2017 marks the 70th anniversary of a certain automaker that will generate passion among automobile fans like no other. Synonymous with the colour red, this automaker also appears to have the most prosperous team in Formula One. Have you guessed it? The automaker is not any other than Ferrari. As the official watchmaking partner of Ferrari, Hublot introduced the Hublot Techframe Ferrari 70 Years Tourbillon Chronograph watch to mark the event earlier this season, but this is a brand new one-off variation made from PEEK Carbon and King Gold.The venture of Hublot and Ferrari is now into its fifth year, and it has produced many of Hublot’s most avant-garde and remarkable pieces like the Hublot MP-09 Tourbillon Bi-Axis (hands-on) watch along with the Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari watch (hands-on with the sapphire case variant), as well as more familiar Hublot fare such as Big Bang Ferrari (like the model we reviewed) editions.The Hublot Techframe Ferrari 70 Years Tourbillon Chronograph watch was unveiled earlier this year (hands-on), along with the specific version in the stuff you see here was created as a one-off piece for auction. It’s a technically impressive watch, clearly, using a chronograph function and tourbillon escapement. Designed in collaboration with Ferrari, the consequent watch, with its very architectural and bridge-like case layout, seems unlike any other Hublot watch before it.So what is unique about this watch? The Hublot Techframe Ferrari 70 Years Tourbillon Chronograph watch was initially created in three versions — King Gold, ceramic, and PEEK carbon — that were confined to 70 pieces each. This variant, however, uses a combination of PEEK carbon and King Gold together. The skeleton framework that shields the instance is made out of ultra light and robust PEEK carbon, although the case itself is made from King Gold. King Gold is the name of a ceramic and gold alloy developed by Hublot that includes a richer red colour in comparison with typical 5N reddish gold and is also much more challenging and more scratch-resistant.
First introduced last year, the Hublot Big Bang in clear sapphire returns with a new and improved case construction that’s been simplified and streamlined.
While the Big Bang Unico Magic Sapphire retains the recognisable design of the Big Bang – it remains the same size at 45mm in diameter – the case eliminates the titanium parts of the earlier model, as well as the multi-part construction of the bezel and case back.
This increases the transparency of the watch case, while making it easier to put together and more robust. That being said, the Big Bang Unico Magic Sapphire is water-resistant to 50m, instead of the 100m offered by its predecessor.
The movement inside remains the HUB 1242, an automatic calibre with a modular chronograph that has a flyback function.
Price and availability
The Big Bang Unico Magic Sapphire (ref. 411.JX.1170.RX) is limited to 500 watches, priced at US$57,900 or €57,100.