Hublot Unveils Its Big Bang Ferrari in Japan

Big Bang Ferrari

Luxury Swiss watch brand, Hublot, the official timekeeper of the Ferrari Challenge, unveiled the Big Bang Ferrari in Japan during the Ferrari Racing Days Suzuka 2012, held in Suzuka City, March 16 - 18.

Ferrari Racing Days Suzuka 2012 is one of largest events in the world for the Italian car manufacturer. One of its highlights was the Concorso d’Eleganza supported by Hublot, which brought together 18 classic cars from the 1950s and ‘60s.

Hublot’s Chairman, Jean-Claude Biver, attended the event—which included a charity auction in support of Ishinomaki City, affected by the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Hublot donated a Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold, for auction. The winning bid was 4.1 million Japanese yen ($49,100). Biver personally topped topped the bid with an additional $4,800.

Hublot Chairman, Jean-Claude Biver

The Big Bang Ferrari (top picture), a collaboration with the Italian car manufacturer, underwent its first update since it was launched in 2005. The design was done in collaboration with Ferrari. A larger case (45.5 mm in diameter), more power and more mechanical features, a cylindrical bezel that offers added depth, the movement which can be seen through the sapphire dial, an indexed crown (with the H logo which is automatically positioned to remain in line), elongated push buttons fixed along a rotating axis like the pedals in a car, carbon inserts on the case profile, two interchangeable straps, and the same tone-on-tone stitching used on Ferrari upholstery. The Ferrari Prancing Horse logo is featured discreetly in relief at 9 o'clock. A minute counter is positioned at 3 o'clock (completed by a yellow date window), and the hand and the style of the indexes are inspired by the counters in a Ferrari.

Finally, the Ferrari-endorsed pieces are made with Hublot’s Magic Gold, a scratch-resistant 18k gold the watch manufacturer introduced three months ago.

The timepiece was first unveiled approximately a week earlier at Baselworld 2012 in Switzerland.

In November 2011, Hublot became the watchmaking partner of Ferrari. It is a comprehensive agreement covering all the activities of Ferrari and Hublot, both in terms of brand image and the commercial activities of both companies.

Hublot and Ferrari Become Partners

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot (left), and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari S.p.A, seal the deal at the Mugello International Circuit. Photo credit: Raphael Faux.

Luxury Swiss watch brand Hublot says it has entered into a “comprehensive agreement” with the Italian sports car manufacturer, Ferrari, merging the brand images and the commercial activities of both companies.

The two companies say this collaboration will be more that the creation of watch collections, operating a license, or a sponsorship agreement. It’s described in a joint statement as a “genuine exchange between the two brands, a pooling of resources and information.”

Under the arrangement, Hublot becomes the exclusive watchmaking partner in the full range of Ferrari’s activities. This includes the “Official Watch” of Ferrari, “Official Timekeeper” of Ferrari, “Official Timekeeper” of Scuderia Ferrari, “Official Watch” of Scuderia Ferrari, “Official Timekeeper” of the Ferrari Challenge, and partners in Ferrari special events.

Jean-Claude Biver flanked by members of the Ferrari racing team. Photo credit: Raphael Faux

The partnership was announced November 5 during the Finali Mondiali Ferrari race at the Mugello International Circuit—the world finals event that traditionally marks the end of the Prancing Stallion's sports season. The new partnership will then head to the emerging markets of China and the Middle East. Ferrari is a leading luxury brands in China and Hublot is establishing itself in the country with 3 boutiques currently and 12 openings planned by the end of 2012.

“Exclusivity, technology, passion, style: Hublot and Ferrari share many core values and this new partnership between two such highly prestigious brands is an important milestone for both,” said Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari S.p.A.

“This collaboration, rich in a host of synergies, gives Hublot a massive boost along the road,” added Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot.

Timepiece Tuesday: Watches and Cars

 

Cars and watches have gone together since the early days of driving. Whether the person is an antique car enthusiast, a luxury car lover, or someone who demands performance and speed, watch brands have always created timepieces that catered to these passions. Below is a selection of new watches that are designed to fuel the passionate car enthusiast.

Frédérique Constant Honors Peking to Paris Participants
Frédérique Constant on October 16 welcomed the participants of the 2010 edition of the Peking to Paris Rally, an antique car race that spans 14,360 km (8,930 miles) through 11 countries (opening photo).\

The race, billed as “'The Ultimate Driving Adventure” began September 10 at the Great Wall of China and ended in Place Vendôme at the Frédérique Constant finish line. A total of 103 teams of drivers struggled through difficult terrain, extreme weather conditions and mechanical mishaps. In the Frederique Constant VIP Area, guests were able to preview the brand’s new Peking to Paris Limited Edition timepieces (image not available). The collection will be launched officially during BaselWorld, the international watch & jewelry fair, being held March 2011 in Basel, Switzerland.

The Swiss watch brand hosted a gala dinner for all participants on October 17 at the InterContinental Paris-Le Grand (above photo). During the dinner, Peter Stas, Frederique Constant founder and CEO, awarded “The Spirit of the Rally” prize to Daniel Ward and David Ingleby who drove a 1914 Lancia Theta, one of the oldest cars in the race. The award is given to the team that overcame the most obstacles during the grueling race.

The Shelby Mustang Watch 

MARCH LA.B has rolled out a limited-edition Shelby watch that commemorates the 1968 Shelby EXP 500 Mustang hardtop prototype, Edmunds InsideLine reports. A total of 200 watches will be made. The Shelby watch has a black "chassis" and a wood dial that are meant to imitate the look of the EXP 500's dashboard. The car that serves as muse, known as the Green Hornet, had a custom Shelby hood, independent suspension and fuel-injected 428 "X" engine. The watch will be available starting November 10, at an as-yet-unannounced price.

A New Ferrari Collection
Ferrari Stores of the world are bringing out a limited edition of 299 Ferrari Paddock Chronograph timepieces, Edmunds InsideLine reports. The new watch is actually a set of three Paddock Chronograph models, which come in green, white or red lacquered presentation boxes. One is a Black Carbon version that comes with a pair of Prancing Horse logo cuff links made of carbon fiber and stainless steel. Another has a Ferrari-logo-shaped paperweight and the third has a special Ferrari jacquard necktie. All three have leather straps with Ferrari shield embossing, matte polished stainless steel case and Swiss quartz movements. They are priced starting at the equivalent of $1,050 at Ferrari's stores or online.

The Spyker Supercar Watch
Dutch supercar manufacturer and Saab owner Spyker launched its own line of fine watches, MotorCrave writes. Manufactured by Geneva-based Thierry Chaunu of Expression D’Artistes International, the watches feature Spyker badge bezels, hand stitched leather bands and a variety of components that take inspiration from Spyker design. The watch will be offered in 18K grey and rose gold finishes, of which 250 examples each will be made, and polished steel and matt black titanium finishes, of which 1,000 each. Prices range from $9,750 to $30,500.