20 March 2015 | Hublot , 5 minutes on the wrist , When Watches meet Cars , Baselworld 2015

One of the most interesting things, for anyone who is passionate about watches and writes about them, is that at a fair you will finally be able to see and try on a timepiece that you might have discovered a month before.This opportunity is even more interesting if you’ve discovered a timepiece (two, in this case) that embodies two of your strongest passions, and that identifies a partnership that, contrary to some that have not been very successful in the past, will be remembered as one of the most successful co-branding (and co-design) operations of the last few years.

Ferrari and Hublot are very strong together, and the Hublot collection for Ferrari has become iconic in just 3 years. Hublot never stops, it’s in its DNA; it therefore continues to improve a collection that, for many, is already perfect, and would not really need further upgrades: good job!

The models I am talking about are those of which I gave a preview less than a month ago: the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Black and Grey Ceramic. These two timepieces not only strengthen the partnership with Maranello even further, but also celebrate 10 years from the birth of the Big Bang, which hasn’t simply been adjusted, but in fact reworked on the models from this collection.

This becomes clear when you try it on your wrist, and you look at it from up close: the dial is quite elaborate, with the central grid that lets you catch a glimpse of the UNICO movement, the quintessential Hublot manufacturing movement, automated with Flyback function and a 72 hours power reserve. The Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Black and Grey Ceramic use essentially two materials: ceramic (black or grey) and titanium (satin-finished or PVD). 

Something that no preview will ever be able to convey is how this watch actually fits: it is comfortable, fascinating and original, even though the dial’s refined geometry makes it a bit crowded at a first glance, but it is very technical, rich in references to the universe of sports cars, and it is the best for someone who’s passionate about motors (maybe this is in fact one of the strong points of this partnership, which was missing from previous ones). It is not too light, one of the typical weaknesses of timepieces made of titanium, ceramic or both materials, that can sometimes give the impression of a “toy watch”. The strap has been realized by Schedoni, a famous leather supplier from the Italian city of Modena, which for years has been making the interiors for the cabin of Maranello’s cars (GT and F1). Especially comfortable is the easy unfastening system, which reminds of Sabelt’s competitive seatbelts; the only downside in my opinion is that, once fastened, it is a little bit too lose, and this detail should in my opinion, be improved. Each version will be made in just 250 pieces and retailed at 24.800€.

(Photo credit: Horbiter's proprietary photo-shooting)

Gaetano C. @Horbiter - Watches & Luxury

TWITTER @Gaetano Cimmino

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