Every year, the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie introduces new timepieces from brands all over the world. This year is no exception, with Hublot joining in the fun with the Hublot 2018 Geneva Days Collection. Each timepiece has a distinctive design and the collection is rife with unique innovations. From the Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold to the Hublot x Richard Orlinski, the collection spans a whole range of aesthetics.
The Art Of Fusion
The new Big Bang Meca-10 Blue Ceramic combines cutting edge mechanics and ultra-resistant material for a beautiful, yet practical watch.
Forged in blue ceramic, the 45mm case opens to a bluish skeleton mechanism, and the same royal colour is echoed in the rubber strap. The case, bezel, and folding clasp are all made of high-tech ceramic: zirconium dioxide with high temperature sintering. The end result? A material that’s very hard and solid, yet lighter than steel, and which resists scratches and ageing.
It also comes in a King Gold model. This exclusive Hublot alloy brings together the radiance of red gold, and the depth of the matte blue skeleton dial for a subtly contrasting effect.
A Combination In Magic Gold
In 2012, Hublot and Ferrari had their first collaboration, with the Big Bang Ferrari, presented in a ground-breaking and patented alloy: Magic Gold. Seven years after its creation, Magic Gold remains the only scratch-resistant 18-carat gold. It’s reflective of the strength of the Hublot x Ferrari partnership, which still goes strong.
This 250-pieces limited run of the Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold displays the new contours of the Big Bang Unico model. It has a tachymeter-style minute counter and a date aperture in gear selector mode. Its 45mm case and bezel are cut in the eponymous Magic Gold, making it resistant to all but diamond scratches.
Each watch is strapped onto black alcantara, sewn onto black rubber, and displays the red topstitching of Ferrari upholstery.
A Classic Fusion, Now In All Ceramic
The bracelet plays an oft-overlooked, but incredibly crucial role in the look of a watch. The Classic Fusion All Ceramic takes this to a new level, by making its bracelet out of strong but lightweight black ceramic zirconium oxide. Smart, robust, light, and comfortable, it blends beautifully with its case.
With its blue sunray or opaque black dial, the Classic Fusion is emblematic of the first disruptive designs created by Hublot in the 1980s. It also comes in 45 or 42mm diameters, making it a versatile and elegant addition to this collection.
A Partnership With Italia Independent
Following the success of earlier editions, Hublot and Lapo Elkann continue their collaboration with a new collection of three chronograph watches. Lapo Elkann’s sense of style and elegance is elevated by his unbridled creativity. For this collaboration with Hublot, the stylish Hublot Classic Fusion Italia Independent has been given a sporty twist.
Cutting edge materials combine with the elegance of exquisite fabrics. Lapo Elkann chose these fabrics from the archives of the legendary Italian tailor, Rubinacci. The 60s and 70s aesthetic of the fabrics brings a touch of classic charm to the contemporary design.
The first model sports a blue houndstooth pattern on the strap and dial. A polished titanium case accentuates the subtle pattern.
The second, also blue, features an elegant blue pinstripe. It has a black case of polished ceramic. Both the case and dial complement the strap perfectly.
Last but not least, the third piece features the famous King Gold, with a strap and dial that feature the brown tones of a Prince of Wales check.
The first two timepieces come in a limited run of 100 pieces each, while the third is even more exclusive still, at 50 pieces.
All three timepieces feature the same sapphire crystal on the back of their 45mm case. Each Hublot Classic Fusion Chronograph Italia Independent timepiece also comes with an exclusive pair of Italia Independent sunglasses, specially designed to match.
Telling Time With Art
For the final timepiece in this collection, Hublot presents Classic Fusion Aerofusion Chronograph Orlinski, sculpted by Richard Orlinski. The watch features a brand new design that plays with angles and reflections.
Ridges and facets on the watch reflect each other, from the case to the bezel to the push buttons and hands. It has a dial cast in sapphire crystal.
This visionary design includes a three-dimensional fold in the case, and had to be modelled before it was cut. The overall effect, no matter if you’re looking at the titanium or blue ceramic, is visually arresting to the core.
