SHOW THE COLOUR!
When you combine a translucent, colourful case with a chronograph based on the legendary El Primero, you get one of the most surprising watches so far this year.
Hublot may not have access to all the alchemists’ secrets. But the brand’s ability to metamorphose materials never ceases to amaze. Since 2016, the firm has shown how sapphire can be shaped and coloured blue or red. This year, a newcomer to its colour chart can be found in the Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Sapphire. The colour of sunshine decorates the case, the bezel (held in place by six titanium screws) and the caseback. What’s more, the watch is as scratch-resistant as a diamond and surprisingly light on the wrist, thanks to the use of titanium, and weighs in at just 107 grams! Yellow is also in evidence on the dial. It is used for the central hour and minute hands, the hour markers, the running seconds and the two chronograph totalisers. These elements stand out perfectly against the monochrome grey, skeletoned workings of the mechanism.
All the features and complications are powered by an automatic mechanical movement generating 50 hours of power reserve. The architecture is on display through the transparent case. The calibre HUB4700 is based on the legendary El Primero by Zenith and runs at an impressive 36,000 vibrations per hour to guarantee faultless accuracy. It also drives the chronograph elements and controls a date displayed in a counter at 4.30.
The 100 pieces of the limited edition Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Sapphire are worn with a transparent yellow strap fitted with a titanium folding clasp.
Price: 104,000 EUR www.hublot.com
By Dan Diaconu