the motor behind the watch while Ferrari devised the body. One of the main design features is the case, which enhances the dial and the sophisticated manufacturing process. To this end, the designers from Centro Stile Ferrari contributed their expertise to extend new bridges between automotive design and watchmaking motorization.
The result is a transparent dial, thanks to the use of sapphire crystal, which reveals the highprecision mechanics of the UNICO HUB1280 calibre behind it. Along with the famous Prancing Horse appearing at 12 o’clock, each and every detail has been subjected to meticulous finishing touches—including the red thread around the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating, a stylistic reference to the legendary colour of Ferrari.
Another highlight from this watch is none other than the straps, which have been subtly crafted in black rubber and dressed in Schedoni leather, just like the seats of the historical Maranello race cars. Above all, the Classic Fusion Ferrari GT is a watch for lovers of fine mechanical pieces who want to convey a contemporary and refined style.
A Full Celebration
Hublot also celebrated the 90th anniversary of Ferrari with a new model that is only available in three exclusive versions and produced as limitededition pieces titled Big Bang Scuderia Ferrari 90th Anniversary. Each of the three versions of this watch houses the famous UNICO movement—a flyback chronograph that offers a 72-hour power reserve—and bears one of the three colours of Ferrari on its border, the numbers and indexes. The colour schemes include yellow for the platinum edition, red for the 3D carbon edition and black for the sapphire edition.
Conceived in collaboration with the Ferrari Design Centre, these pieces illustrate the development of the materials used in car racing over the years. The bezels, for example, are cut in ceramic carbon, he same material that is used for the brake discs of Formula 1 racers.
On top of that, this is a model that truly reflects the rich history and heritage of Ferrari. The first version is inspired by the early years of Ferrari and its glorious past. Its dial evokes old-fashioned speedometers with its calendar underlined in yellow, while the visible metal parts and the brushed look of Ferrari dashboards are represented by the platinum case.
Meanwhile, the 3D carbon that is used to make the case of the second edition reflects the present day of Ferrari. Today, research into new composite materials and high-technology are of the utmost importance in competitive driving. Last but not least, the third model is instantly recognisable by its transparent case made from sapphire, giving it a futuristic style.
The long-term collaboration between Hublot and Ferrari is a one-of-a-kind partnership and an endless source of creative inspiration that builds on the common values shared by the two prestigious houses. With the constant drive for innovation and refinement behind the unstoppable creative impetus of both Ferrari and Hublot, it’s safe to say that these two new models demonstrate new and exciting possibilities for the future—both for car manufacture as well watchmaking—while also opening a major new chapter in the partnership of excellence between two legends.