Hublot, the indispensable name of gripping brand partnerships and limited models, is under the spotlight with its World Boxing Council themed model.
Limited and/or special edition watches are among the products preferred by many brands in the watchmaking industry. However, it is not possible to talk about the same success for every model. Hublot is one of the leading names in this field. Thematic models, brand partnerships, different materials... These are the first things that come to mind when we think of Hublot's famous Art of Fusion motto.
These models, which do not appeal to every user profile, cannot avoid being the target of harsh criticism and polarized comments. The primary element that shapes our passion for watches is our taste and style. However, before we start to criticize such a model, I think showing some sympathy for the effort and care taken to transfer the theme to the model will change our perspective quite a lot. In a positive way, of course.
Hoping that this paragraph had a positive effect, I will continue with the model that is the guest of our Hands-On corner.
The WBC José Sulaimán Boxers Fund, established in 2012 in conjunction with Hublot, aims to protect the athletes’ safety, health, and well-being. Since its creation, the Fund has raised and distributed over $1.2 million to retired boxers with financial and medical hardships for housing, living expenses, and medical costs. Hublot demonstrates a continued commitment to the WBC by auctioning off one-of-a-kind packages with all proceeds going to the Fund. The unique packages included the chance to get in the ring at the Canelo vs. Jacobs fight the next day, throwing the first pitch for one of the top MLB teams, and a private boxing lesson from a WBC Heavyweight Champion. Additionally, a raffle and silent auction featured exclusive items such as the last known glove signed by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, a golf club signed by Dustin Johnson, among a pair of shoes signed by Kobe Bryant. The evening was a knockout success as Hublot and the WBC raised 1.2 million dollars, all of which will go to the José Sulaimán Boxers Fund!
The brand produced two different models for this significant partnership. The model we selected for review, one of which is limited to 50 pieces and the other is limited to 100 pieces, is the version that stands out with its green ceramic case and is limited to 100 pieces (Ref. 411.GX.1189.LR.WBC19).
The model comes with a matt green ceramic bezel. Designed in classic Big Bang style, the 45mm case is equipped with sapphire crystals on both sides and is water-resistant to 100 meters. While the mid-body of the case is made of black resin, the black rubber seal covered winding crown, chronograph pushers, H-shaped screws, and easy-strap-change pushers are all made of 18K gold.
The model hosts a skeleton dial laid-out in Bi-Compax chronograph style with thematic details as well. Thanks to the dark green Super-LumiNOVA application, the hands and indices offer optimal legibility under darker conditions. The small seconds counter at 9 o’clock features a striking WBC logo. The dial sports a date display among the successfully applied thematic accents in green and gold colors. The caliber, which offers a theme-compatible image with its dark-finish components, is visible through the perforated parts of the dial.
Hublot Big Bang Unico WBC beats with the manufacture Caliber UNICO HUB1242 movement. The 38-jewel automatic movement beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28800vph) and offers 72 hours/3 days of power reserve when fully wound. The caliber, which hosts hours, minutes, small seconds, and date functions in addition to the Bi-Compax chronograph feature with column wheel coordinator, also impresses with its ruthenium-coated plate and bridges as well as its tungsten rotor.
Another thematic component of the model, which is limited to 100 units, is its strap. The stylish strap, prepared with a combination of green alligator leather on a black rubber lining, carries the distinctive design of the iconic boxing championship belt to the wrists. Thanks to the pushers on the case, the strap can be removed and installed in seconds. A black PVD coated titanium folding clasp with the Hublot logo secures the strap.
