Hublot continues its collaboration with Lapo Elkann and Italia Independent with the presentation in Capri of this new limited edition of 100 copies. This time, it is a Big Bang Unico chronograph that evokes the marine world and more specifically, racing yachts with teak used in the design of the case.
Precious wood and especially teak remains a relatively rare natural material in watchmaking. It is mainly found in the Admiral collection - on dials - from Corum and some niche brands. Today, it is Hublot's turn to take an interest in this material. In fact, it has been several years since Hublot and Lapo Elkann, founder and artistic director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia, thought about a watch evoking the theme of sailing. And for good reason ... Indeed, from his earliest childhood, Elkann was lulled by the rhythm of the waves, thanks to a grandfather himself passionate about sailing. Moreover, between two evenings - often very wet - with the jet-set, Lapo even managed to win with his brother, the famous race Fastnet Race aboard the mythical Stealth. Recall that Gianni Agnelli, grandfather of Lapo Elkann nicknamed The avvocato (the lawyer), lived a real passion for sailing. He was even responsible for setting up Azzurra, the first Italian team to participate in the America's Cup!
Throughout his life, he owned several sailboats built to allow him to indulge in his favorite sport. In the mid-1990s, he commissioned naval architect German Frers to create a unique and unique sailing vessel, whose name Stealth was a nod to the American Air Force's F-117 fighter jets, capable of to avoid the radars. Like stealth aircraft, this super-yacht had the technical feature - a first in history - of using carbon Kevlar and other composite materials. This boat was also distinguished by ultra-modern geometric shapes that, combined with black carbon fiber sails, would have a great influence on the work of Lapo Elkann as a designer. This watch, a Big Bang Unico chronograph, uses the stylistic codes of Gianni Agnelli's sailboats: Azzurra, Agneta, Extra Beat, Stealth and more particularly the Tiketitoo, whose hull was covered with a soft golden color. The case and pushers are machined from King Gold, a unique alloy of gold and platinum developed by Hublot.
On the dial, the indices are orange, while the bezel is cut in teak, a precious wood often found on the deck of the most elegant boats. With 45 mm and a water resistance of up to 100 meters, this case houses the chronograph house movement, the Unico HUB1242, with a beautiful 72-hour power reserve. This Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent has two bracelets easily interchangeable thanks to the One Click system. The first, inspired by the regatta world, is carved in a real Kevlar carbon boat sail with a rubber base. The second, orange and striped, is entirely made of rubber. 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.
For more information visit: Hublot
