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HUBLOT SPIRIT OF BIG BANG DEPECHE MODE

Fourteen years have already passed since Hublot and Depeche Mode announced their first collaboration, dedicated to raising public awareness and funds for several environmental and humanitarian causes. Since then, this partnership has been renewed with each of the British band’s subsequent tours and has raised over USD $2.3 million for the Teenage Cancer Trust and charity:water.

Designed in collaboration with Depeche Mode, the new Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode pays tribute to the British band’s latest album and world tour, Memento Mori, vouching to live fully in the present and reflect on the value of time. This concept is symbolised on the watch by a skull motif embellished with an hourglass.

In March 2023, Depeche Mode announced its big comeback with the release of Memento Mori , its 15th studio album, along with a worldwide concert tour. Still in collaboration with the band, which has sold over 100 million albums, Hublot is helping to raise funds and awareness for Conservation Collective, a global charity that unites a network of regional philanthropic foundations working to protect, conserve and restore natura l environments. Thanks to Depeche Mode & Hublot funding, the first round of projects tackling plastic pollution at the grassroots in 2023 supported seven impactful initiatives across seven countries, with three more rounds of funding set to empower even more positive change. The projects aim to turn the tide on plastic by driving locally led waste management, plastic-free and clean-up initiatives.

It was against this backdrop that Hublot and Depeche Mode teamed up again in Berlin, 11 years after their first joint event in the German capital, to release a new limited-edition watch: The Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode. The Spirit of Big Bang’s signature tonneau shape is designed with Hublot’s iconic All Black aesthetic. Created in collaboration with Depeche Mode, the design combines the skull motif—an emblem seen in the video announcing the band’s return—with an hourglass to symbolise the passage of time. The centre of the dial is filled with small black ceramic spheres that symbolically flow back and forth as the wrist moves, conveying the concept of Memento Mori. This Latin phrase, meaning ‘remember you must die’, is intended to prompt reflection on the transience of life. Alongside the dial, the initials DM, the British band’s logo, appear at 6 o’clock. The indices take the form of pyramid-shaped studs, a motif echoed on the black ceramic bezel.

Measuring 42 mm, the barrel-shaped case is made of sand-blasted and polished black ceramic. It houses a self-winding HUB1710_SD calibre movement with a 50-hour power reserve. Each of the Spirit of Big Bang Depeche Mode comes with two straps, which are easily interchangeable thanks to the patented One Click system. The first is made from recycled materials and Velcro, in line with Conservation Collective’s plastic pollution initiatives. The second, in black rubber, closes with a black titanium folding clasp. It includes the pyramid-shaped studs already featured on the bezel and dial, creating an exceptionally ‘rock’ vibe.

Each of the 100 pieces in this limited edition will come in a special box containing a wonderful surprise: a 10” vinyl single of Depeche Mode’s Wagging Tongue, only available as part of this package, and produced using green energy and recycled PVC!

CONSERVATION COLLECTIVE

Ben Goldsmith founded Conservation Collective in 2020 to open new channels of philanthropic funding to boost and amplify the impact of local environmental initiatives.  

Environmental philanthropy faces two key challenges: persuading people to direct money to the biggest issue of our time and getting that money to the most effective environmental initiatives.  

Conservation Collective has a proven and winning formula for both.  

We build clubs of donors linked to places they care passionately about, to open new channels of funding for nature restoration. We have seen that people are instinctively ‘place-based’, and that when it comes to conservation and philanthropy, we are all more likely to want to protect the places we know and love.  

We set up, incubate, and support local environmental foundations. All over the world, people are working tirelessly to protect the places they love from the impacts of climate change and the biodiversity crisis. Those most affected by environmental problems are often best placed to tackle them, and grassroots action is our most powerful weapon.  

Our member foundations unlock new funding for the best and most effective grassroots projects dedicated to preserving, protecting, and regenerating biodiverse ecosystems on land and below water and to slowing down and adapting to climate change.  

We’re encouraging more and more effective environmental philanthropy. Our growing network of foundations has already raised millions of pounds for impactful initiatives, and we’re only just getting started…  

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L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon

88-piece limited edition in ethical 18-carat rose gold

Chopard celebrates the Chinese New Year with the art of Urushi lacquer and mythical dragons

In the horological world, the fusion of gold and lacquer is rarely seen and even less frequently mastered. The L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon is an artisanal expression of luck and prosperity which marks the Chinese zodiac cycle. The dragon was the earliest creature to appear in Chinese myths and legends, representing imperial authority, wealth, fertility and auspiciousness. The new Year of the Dragon starts on February 10th 2024.

According to tradition, the legendary first Emperor of China, Huangdi – who reigned from c.2700-2600 BCE – incorporated various creatures in his coat of arms as he conquered neighbouring tribes and was the one who ultimately created the image which would become the forerunner of the Chinese dragon we know today.

Greatly inspired by these traditions, Chopard’s L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon boasts a 39.5 mm ethical 18-carat rose gold case, while the in-house L.U.C 96.17-L calibre with micro-rotor ensures that a slender profile of just 6.80 mm can be maintained. It mingles technical savoir-faire and artistic flair delivered by Chopard Manufacture. Its dial is a piece of art, skilfully decorated with Urushi lacquer, gold powder and mother-of-pearl inlays. For the 12th year running in the Chopard Urushi story, the dial has been hand-crafted in Japan by a world-renowned artisan specialising in the Maki-e technique.

A symbolic and artistic narrative 

The Chinese Five Elements Theory assigns one of the five elements – Metal, Water, Wood, Fire and Earth – to each year, in addition to the zodiac signs. 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. If the Dragon is usually powerful, endlessly energetic, full of vitality and endowed with the keenest sense of Self among the 12 zodiac signs, the Wood Dragon is seen as a protector of the environment and a symbol of harmony with Nature. This strong identity beautifully echoes Chopard’s respect for the Earth and its riches. The Japanese master lacquerer called upon by the Maison has thus created a moody, elegant black dial on which the dragon comes to life. Soaring high above the clouds, it radiates a striking blend of power and grace, with bold statement colours of red and yellow.

This year also marks a milestone for the L.U.C XP Urushi series. Back in 2013, Chopard launched the very first model of this kind with the Snake edition. With the addition dedicated to the Dragon, the Maison thus completes a full circle in the Chinese calendar. On this opportunity, a wonderful wooden case featuring the 12 L.U.C XP Urushi crafted since then will be unveiled in 2024, offering the collectors a chance to admire these masterpieces of craftmanship thus united as a magnificent whole.

A meticulous approach to craftsmanship 

Faithful to tradition and the preservation of savoir-faire, Chopard has once again worked with the finest Japanese artisan specialised in the traditional Maki-e lacquer technique for the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon. All 88 of these spectacular dials have been produced in the workshops of the century-old company Yamada Heiando and crafted by master artist Minori Koizumi, a meticulous task requiring no less than 20 hours for each.  In accordance with this refined ancestral technique, gold flakes placed between layers of lacquer made from the sap of the Toxicodendron vernicifluum tree light up the background. This precious dial is housed in an extra-thin case in ethical 18-carat rose gold, which is not only comfortable on the wrist but also offers an unparalleled level of understated elegance.

Mechanical performance 

This thinness is made possible by the use of the 3.30 mm-thick in-house L.U.C 96.17-L self-winding movement equipped with an off-centred 22-carat gold micro-rotor incorporated into the overall thickness of the calibre. Its strong inertia ensures efficient winding of the two barrels, which are stacked according to Chopard Twin technology and store the energy required for the L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon to offer a 65-hour power reserve. Once off the wrist, it will remain on time and accurate for more than two and a half days, neatly corresponding to a long weekend. 

‘L’Art d’une Manufacture’

The L.U.C collection from Chopard Manufacture is widely appreciated and collected by watchmaking connoisseurs globally. It has been committed to the art and traditions of Fine Watchmaking for over 25 years. Unwilling to rely on others to supply movements, and committed to preserving ancestral savoir-faire and skills, it took the bold step – under Mr Karl-Friedrich Scheufele’s leadership – of building an entirely in-house calibre. The revered L.U.C 96.01-L started the beginning of Chopard Manufacture in 1996. The first model it featured in was the L.U.C 1860, which was introduced one year later and immediately named ‘Watch of the Year’ by Montres Magazine.

The collection has expanded over the years, consistently offering elegant and original complications which were conceived, developed, produced, assembled, decorated and certified in Chopard’s Fleurier and Geneva watchmaking workshops. The audacious L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon marks the next chapter in the story, simultaneously demonstrating Chopard’s creativity and technical watchmaking.

L.U.C XP Urushi Year of the Dragon

88-piece limited edition in ethical 18-carat rose gold

Case:

Ethical 18-carat rose gold

Total diameter                                                                                 39.50 mm

Thickness                                                                                        6.80 mm

Water resistance                                                                            30 metres

Crown in ethical 18-carat rose gold with L.U.C logo                4.00 mm

Polished sides and inter-horn space

Polished bezel and case-back

Glare-proofed sapphire crystal

Exhibition caseback

Movement :

Mechanical self-winding                                                               L.U.C 96.17-L

Winding via a gold micro-rotor in ethical 22-carat gold

Total diameter                                                                                 27.40 mm

Thickness                                                                                        3.30 mm

Number of jewels                                                                           29

Frequency                                                                                       28,800 vph (4 Hz)

Power reserve                                                                                 65 hours

Two barrels stacked according to Chopard Twin technology

Bridges adorned with Côtes de Genève motif

Dial and hands:

Dial hand-crafted in Japan using the Urushi lacquer technique with a special Year of the Dragon scene

Gilded Dauphine-type hours and minutes hands

Functions and displays:

Central display of the hours and minutes

Strap and buckle:

Hand-sewn black alligator leather strap with nubuck lining

Pin buckle in polished ethical 18-carat rose gold Ref. 161902-5079 – 88-piece limited edition in ethical 18-carat rose gold with special Year of the Dragon dial

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SPIRIT OF BIG BANG TITANIUM DRAGON 

Drawing inspiration from the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting, the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon layers its hands, wheels and H-shaped screws to form a 3D silhouette of an eastern dragon. Hublot presents a rubber strap with a marquetry design for the very first time. Created in collaboration with the Chinese artist Chen Fenwan, this limited edition of 88 pieces is the perfect fusion of tradition and modernity, combining metaphors and symbols in the spirit of Hublot: first, unique, different!

In the Chinese calendar, 2024 marks the return of the Dragon, which comes around every 12 years. This celestial creature, revered in Chinese culture, is associated with prosperity. A symbol of luck, strength and wisdom, the dragon is also an imperial icon that embodies life and immortality.  Loong is a symbol, an icon, and the universal auspicious meaning is the foundation of  Loong culture.

Equivalent to the year 4722 in the Chinese calendar, 2024 marks the year of the Wood Dragon. Through artist Chen Fenwan’s paper-cutting expertise, Hublot pays homage to wood through the natural fibres that form the soul and spirit of paper.

So, can you recognise what’s hidden within the dragon?

This piece is a metaphor for the ‘Art of Fusion’ and the art of continually reimagining materials and their areas of expression. A symbol of Hublot’s philosophy, the Hublot creates a different way to interpret times,  through its distinctive features. The components of its pieces: hands, cogs or screws, are positioned in multi-dimensional layers to form a dragon’s silhouette created in paper cut-outs by the Chinese artist Chen Fenwan. The dragon’s head made up offive layers that alternate between hands, wheels and H-shaped screws, with a body and scales that extend onto the strap. The colours, reflect those of the paper cut-out sculpture created by Chen Fenwan.

A metaphor for the ‘Art of Fusion’

Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, this watch is also a metaphor for the ‘Art of Fusion’ embodied by the eastern dragon. Also known as the Loong, it takes on the features of nine different animals—the eyes of a prawn, the horns of a deer, the mouth of a bull, the nose of a dog, the whiskers of a catfish, the mane of a lion, the long tail of a snake, the scales of a fish and the claws of an eagle. A dragon whose metamorphosis has taken place over several thousands of years. Under Chen Fenwan’s touch, this sacred animal, talisman and totem, celebrates one of the greatest cultural legacies of Chinese art: the art of paper cutting. This is a craft that originated in China around 2,000 years ago, coincinding with the invention of paper. Chinese paper cutting has been on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2009 and is used to express the moral principles, philosophies and aesthetic ideals of its creators. It is used in festivities to honour events such as weddings and births, and paper-cut decorations symbolising happiness and good luck are intrinsic to Chinese New Year celebrations.

Hublot invites Chinese Tradition into 2024 with a Hublot first: a rubber strap with a marquetry design

Hublot has invited Chinese artist Chen Fenwan to combine traditional Chinese “sculpture in the round” with contemporary art, creating a majestic and dynamic loong, which conveys an auspicious atmosphere as it rises to the heavens. This artwork symbolizes the ever-renewing totem of life. Expressing Hublot’s philosophy ‘Be First, Unique and Different.

In a 42 mm titanium case, Hublot transposes the layered effects of paper cutting into a multi-level dial construction overlaying a base panel with several levels of appliqués that incirporate the aesthetic codes of

Hublot’s components.The dragon’s silhouette extends onto the rubber strap, which features a rubber marquetry motif—a first for Hublot. Each of the dragon’s scales is coloured and nano-vulcanised to be integrated into the strap. This delicate decorative operation is carried out entirely by hand and takes around 8 hours per strap. The Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon, offered in a limited edition of 88 pieces, comes with a second, titanium-grey Velcro fabric strap. Tthis Chinese New Year celebration features an HUB1710 automatic movement and power reserve of 50 hours.

CHEN FENWAN

Chen Fenwan graduated from the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts and currently lives and works between Guangzhou and Foshan. When she was younger, she was heralded as one of the top upcoming paper artists in China by the media. Most of her works lie in the language of paper, bringing imagination of narrative on flexible materials, usually with large scale and multi-dimensional pieces. She excels at combining her personal experience with universal memories, in which the emotional tension of collective resonance gather to communicate with a wider audience and inhabit public spaces.

Chen Fenwan was named as one to watch by the Chinese Modern Art Archive (CMAA) in 2019. In 2022, her two in-site works Hello, Walls and Papercut on the Earth’s Window exhibit in Art Field Naihai Guangdong. In 2021, The West Lake in Vectorial Dynamic was created as a public work through solicitation. One of her Representatives Lucky Garden participates in the 2021 Chengdu Biennale Exhibition, as well as the ten-year exhibition of Zhejiang Art Museum in 2019. Infinite has been touring exhibited for 11 times from 2018 to 2021. In recent years, she has taken “symmetry” as her personal research topic, to continue to her large-scale artworks such as A Symmetrical Nature series and Jintian in Tianjin, constantly giving new understanding to stage by way of contemporary paper cutting.

January 8th, 2024 Posted in: Shaped collection Tags: spirit of big bang, chinese new year, year of the dragon, 646.NX.6600.RX.CHF24, chen fenwan, wood cutting, loong, art, lunar new year

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A TRIBUTE TO MIAMI

Miami, a unique and electric city where the vibrant hues of the sunset paint the sky in a spectrum of color, a true muse for Hublot’s latest creation – the Big Bang Unico Magic City. A 35 pieces limited-edition timepiece that encapsulates the essence of Miami’s dynamic spirit.

The watch takes on an even deeper connection with the city as it debuts amidst the global glamour and buzz of Miami’s renowned Art and Design week. Exclusively available at Hublot’s two Miami boutiques, Miami Design District and Bal Harbour Shops as well as on hublot.com US ecommerce.

Miami, often referred to as the “Magic City” for its transformative power, is known for its blend of pulsating nightlife, sun-kissed beaches, and rich culture. The Big Bang Unico Magic City emerges as a fusion of elegance and boldness, capturing the essence of Miami’s energy.

At the heart of this extraordinary timepiece is Hublot’s in-house Unico HUB1280 movement. With a power reserve of 72 hours, this movement features an “open heart,” unveiling its exceptional skeletonized design. The ombre sunset motif gracefully extends across the open-worked dial, creating a harmoniously designed object for those who dare to stand out.

The subtle fade from one color to another reflects the watchmaker’s powerful contemporary style statement. Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” is evident in the blend of materials and design, using innovative materials crafted with the latest technologies — a unique approach in watchmaking perfected by Hublot.

Reflecting the city’s bold spirit, a fusion of Art Deco and the city’s ‘80s new-wave renaissance, the Big Bang Unico Magic City stands out with its sleek 42mm micro-blasted and polished black ceramic case. A hypoallergenic and light material that takes the body temperature in order to offer perfect comfort on the wrist. Water resistant to 10 ATM/100 M for leisurely swimming and sunning on Miami Beach.

Limited to just 35, this exclusive timepiece comes with two straps – a classic black rubber strap for a timeless look and a multi-color vivid pink and blue calf strap inspired by “Tropical Deco,” paying homage to Miami’s distinctive color palette and extraordinary sunsets.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Miami with the Big Bang Unico Magic City.. Embrace the flair, the color, and the rhythm of Miami, our Magic City, right on your wrist.

December 8th, 2023 Posted in: Big Bang Tags: 441.CI.1199.VR.HBM23, Miami, Big Bang Unico, Hublot Big Bang, Magic City, US Exclusive, Unico

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THE VANGUARD OLTREMARE LIMITED EDITION

October 5, 2023

Franck Muller is pleased to present the Vanguard Oltremare, an exclusive limited edition that pays tribute to the Mediterranean sea. Meticulously crafted with precision and finesse, the Vanguard Oltremare is a perfect balance between elegance and functionality. Its captivating blue dial, skillfully designed to reflect the mesmerizing hues of the Mediterranean sea, is a visual feast for admirers of watchhmaking and natural beauty.

The Vanguard Oltremare features hours, minutes, and seconds counter at 6 o’clock enhancing its practicality while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. This harmonious fusion of form and function makes it an ideal companion for those who appreciate both style and sobriety.

Beneath its captivating design, the Vanguard Oltremare features a self-winding mouvement designed and manufactured fully in-house by Franck Muller’s watchmakers. This in-house movement not only ensures time accuracy, but also offers a generous 38-hour power reserve, a guarantee of reliability to its wearer.

One of the standout features of the Vanguard Oltremare is its Slim Vanguard case, a remarkable technical achievement within the Vanguard collection. This innovative design reduces the thickness of the case, adding an extra layer of comfort for wearers while maintaining the elegance of the watch.

The Vanguard Oltremare Collection offers different materials in rose gold, titanium, black titanium produced in limited quantities of 50, 30 and 30 pieces in a size 41 milimeters.

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Blancpain X Swatch, una colaboración innovadora para conmemorar el 70 aniversario de Fifty Fathoms

Blancpain colabora con Swatch para crear una versión divertida e inesperada de su icónico reloj de buceo Fifty Fathoms. Cinco modelos Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms celebran los océanos que Blancpain está tan profundamente comprometido con preservar y salvaguardar.

Blancpain y Swatch se unen para crear una colección ilimitada de cinco modelos llenos de alegría de vivir, color y tecnología. Juntas, las dos marcas del Grupo Swatch se sumergen en los cinco océanos del planeta azul, combinando lo mejor de ambas marcas con relojes innovadores, biocerámicos, resistentes al agua y un movimiento mecánico con una reserva de marcha de 90 horas.

Las dos marcas han unido fuerzas para crear una colección de cinco relojes llamada Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Collection. Cada modelo celebra uno de los cinco océanos, cuya conservación es tan querida por Blancpain. La elección obvia para este proyecto fue el Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, un reloj nacido hace exactamente 70 años y que revolucionó la relojería al convertirse en el primer verdadero reloj de buceo.

Estos cinco modelos Blancpain X Swatch están fabricados con biocerámica, una mezcla única y patentada de dos tercios de cerámica y un tercio de biomateriales derivados del aceite de ricino. Si bien los colores elegidos para esta colaboración indican claramente que no se trata de un reloj Blancpain tradicional, todos los fanáticos y entusiastas reconocerán a primera vista muchas de las características del icónico Fifty Fathoms, así como guiños a la colección Swatch Scuba.

Las principales características del Fifty Fathoms están presentes en la versión Swatch: la típica caja, su bisel giratorio unidireccional para medir la duración de la inmersión y su movimiento automático protegido de los campos magnéticos (en este caso el SISTEM51 equipado con el resorte de espiral antimagnético Nivachron™.

Para Marc A. Hayek, presidente y director ejecutivo de Blancpain, esta colaboración es muy simbólica: “Sin Swatch, la industria relojera suiza simplemente no habría sobrevivido y disfrutado de un destino tan maravilloso. Esta colección es un motivo de orgullo para mí. Se lo debemos a “Nos proponemos trabajar con esta marca que es tan pionera como nosotros, una realidad que se demuestra vívidamente con esta colección. Swatch ha reinterpretado brillantemente nuestro modelo icónico, a su manera, con su propia visión. Como buen buceador, realmente Aprecie la atención al detalle en esta colección y las numerosas referencias a Fifty Fathoms.

El hecho de que sea resistente al agua hasta una profundidad de 91 metros (lo que corresponde exactamente a 50 brazas, una unidad náutica de profundidad) es un guiño fantástico”. Marc A. Hayek, presidente y director ejecutivo de Blancpain, quien relanzó el Fifty Fathoms en 2003 , también quedó cautivado por el homenaje rendido a los nudibranquios en el rotor del movimiento mecánico SISTEM51: “Estos animales marinos son puras maravillas de la naturaleza. Con sus formas inverosímiles y sus colores a menudo brillantes, es un inmenso placer observarlos en su elemento durante una inmersión.

Crean un efecto sereno y calmante. A través de su programa Blancpain Ocean Commitment, Blancpain ha cofinanciado hasta la fecha más de 20 importantes expediciones científicas y ha ayudado a duplicar la superficie de áreas marinas protegidas en todo el mundo”. La nueva colección de cinco relojes, con colores nunca antes vistos en el Fifty Fathoms original, aporta un fuerte toque divertido al icónico reloj de buceo de Blancpain. Cada modelo presenta los logotipos compartidos de Blancpain X Swatch en la esfera y la corona. Las correas están hechas de redes de pesca recicladas extraídas del fondo del océano. Para todos aquellos que quieran sumergirse en el descubrimiento de esta colección, bajo el agua o no, los relojes estarán disponibles a partir del 9 de septiembre y únicamente en tiendas Swatch seleccionadas de todo el mundo. Presentados en una caja especial para buceo, los relojes también estarán expuestos durante algunas semanas en una selección de boutiques Blancpain, pero no a la venta.

Cincuenta brazas

Hace setenta años nació un icono: el Fifty Fathoms. El reloj que revolucionaría la relojería al convertirse en el primer verdadero reloj de buceo fue idea de un apasionado del submarinismo, Jean-Jacques Fiechter, entonces codirector ejecutivo de Blancpain. Pionero en una disciplina que aún estaba en pañales, comprendió la necesidad de medir el tiempo bajo el agua. La herramienta que diseñó para satisfacer sus propias necesidades obtuvo inmediatamente la aprobación unánime entre los buzos militares y civiles, hasta el punto de convertirse en su aliado infalible. Al mejorar la seguridad del buceo, el Fifty Fathoms contribuyó al desarrollo de este deporte y fomentó el descubrimiento del mundo de los océanos.

Permitió a Blancpain forjar estrechos vínculos con la comunidad oceánica (lazos que se han fortalecido durante los últimos 70 años) y se ha convertido en el catalizador del compromiso de la Manufactura con la conservación de los océanos. El año 2023, que marca el 70.º aniversario del Fifty Fathoms, también resuena como un reinicio de su nacimiento mediante la llegada de varios innovadores relojes de buceo de aniversario, lanzados a lo largo del año del aniversario. Como esta colaboración única con Swatch.

El mundo silencioso

Codirigida por Louis Malle, The Silent World ganó la Palma de Oro en Cannes en 1956. La película generó conciencia mundial sobre la riqueza de la flora y la fauna del mundo y la necesidad de protegerlas. Un aspecto particular que no pasó desapercibido fue que el equipo de buzos llevaba un determinado reloj, el Fifty Fathoms, cuyas cualidades permitían rodar largas secuencias en un entorno marino.

Compromiso Blancpain Océano

Blancpain desempeñó un papel clave en el desarrollo del buceo con el lanzamiento en 1953 del Fifty Fathoms, el primer reloj de buceo auténtico del mundo. Tanto los buceadores profesionales como los aficionados reconocieron inmediatamente la genialidad de su diseño, así como sus extraordinarias características y fiabilidad. De este modo, se forjaron naturalmente estrechos vínculos entre Blancpain y los entusiastas de los océanos que lo adoptaron: pioneros de las profundidades marinas, exploradores, oceanógrafos y fotógrafos submarinos. Estos vínculos han llevado a Blancpain a involucrarse en la exploración, preservación y protección de los océanos.

La Manufactura no sólo ha actuado junto a quienes comparten estas motivaciones, sino que también ha apoyado numerosas iniciativas medioambientales como socio fundador. Entre ellas se incluyen las expediciones Pristine Seas, que apoyó durante cinco años y que permitieron la creación de nuevas áreas marinas protegidas que cubren más de cuatro millones de kilómetros cuadrados en todo el mundo. Hasta la fecha, Blancpain, a través de su programa Blancpain Ocean Commitment, ha cofinanciado más de 20 importantes expediciones científicas, ha contribuido a duplicar la superficie de las zonas marinas protegidas en todo el mundo y ha presentado varios documentales premiados. La Manufactura también ha estado detrás de numerosas exposiciones de fotografía submarina y publicaciones. Estas contribuciones a la exploración y protección de los océanos se han complementado con la venta de varias series de relojes de edición limitada, cada uno de los cuales genera 1.000 euros adicionales a la importante financiación anual de Blancpain.

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THE 33RD EDITION OF THE WPHH

Once again, the 33rd edition of the WPHH was absolutely unforgettable. During one week, our partners entered the creative and fascinating world of Franck Muller. The WPHH has turned into a sensational gallery in the Domaine du Grand Malagny, where the guests were invited to discover the exclusive novelties of the group. The exhibition enhanced the beautiful creations of Franck Muller, Backes & Strauss and Cvstos.

Spectacular novelties unveiled during the exhibition

In a magical and majestic atmosphere, watch aficionados and professionals had the opportunity to discover the most iconic brand’s timepieces along with dazzling new timepieces. For instance, the Curvex CX Giga Tourbillon, the Curvex CX Grand Central Flash Tourbillon, the Vanguard™ Damas, the Vanguard™ New Tone Skeleton or even the Vanguard™ Slim Skeleton.  On the feminine side, many models were released: the Curvex CX Lady, the Curvex CX Piano as well as an amazing Cintrée Curvex™ Retrograde Hour, reaviling a Tourbillon or a Moonphase.

2023 celebrates the Crazy Hours’ 20th anniversary where a spectacular limited collection was created: the Vanguard™ Crazy Hours by Hom Nguyen. Designed in a Vanguard™ shape, this timepiece combing emblatic symbols of the brand such as the Crazy Hours complication and the iconic numerals hand-painted by the artist. This exclusive edition is flawlessly offering emotions to the owner though its clever and complex mechanism.

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HUBLOT LOVES SUMMER IN ZURICH

Five Swiss Friends of the Brand & Ambassadors: Mujinga Kambundji, Corinne Suter, Andreas Caminada, Dario Cologna & Alan Roura are united for the  first time to celebrate summer in Zurich.

For many years, Hublot has been celebrating summer at the most exclusive waterfront locations of the Mediterranean.  This year, Lake Zurich will set the stage for an Hublot Loves Summer party bringing cocktails imagined by the Bar am Wasser mixologists, a private performance by Dora Live Band and an electrifying set by DJ Ilona. A perfect summer setting to celebrate the Big Bang Unico Sky Blue inspired by cloudless summer days, and endless nights.

What could unite Mujinga Kambundji, Corinne Suter, Andreas Caminada, Dario Cologna and Alan Roura?

Their passion for the Hublot brand, of course, but what else? This is the first time that the fiveFriendsof the Brandand Ambassadors o are brought together. While they quickly bonded around the table football tournament, demonstrating their competitive natures, determination and team spirit, the evening continued to highlight their common ground and shared values. When given the floor, they found they had a lot more in common than they could have ever imagined.

Moreover, we could not have imagined a Hublot event without some football, albeit on a table. A nod to the FIFA Women’s World CupTM, for which Hublot is Official Timekeeper, about to kick off on the 20th of July in Australia and New Zealand. At the end of the matches between clients, the three finalists competed against thethree ambassador teams (Corinne Suter & Ricardo Guadalupe / Alan Roura & Dario Cologna / Mujinga Kambundji & Andreas Caminada) to win the Hublot Loves Summer Party 2023 Cup.

What makes them unique?

Alan Roura loves tacking on water and the open sea,

For Corinne Suter, it’s the high-performance slaloms she carves on the dizzyingly steep ski slopes,

Mujinga Kambundji is after the best line to shave off hundredths of seconds on the track,

While for Dario Cologna, it is finding balance and rhythm even after his retirement from the sport

For Andreas Caminada,   it is accuracy, concentration and timing that he masters from his high gastronomy to his golf swing.

All five of them exude a quiet strength with a tinge of Swiss humility that takes nothing away from all the determination in their eyes and the dreams we share and experience as we watch their adventures, in their efforts to win stars, miles or medals.  

All five work with time, for its speed, precision, performance and optimisation. Time permeates their training, their movements, their gestures. Their time is measured in hundredths of a second, and tonight our five champions will have shared 3,240,0000 (9 hours) of them with us.

While time sets the tempo for their lives, they also need to stop the clock ticking. Taking a rest is essential if they are to be on top form on the big day, to keep pace with the competitions, from race to race, dish to dish, from stars to globes, from medals to podiums. 

Breaks are rare, and the one they have granted themselves today, with Hublot in Zurich, is devoted to a special celebration with their second family. It’s a unique opportunity to get to know each other better, share what inspires and motivates them, and swap experiences.

All 5 work alone, even though their job, their sport or their passion cannot be done without the support of a coach. Their principles and values that govern their jobs are very similar. What is certain, is that all five are driven by passion and determination.

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Precious Time: Combining High Watchmaking and High JewelryNew Colors Grace the Récital 23

Just in time for long, sun-drenched days, the House of BOVET is introducing two new colors into the Récital 23 range – vibrant green and baby blue, both set with brilliant white diamonds.

The Récital 23, a favorite in the BOVET collection for many years, has been a canvas where BOVET’s high watchmaking meets its focus on the decorative arts and high jewelry settings. The base dial of this timepiece is hand-engraved, hand-chiseled, and hand-finished – the sparkle created by BOVET’s artisanal expertise echoes the gem-setting of this precious timepiece.

The Récital 23 comes in the unique-to-BOVET Writing Slope case, which presents the dial to you while on the wrist. Available in 18K red gold, the 43mm x 38.70mm case comes set with 174 BOVET Fleurier SA press.bovet.com –
round-cut diamonds (0.99ct) with a further 72 diamonds on the bezel (1.00ct) and cabochon crown, as pictured here, or simply bezel set. All versions come with diamond indices on the offset dial.

This year the Récital 23 has been graced with two special color and material treatments.

Chiseled and then layered with lacquer, these new elegant dials have a unique character that speaks of the promise of lush greenery, tranquil seas, sun-kissed days, and warm festive nights. The uniquely-shaped hour and minute hands gracefully glide over this beautiful dial, which makes room for the precision moon phase of the Récital 23. In a romantic touch, the hands form the shape of a heart every hour. The moon phase display at 12 o’clock links terrestrial time to the heavens. The moon itself is hand-engraved to evoke the lunar surface and filled with luminescent material; a challenge due to the indicator’s cambe.

The phase of the moon is read via a three-dimensional circular aperture that requires over a day’s work to be manufactured and decorated. The precision mechanism used to drive the moon phase requires correction only once every 122 years.
Keen to develop useful complications that allow everyday use of the timepiece, Mr. Pascal Raffy, BOVET 1822’s Owner, incorporated a push button into the real sapphire cabochon of the crown to facilitate the adjustment of the moon phase. Setting this lunar complication has never been easier, without needing to use any tools.

Powered by a high-watchmaking automatic movement, the handengraved 18K gold rotor features BOVET’s Fleurisanne motif, visible through the sapphire crystal exhibition back.

The Récital 23 is the perfect timepiece for the summer, its diamond setting and hand-engraving reinforcing how precious time really is. Timeless and symbolic, the Récital 23 represents the values which drive Mr. Raffy and the artisans of BOVET 1822: passion for handcrafted fine watchmaking, and a devotion to perpetuate BOVET 1822’s illustrious history with noble new expressions of the timekeeping and decorative arts.

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Montblanc – This Limited Edition of just 88 pieces offers an uninterrupted view of the Maison’s iconic MB M16

La participación de Montblanc en la feria Watches and Wonders de Ginebra en 2023 celebra nuestros 165 años de historia en la relojería. Nuestro espíritu innovador se plasmó por primera vez en 1858 en los clásicos relojes de bolsillo Minerva, un diseño que sigue inspirando nuestra relojería actual.

Las novedades en nuestras colecciones 1858 y Star Legacy, que incluyen varias ediciones limitadas, estarán expuestas en Watches and Wonders en una vistosa caseta que evoca los grandes glaciares de los Alpes suizos. La caseta, que cuenta con un péndulo oscilante cuyo contrapeso se asemeja al clásico plumín de nuestras plumas estilográficas, aúna la maestría de Montblanc con las obras artísticas de Marie de la Ville Baugé.

1858 ICED SEA CON FECHA AUTOMÁTICA

El nuevo reloj 1858 Iced Sea con fecha automática, una alusión a las profundidades de un glaciar y a los minerales que ha capturado durante miles de años, presenta una esfera con un motivo gris de glaciares inspirado en el Mar de Hielo. Para lograr la textura de los glaciares, los maestros relojeros recurrieron a una técnica ancestral casi olvidada que se conoce como gratté boisé. El reloj de 41 mm incorpora un brazalete intercambiable de acero inoxidable que puede sustituirse de manera rápida y fácil por una correa de caucho de color negro con bordes grises. Además de tener una resistencia al agua de hasta 300 m y detalles en Super-LumiNova®, se puede ajustar en la muñeca para llevarlo en las inmersiones.

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CRONÓGRAFO 1858 GEOSPHERE 0 OXYGEN, THE 8000 EDICIÓN LIMITADA (SOLO EN BOUTIQUES Y ONLINE)

Nuestra colección 1858, protagonizada por una nueva edición limitada de únicamente 290 unidades, rinde homenaje a las cimas más altas del mundo y a los alpinistas que se atreven a culminarlas. Este modelo, dotado de una caja de titanio de 44 mm con un sellado perfecto para eliminar el oxígeno en su interior, incorpora el movimiento del cronógrafo automático de manufactura de Montblanc con todas las zonas horarias, el calibre MB 29.27. Este cronógrafo incluye la fecha a las 3 y dos contadores giratorios en 3D con el hemisferio norte a las 12 y el hemisferio sur a las 6. Ambos hemisferios presentan 12 puntos de color naranja, que representan los picos de 8000 m, además de indicadores de día y noche. El colorido reverso de la caja está grabado con un dibujo en 3D original de Nimsdai de los 14 picos del mundo, con las banderas de color amarillo y rosa a contraste con el fondo en azul cielo. El reloj viene con un bisel cerámico, bidireccional y estriado en color negro con los puntos cardinales.

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1858 GEOSPHERE 0 OXYGEN, THE 8000

Esta versión, que se caracteriza por una caja de titanio de 42 mm sin oxígeno en su interior, incorpora un movimiento automático de manufactura de Montblanc, el calibre MB 29.25, que incluye la indicación de todas las zonas horarias con los globos giratorios de los hemisferios norte y sur, una escala de 24 horas, así como indicaciones de día y noche, de doble huso horario y de fecha. El reloj también presenta un bisel cerámico, bidireccional y estriado de color negro con los puntos cardinales, una esfera con un patrón Sfumato de glaciares en gris oscuro y detalles en naranja, y un brazalete intercambiable de titanio. El reverso de la caja destaca por un grabado a láser en 3D del K2.

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