Monday Dec 30, 2024
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Wednesday, 15 October 2014 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Hublot CEO Ricardo Guadalupe is particularity proud to unveil three new pieces for 2014, which are already part of the Big Bang 45 mm family. The first is the aptly named ‘Big Bang Ferrari Ceramic Carbon’ with the mythic Ferrari Yellow, the second is the ‘Big Bang Ferrari King Gold’ with for the first time a full gold watch with its case and bezel. Finally the ‘Big Bang Ferrari Titanium Carbon’ with its famous red sapphire glass. All of them are equipped with the UNICO movement designed, developed, and produced entirely at the Hublot manufacture, the new symbol of the brand’s progress towards verticalisation.
The UNICO movement is designed, developed, machined and assembled by the micro-mechanical engineers, engineers and watchmakers at Hublot. It has a practical flyback chronograph which can be reset at any time, and which is unique in the watchmaking industry, two push-buttons, with date indicator, and featuring a uniquely positioned mechanism with dual coupling and the famous ‘column wheel’ visible on the dial side. Its development required a completely original approach and thinking outside the box: For example, the hour counter is driven directly by the barrel, and there is no jumper in the chronograph mechanism.
This simplification boosts reliability and robustness. Its pallet fork and escapement wheel are fixed to a removable platform and are made from silicium, whose lightness provides a guarantee of performance. Its construction, which incorporates just 330 components, has been simplified as much as possible in order to further increase robustness.
This result is the fruit of continual adjustments made since 2009, the year it was launched, which have been carried out jointly by the technical office, the laboratory and the after-sales service in the manufacture. Its frequency of 4hz/28,800 vibrations per hour and its immaculate finish are also a guarantee of high chronometric quality. Finally, its automated production, which includes automation of the machining, stone fitting, oiling and numerous assembly operations, also ensures consistent, controlled quality. Its power reserve is around 72 hours.
The carbon fibre bezel for the Big Bang Ferrari Ceramic Carbon is entirely designed, developed and manufactured by Hublot thanks to a team of specialists who joined the in-house team two years ago, and who understand all the production stages of its components perfectly. What sets it apart is the forging of all the carbon fibre components using the multi-layer principle: This involves the stacking of several sheets of carbon fibre (up to twelve for the thickest component), pressed into moulds and placed in polymerization ovens.
The advantage of this principle: No bubbles, therefore providing the material with excellent homogeneity as well as higher mechanical strength. The in-house machining is done on specially adapted machines with five spindles. Each component of the case and the movement is subjected to continual checks throughout the manufacturing process. For example, the water resistance of each timepiece is inspected three times during its assembly.
Finally, the mass of the red sapphire crystal for this model is coloured directly by adding chemical components during the development of the material. Thanks to this process, the colour is unalterable. The timepiece comes with two straps, in black or red schedoni leather stitched onto black rubber, which gives it a great deal of flexibility, comfort and durability.
Colombo Jewellery Stores is the sole agent for Hublot Watches for Sri Lanka. Hublot watches are available at Colombo Jewellery Stores located at No. 1 Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3.
