Sandra‘s Closet

This summer, I flew to Monaco with Hublot for an outstanding experience. Arriving at my hotel Hermitage, one of my favorites in Monte Carlo, lots of surprises waited for me in my beautiful suite. We shot my look for the night on the terrace of the hotel (post coming up shortly), before leaving to the exclusive Villa Cap Estel to celebrate summer in a luxurious and elegant setting. It was the perfect opportunity to live the «Hublot Loves Summer» experience and to unveil the latest special edition in honor of the Mediterranean in attendance of many celebrities, who are ambassadors of the brand.

Immersed in deep tones of blue, the Big Bang Unico Azur is a beautiful watchmaking interpretation of this eternal shade. Fifty pieces will be released and will be exclusively available at Hublot’s two French Riviera boutiques in Monaco and St Tropez.

Set against a blue ceramic case, the luminescent hands and hour-markers intersect like the wake of a passing ship at sea, observed through a porthole, transfigured by the white ceramic bezel. The 42 mm case, crafted from the same high-tech, hypoallergenic material, houses the HUB128 Unico chronograph self-winding movement. This is complemented by the dial and a choice of two straps: one in the iconic natural rubber and the other in a simple yet elegant white calfskin leather.

The cocktail reception was held at the pool, before we had dinner at a long table in the center of the lawn. The table setting was absolutely stunning and live music entertained us the whole evening.

The night culminated at Sass Café in Monaco where we danced the rest of the night away. Thank you, Hublot, for having me, it was an amazing experience!

And one thing is for sure, Hublot and Sandra love summer… for more impressions scroll down please.

LoL, Sandra

My host Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO Hublot, with me.

With artist Marc Ferrero, who did two of my favorite Hublot watches, the Big Bang One Click Marc Ferrero and the Big Bang One Click Lipstick.

With the greatest sprinter of all time, Usain Bolt, whom I had met and interviewed the first time in 2015 when Hublot opened their NYC store in his presence, and whom I I witnessed making history when he was ending his Olympic career after his victory in the 4x100m relay in Rio de Janeiro.

With Didier Deschamps, French professional football manager and former player who has been managing the France national team since 2012.

Always having a blast with lovely Mandy Bork.

Great table conversations with Italian actor Giuseppe Maggio who sat next to me at dinner.

Cherry on the cake: ran into Nicole Scherzinger when leaving my hotel in Monaco.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Courtesy of Hublot / Gabriele Di Martino / Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for Hublot
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As a result of their new collaboration, Hublot and Takashi Murakami present thirteen new NFTs and thirteen unique timepieces featuring the iconic smiling flower that is central to the Japanese artist’s work. It is a continuation of past projects, by rewarding the first buyers of the watches and collectors of the first NFTs through an exclusive approach.

«When my collaboration with Hublot was announced, we made it known that we would be adopting new forms of artistic expression. After creating all the timepieces together, as well as the digital works of art, we are now imagining new ways of accessing contemporary art.»
TAKASHI MURAKAMI

The thirteen unique NFTs are inspired by Japanese video games & TV from the 1970s as well as the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black, the first collaboration between the Swiss watchmaker and Takashi Murakami launched in January 2021. These NFTs are linked to a limited edition of 13 new and unique Classic Fusion watches that will be at Watches & Wonders 2023 in Geneva. Twelve of these watches will be available for purchase exclusively online on hublot.com, which can only be accessed by owners of at least one of the 324 NFTs issued in April 2022 as part of the third collaboration between Hublot and Takashi Murakami.

These 324 NFTs were originally offered to owners of one of the two Hublot x Takashi Murakami watch models (Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami All Black & Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Sapphire Rainbow), before they were allowed to be exchanged on the decentralized NFT trading platform, OpenSea. The period between the announcement of the project in New York in February 2023 and the start of sales in early April 2023 in Geneva will allow any collector interested in one of the new watches to collect one of the NFTs available on OpenSea. Each buyer lucky enough to purchase one of the 12 new unique watches will receive a corresponding exclusive NFT.

Hublot and Takashi Murakami take the watch as a work of art to a new level, by bridging the art of fine watchmaking with digital art. The 13th watch of the collection is the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow and it is also the masterpiece. Taking inspiration from the two previously launched pieces, this watch reinterprets the iconic emblem of Takashi Murakami: the smiling flower. Here, the 12 petals of the flower form a perfect gradient of rubies, sapphires, amethysts, tsavorites and topaz. Thanks to an ingenious ball-bearing system developed by Hublot’s engineers, the petals create a dizzying spectacle of colour as they spin on an axis with each movement. The kinetic effect of the petals creates a striking effect against the 45mm black ceramic case. The center of the smiling flower is placed on top of the sapphire glass to create a three-dimensional effect.

The twelve other references, which will be available for purchase by holders of the NFTs on the dedicated ecommerce platform, recall the master flower and represent one of the petals. Twelve references for twelve hours on the dial, and twelve NFTs.

The heart of the watch beats with the manufacture Unico calibre set in the emblematic Classic Fusion design, a unique movement that offers a 72-hour power reserve. As the third watch collaboration between Hublot and the Japanese artist, this launch is proof of the incredible collectability of this partnership.

As the second step, collectors will then have a period of one year during which they will have the opportunity to trade the twelve NFTs on the OpenSea platform. In April 2024, at the end of this period, only the collector who has managed to collect all 12 of the new unique NFTs will be eligible to purchase the thirteenth and most sought-after watch: the Classic Fusion Takashi Murakami Black Ceramic Rainbow. In the event that no single person has managed to gather all twelve NFTs, the watch will be auctioned by Hublot to raise funds for charity.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot #Hublot
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Last month, I had the absolute pleasure to fly to Paris with Hublot for the launch event of the House’s collaboration with DJ Snake, who has such a huge presence in today’s musical landscape that he needs no introduction. The electronic music star first came to public attention with the track «Turn Down For What», released in 2013. Since then, the hits have racked up: «Lean On», «Loco Contigo», «Let Me Love You» with Justin Bieber, and «Selfish Love» with Selena Gomez. Diplo, Kanye West, Lil Jon… the collaborations keep on coming!

Framed by Ricardo Guadalupe to the left and DJ Snake to the right.

He became the first French artist to have two songs with over a billion plays on Spotify, and the awards have rained down: Billboard Music Awards, MTV Music Awards, and no fewer than three NRJ Music Awards. Hublot and DJ Snake have been partners since January 1st 2018, when he presided over the decks at Hublot’s closing evening during the FIFA World Cup in Russia.

There is something else that needs no further introduction… when Hublot invites, there is always a dazzling party. The evening started with a cocktail reception at the Accor Arena in Paris.

The big reveal during the cocktail reception.

The exclusive Hublot Big Bang DJ Snake was revealed at exactly at 9:30 p.m., when Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe and the watch’s namesake, DJ Snake, presented the 100-piece limited model for the first time to the invited guests, among them Adriana Lima, Iris Mittenaere, Didi Stone and Richard Orlinski.

Afterwards, DJ Snake, the most streamed French artist in world and Hublot ambassador since 2018, heated up the crowd with his international hits.

«To be able to wear – and also offer my fans – a watch which reflects my personality is something that has been very important to me since the start of my partnership with Hublot. I am delighted to have been able to combine my inspiration with the expertise of the fantastic watchmakers and technicians at this Swiss brand.»
DJ Snake

The Big Bang DJ Snake is a vibrant watch boasting myriad facets, just like the talented artist who inspired it. The instantly recognisable iconic design of the Big Bang here gleams with a thousand coloured reflections. The bezel and the six titanium components of the 45-mm case are adorned with a «Newton’s Rings» effect. This process, which is technically similar to a black PVD treatment, is achieved through charging with colours and precisely orienting the components to a certain position to obtain the required colour.

At the DJ put: DJ Snake wearing the Big Bang DJ Snake and me wearing the Big Bang Unico Summer.

The result is an optical effect in which the colors change depending on the light and when viewed from different angles. Not only that, but the surface of the parts was hardened before the iridescent treatment in order to improve its adherence. This operation is a complex one as it is difficult to obtain the same gradation of colour on each of the 100 watches being produced. The cut-outs on the outer edge of the bezel were designed by DJ Snake himself. These notches make the Big Bang DJ Snake immediately recognisable, distinguishing it from other collections. An illustration of the «Art of Fusion» philosophy so dear to Hublot!

The upper face of the sapphire dial features a map of the world in the same colours as the case. This globe acts as DJ Snake’s signature. A nod both to his travels across the planet for his concerts and to the fact that his hits have made the world his home. The lower section is skeletonised and treated to create sections with a black fumé finish.

This semi-transparent finish allows a glimpse of the famous calibre HUB1242 UNICO movement, a flyback chronograph with a power reserve of 72 hours.

Limited to 100 pieces, the Big Bang DJ Snake will be supplied with two straps which are easily interchangeable thanks to the patented One Click system. The first is made from rubber, with a grey, black and purple camouflage pattern which echoes the myriad colours reflected by the watch case. The second, also rubber, has a black ribbed structure. The clasp on these straps also features the same «Newton’s Rings» effect as the case and bezel.

I am loving it and hope, that you will do too. Please enjoy more impressions of that fantastic night below. I feel so honored to be photographed by famous photographer German Larkin for Hublot.

LoL, Sandra

With German Larkin who photographed…

Adriana Lima and…

and my humble self for Hublot! I love those photos.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © Hublot, © German Larkin

When the art of jewellery-making encounters that of watchmaking, poetry is never far away. Like a summer sky after a storm, the Big Bang Unico High Jewelry Rainbow is embodied in a rainbow of brightly coloured gemstones on a backdrop of 18ct pink gold. When scarlet blends into fuchsia to become ultraviolet, a tiny bit Klein blue, turquoise, then sky, the green is shaded in chlorophyll to become soft, seize upon a vibrant yellow and blossoms in a warm orange. In an invisible closed 24 carats setting, 290 precious and fine gemstones draw an audacious, vibrant and joyful spectrum around the dial where the House’s iconic movement is revealed. The coordination and mastery of exceptional skills—selecting, cutting, sorting and setting—which totally encompass the radical plans of Hublot micromechanics.

«It requires meticulousness, expertise and dexterity to obtain this harmonious gradation of the gemstones and create a perfect connection between the emotion they arouse and the watchmaking technique. Draughtsmen, gemologists and setters worked together to achieve this setting in which pink gold is present only to gently emphasise the contours. The Big Bang Unico High Jewelry Rainbow condenses the purity and precision of these incredible professions.»
Ricardo Guadalupe
HUBLOT CEO

A symbol heralding optimism, wisdom and balance, the rainbow stretches across the entire 45-mm case; one hundred rubies, pink sapphires, amethysts, blue sapphires, blue topazes, tsavorites, and yellow and orange sapphires line up in a radiant chromatic composition. 112 baguette-cut gemstones edge its bezel in studied hues that echo the subtle shades of the 48 gemstones set on the dial and the indexes. The UNICO manufacture HUB1242 chronograph flyback mechanism with double clutch mechanism and column wheel appears in contrast. Putting the finishing touches to this jewellery piece, the celestial phenomenon unfolds across the alligator and natural rubber strap and illuminates the buckle clasp set with 30 other gemstones. Available for CHF 330.000.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Hublot #Hublot #HublotHighJewellery

The breathtaking crystalline beauty and the stunning phenomenon of the Blue Grotto inspires Hublot to renew its tribute to Capri. It is the third masterpiece created as an homage to the Italian island. Furthermore, in 2018, the Swiss watch manufacturer launched there a watch model in collaboration with Italia Independent. Click here for the previous post.

When the Art of Fusion reveals itself in nature, Hublot’s designers couldn’t help but be inspired! The new Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri features the bright blue colour of the waters that sparkle in the depths of the cave. And just like the magic of summer – its intensity and the fleeting impression of time it embodies – Hublot has created a special edition of just 30 numbered pieces, available exclusively in the boutique on the island.

«Symbolising “la dolce vita”, Capri is dotted with secret coves, sunny lanes to be discovered, clifftop flower gardens and balconies lined with pine, lemon and olive trees. Boasting dizzying views over the sumptuous Bay of Naples, the pearl of Southern Italy is a veritable treasure trove which inspired Hublot to set up its boutique there in 2017. We think it deserves to be celebrated again.»
Ricardo Guadalupe – CEO of HUBLOT

 The 45-mm case is made of polished black ceramic with a satin finish, surrounded by a bezel which is machined from ceramic in a vivid turquoise blue. The same wave of blue is seen lapping around the striated rubber strap and brings the dial of the chronograph to life with its chiaroscuro effect. This timepiece contains the HUB1143 self-winding chronograph movement with a power reserve of 42 hours.

The summery feel and contemporary design of this unisex model is perfect for the longest, hottest days of the year, especially as it features ceramic: a lightweight, hypoallergenic material which warms to body temperature.

Classic Fusion Chronograph Special Edition Capri
Limited to 30 pieces, Price: 12’900 CHF / 13’400 EUR / 13’600 USD / 11’200 GBP.

I will be in Capri next week, let me know if you want one… 🙂

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot
#Hublot #ClassicFusionCapri #HublotLovesSummer

In an ever-changing world, Hublot stays true to its philosophy of being first, unique, different: unveiling a new Big Bang, christened Millennial Pink, designed in collaboration with Garage Italia and Lapo Elkann. A new approach to timekeeping, one which looks to the future, setting trends. More than a watch, it is a state of mind. Gender Neutral.

«At Hublot, we are particularly proud of the Art of Fusion. But the list of things we cherish also includes the ability to innovate, to change, to be different, and, of course, our watchmaking expertise. This Big Bang Millennial Pink that we have created with Lapo Elkann from Garage Italia sits perfectly within this pioneering vision. Our expertise in materials technology has enabled us to create a unique colour for this watch, Millennial Pink, symbolic of the world available to us, in its constant state of flux.»
Ricardo Guadalupe – CEO of HUBLOT

«At Garage Italia, we want to be part of a world where the character of every person is defined by their love of life and their inclusivity, rather than by their power or their superiority. More than simply a product, we want to create something which represents a positive change.»
Lapo Elkann – FOUNDER & CREATIVE CHAIRMAN of GARAGE ITALIA

For some, it is powder pink or pastel; for others, a subtle blend of beige and salmon, apricot and grapefruit. Intriguing and undefinable, Millennial Pink takes its place today as a pink which is not in the exclusive realm of women, nor that of men, but truly a symbol of a completely new generation. This special hue marks a seismic shift which will change the status quo: established traditional values are being reconsidered through a lens of positivity. Pink – this pink – expresses a gentle, inclusive and confident approach to life. A fresh, young vision, full of substance, which redefines style.

This chromatic illustration of a new era could not escape the notice of Lapo Elkann, Founder & Creative Chairman of Garage Italia, and his team. It is this way of thinking, shared by Hublot and its partner Garage Italia, which gave rise to the Big Bang Millennial Pink.

Its 42-mm case sets the tone: made from modern, lightweight aluminium, a unisex and monochrome material, anodised, satin-finished and through-tinted millennial pink. This technical feat has been made possible thanks to research undertaken by Hublot’s engineers. This highly specific colour is obtained by anodisation, a process which both protects and decorates a part, and which has the advantage of giving the case and its components the desired pastel shade combined with remarkable resistance to scratches and impacts. Its proportions ensure it sits perfectly on any wrist. Gender Neutral. The Unico chronograph manufacture movement, boasting a 72-hour power reserve, has a chronograph mechanism on the dial side and a column wheel.

The highly versatile Big Bang Millennial Pink is supplied with two straps. The first is made from rubber and has a deployant buckle made from titanium covered with a decorative layer of the same anodised and satin-finished millennial pink aluminium as the case. The second strap is a mix of Velcro and knitted PES fabric, and is secured with a sporty buckle in millennial pink anodised and polished aluminium. The two straps are easily interchangeable thanks to Hublot’s exclusive patented One Click system.

Disruptive, creating new codes for traditional luxury, the Big Bang Millennial Pink produced in collaboration with Garage Italia will only be available in a very exclusive limited edition of 200 pieces. Price: CHF 19.900,  € 20.700, $ 20.900 or £ 17.300.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht
This post is sponsored. To stay up-to-date, follow: @Hublot #Hublot #BigBangMillennialPink

Once steeped in the opulent luxury and tranquillity of this setting, who wouldn’t want to suspend time and never have to return to normality? Fully renovated, one of my favorite hotels in the world, the legendary Eden Rock on Saint Barthélémy just reopened its doors again, two years after the resort was hit by Hurricane Irma. United by their shared values, Hublot and Oetker Collection are continuing their collaboration, with two brand new Classic Fusion models being added to the Eden Being collection featuring exclusive custom-made pieces.

A 45 mm chronograph version provides a glimpse of the self-winding movement, and a second 38 mm version dazzles, set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds. These are available as ultra limited editions – just 25 of each model – which can be engraved with the initials of their future owners. They will be available first of all at Eden Rock – St Barths, and also through the Oetker Collection network and Hublot boutiques.

Usain Bolt and Ricardo Guadalupe at the launch event in Saint Barths.

Eden Rock – Saint Barths has played host to glittering stars including Greta Garbo. Excellence, exclusivity and exuberance are just a few of the qualities that Hublot and Oetker Collection share to delight their clientele. Its forthcoming reopening provides an opportunity to renew our collaboration through a Classic Fusion model for men and one for women. Even though, once there, you are sure to stop counting the hours…
Ricardo Guadalupe
CEO Hublot

Drawing inspiration from Eden Rock Saint Barths the two timepieces feature details that ensure this mythical place lives on in memory. This exceptional hotel boasts a history dating back to the 1950s, regularly visited by illustrious personalities representing all facets of the world’s rich cultural heritage, from music to cinema and literature, as well as artists seeking inspiration.

The HUB1155 skeleton self-winding chronograph movement showcases the collaboration with Eden Rock St Barths at 3 o’clock. The second watch sparkles with precious diamonds symbolising eternity, with the white lacquer of its dial set with 10 rubies. These two timepieces are available with three straps: a white alligator strap delicately edged with red thread, along with white and red full rubber straps, both finely ribbed.

Deliberately white like the pristine sand of the beach or the sun-bleached walls – everyone will have their own interpretation – the watch has a single touch of colour; the famous Eden Rock red. These creative and aesthetic choices conjure up the perfect getaway.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot

HUBLOT has always pushed the boundaries of traditional watchmaking industry. This year, the watchmaker is celebrating ten years since the creation of Bitcoin by launching the brand-new Big Bang Meca-10 P2P limited edition watch, available for purchase exclusively online with Bitcoins and also featuring the transaction number engraved on the edge of the bezel, rendering each piece unique.

«This is the kind of dynamism and innovation that our partners in Asia delight in. It is a visionary approach that fully corresponds to Hublot’s vision. Through its partnership with OSL, this first P2P watch allows us to continue to explore future avenues.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

Bitcoin was created only just ten years ago in November 2008. This famous cryptocurrency, a virtual asset stored in digital form, was invented by Satoshi Nakamoto, a name used by the mysterious person – or persons – whose identity remains a mystery to this day. In any case, the peer to peer – P2P – payment system has attracted a large following of users and investors accepting payment for their transactions.

Ricardo Guadalupe and Wayne Trench launch the Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 P2P

A trailblazer in new technological and societal trends, Hublot has decided to mark the ten year anniversary of Bitcoin by launching the first watch that can only be purchased using Bitcoin. It will be sold exclusively via e-commerce and can only be ordered and paid for online. Such innovation was made possible through a collaboration with OS Limited (OSL), Asia’s leading digital asset brokerage. This makes Hublot the first big watchmaking brand to enter this sector.

«OSL is excited to collaborate with Hublot and LVMH, an industry leader in the luxury world, to enable a digital asset industry first. As investors are increasingly looking to diversify their investment portfolio by adding digital assets with generally low correlations to traditional asset classes, we are committed to providing our clients with industry leading trading solutions to support their investment journey.»
Dave Chapman, Chairman and Co-founder of OSL

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P is a limited edition of 210 timepieces, a reference to the global limit of Bitcoins, which is fixed at 21 million.

True to the innovative design expected from the Big Bang collection, the “P2P” watch has a 45 mm case made from microblasted black ceramic. When we talk about ceramics in a Hublot watch, this does not mean clay-based pottery, but rather a high-tech material of zirconium dioxide pressed at a very high temperature. The Art of Fusion that is so dear to watchmakers and engineers at the Nyon manufacture.

It houses a HUB1201 manufacture calibre, a skeleton movement offering an exceptional 10-day power reserve. A number that was not chosen at random: Ten to mark the number of years the Bitcoin has existed. Each of the 210 pieces is unique: Manufactured for its wearer bearing the identification number of the transaction made via Bitcoin. Another reference to cryptocurrency can be found in the Blockchain inspired design – the interconnection network of computers on which virtual money works – on the blue calfskin leather strap which is lined with black rubber.

The Big Bang Meca-10 P2P was presented a few days ago in Hong Kong, where OSL headquarters is located. Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, greeted special guests at an event of technological splendour. Visitors entered through a captivating tunnel with an interactive display showing the world of cryptocurrency, and the unique payment system that enables Hublot to accept payment in Bitcoin.

A revolutionary milestone in the watchmaking world!
YOU CAN ORDER THE HUBLOT BIG BANG MECA-10 P2P HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot

Why do all good things happen at the same time? Last week, I was invited by HUBLOT to join them in Capri for the launch of an amazing nautically-inspired piece in collaboration with ITALIA INDEPENDENT. As I had my girls’ weekend in Belgrade, I couldn’t go unfortunately but I still want to share this with you as I find the watch a true must-have. Paying tribute to Lapo Elkann’s passion and love for the sea by drawing inspiration from the nautical world and from his own experiences and memories within.

Lapo Elkan working on the new Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent.

It has been several years since the Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia, Lapo Elkann, and HUBLOT were discussing about a nautical-related watch. And for good reasons. From his earliest childhood, Lapo was cradled by the movement of the waves, thanks to his iconic grandfather who was himself passionate about sailing. Lapo even won the famous race, the Fastnet, with his brother aboard the mythical Stealth.

Lapo Elkann’s legendary grandfather, L’Avvocato (the lawyer), Gianni Agnelli, had indeed an all-consuming passion for sailing. This was to such an extent that he was responsible for creating Azzurra, the first Italian team and challenge to win the America’s Cup. During his enthralling life, he had several yachts built so that he could indulge in his favourite sport.

Saint Tropez 90 – Gianni Agnelli with model Elle Macpherson and Tim Jefferies on his yacht.

In the mid-1990s, he ordered from the naval architect German Frers an exceptional, unique sailing boat whose name Stealth was a nod to the American Air Force’s F-117 fighters which were capable of avoiding radar detection. Like these aircrafts and thanks to the visionary Gianni Agnelli, this superyacht displayed the technical characteristic, a first at the time, of the wide use of Kevlar carbon and other composite material. The yacht was characterised by cutting-edge geometrical shapes, which together with the carbon fiber black sails would have a great influence on Lapo Elkann’s work as a designer.

Lapo Elkann and Ricardo Guadalupe unveiling the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent in Capri last week.

«This new project made us aware of the unsuspected links between the world of sailing and our watchmaking expertise, including, for example, the use of materials and techniques that are at the forefront of innovation we have managed to combine with traditional teak wood. A perfect match between technology and tradition, or the very meaning of the Art of Fusion! Here, our partnership with Lapo Elkann and his brand Italia Independent takes on an emotional, creative and technical dimension.»
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot

Paying tribute to this passion, HUBLOT and Lapo Elkann have once again come together to make a watch. And what setting could be more appropriate for its presentation than the blue of the island of Capri? It was here in the Hublot boutique on the main street Vittorio Emanuele, that guests were able to discover the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent, the production of which will be limited to 100 pieces.

Based on the legendary Big Bang Unico chronograph, this watch uses the style codes of the yachts of the late Gianni Agnelli, Azzurra, Agneta, Extra Beat, Stealth and particularly the Tiketitoo, whose hull was stained a warm golden colour. The case and the push-pieces are machined in King Gold, a unique alloy of gold and platinum developed by the HUBLOT manufacture. On the dial, the indexes are in orange while its bezel is cut out of teak, a precious wood usually adorning the deck of the finest boats. With a 45-mm diameter and water resistance to 100 metres, the watch encloses the UNICO HUB1242 calibre house chronograph movement, which has a 72-hour power reserve. This masterpiece of technology and watchmaking expertise is visible through the sapphire glass mounted on the back of the watch.

«As long as I can remember, sailing has been part of my life. I have spent many hours sailing the Mediterranean, like here in Capri or off the coast of Brazil.
I started very young thanks to my grandfather Gianni Agnelli love story with incredible boats which I was lucky to sail on. Each of them has a special memory but Stealth has a special place not only for his unrepeated, one of kind design but also because of our victory of the Fastnet with it.
I am therefore very proud to be able to pay tribute to him with this new watch.
A maritime spirit that has been perfectly restored thanks to the technical expertise of our partner Hublot.»
Lapo Elkann, Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia

Each model of the Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent has two straps. The first, inspired by the world of regattas, is cut out of a real boat sail in Kevlar carbon with a rubber base. The second, which is orange and striped, is made entirely of rubber. The watch is fitted with the revolutionary One Click system which means that both straps are interchangeable at whim.

The 100 pieces of the Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent watches will be delivered in a case containing a pair of Italia Independent sunglasses whose frames uses the same teak wood as the bezel of the watch. Do you fancy setting sail?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: ©Hublot and via L’Avvocato

My avid readers know how much I love Munich, the city I lived in for eight years and the place where many important events in my life took place. Every little corner holds a memory. Therefore I was over the moon when HUBLOT invited me to join them for a «Wiesn Gaudi» to celebrate the launch of the amazing BIG BANG BAVARIA in bronze. Two renowned houses, HUBLOT & MEINDL, have joined forces to fuse innovation and tradition to celebrate Bavarian craftmanship and what could be more appropriate to present this «Art of Fushion» during the world’s most renowned festival—Oktoberfest?!

Traditions provide new generations with a unique way of reconnecting with their identity, it is why they last. Braudel said that in order to hope, in order to move forward, we also need to know where we come from.The Big Bang Bavaria is a concentration of history and traditions.

Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot

When I arrived, I was brought directly to my hotel, Roomers Munich, which celebrated its soft opening during those days. Unfortunately, there was no time for me to change as the minute I entered the lobby, I had to leave immediately due to a fire alarm. What a pity!

In my beautiful room waited a surprise for me: a MEINDL dirndl that features ultra soft buckskin, the iconic material MEINDL has been relentlessly working with for many decades on its traditional production.

With Ricardo Guadalupe enjoying the first beer after the unveiling of the Big Bang Bavaria.

As if I had a premonition of what was to come, I was dressed already in Bavarian style and ready to go to the HUBLOT Boutique on Munich’s prestigious Maximilianstrasse where the BIG BANG BAVARIA was unveiled at 4pm on the dot in true «Wiesn» spirit with Markus Meindl, CEO of Meindl, present uttering the cry «O’zapft is», Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, opened the first barrel of the event just like at the Oktoberfest. It took three taps of the mallet to get the beer flowing.

«O’zapft is» – Markus Meindl and Ricardo Guadalupe

But how does the new watch look like? Cut from bronze, a material created in 3000 BC that has the advantages of non-magnetism, resistance to corrosion and a unique appearance, it is strapped onto two robust, hand-embroidered bracelets in deer leather.

Centuries of expertise and tradition lie behind the BIG BANG BAVARIA strap. Firstly, the craftsmanship of a family that has been passing down its passion for leather from father to son since 1683. The BIG BANG BAVARIA strap is reminiscent of the «Lederhosen», the short leather breeches that originated in Bavaria and have been the traditional clothing of the mountain people since the 18th century.

Just like the garment from which the strap draws inspiration, it is cut in deer leather and hand-embroidered with a pattern only possible to create on deer leather. Traditional sewing gives a 3D effect to the leather tanned using the MEINDL tradition.

It takes 3 to 4 months to tan the hide using an age-old technique. The hides are salted then plunged into a limestone-based liquid before being washed, then treated by hand with cod-liver oil and dried. The last two steps are repeated several times until the leather is entirely soaked with the oil. The hide is left to dry in the sun to develop a light brown colour. To bring out the velvet character of the leather is then rubber with sandpaper. MEINDL then applies and brushes the leather with several tropical wood bark colorants, a procedure repeated up to 5 times. The products used are all without preservatives or chemicals to respect nature.

Big Bang Bavaria version one

Delivered with two «One Click» straps, the BIG BANG BAVARIA easily changes its look thanks to its patented attachment system. There’s a version with a cuff in natural light brown deer leather, enhanced by two leather tabs embroidered with a deer head. The second version comes in «altsalzburg» (black-brown)-coloured deer leather, embroidered with oak leaves.

Big Bang Bavaria version two

The BIG BANG BAVARIA beats to the rhythm of Unico, the Hublot manufacture movement, with 330 components for a 72-hour power reserve—a self-winding bidirectional movement with a flyback chronograph and a column wheel on the side of the dial.

The BIG BANG BAVARIA is available now in the Hublot Boutiques (88 all around the world) in a limited edition of 100 pieces for  CHF 26900 / € 27900.

After our first beer in the boutique, we went to the one & only Käfer’s-Wiesn-Schänke – a must at the Oktoberfest – also for HUBLOT! While enjoying the iconic Bavarian «Schmankerl», the crispy duck and knödel (dumplings), I was singing to the amusement of my table-mates (all from the countries) to all the German songs played by the live band. But no worries, I can be pretty contagious and finally we were all  standing on the seats, dancing the night away.

Such a great piece but unfortunately a little too big on me… 

One of those trips I will always remember and a new memory added to one of my favorite cities. Thank you Hublot! Please create a BIG BANG BAVARIA in dirndl-style. I am convinced I would not be the only one loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht