Hublot and its genius CEO Jean Claude Biver has launched an all black ceramic case monster! The King Bang series is an entirely new design as far as I’m concerned and executed perfectly.
If you are looking for a ceramic case watch you are probably familiar with the usual long waiting list from most Swiss companies. Paying double the list price is quite ordinary as well. Hublot has led the chase in the ceramic luxury market in both research and development and wonderful designs that will of course stand the test of time. As you can tell I’m a Big Bang and now even bigger King Bang fan.
I only write about timepieces that as a Watchmaker I would consider to be “upper tier” in the fine art and craftsmanship of Watchmaking. This model is all black and exudes a bold look of greatness. There is another model I have seen that has a red bezel and pushers that is absolutely stunning! My pick for best Hublot ever designed.
A little light on the ceramic portion of the new century of Watchmaking. If your thinking “ceramic is delicate and will crack” please be aware that ceramic is stronger than steel, is extremely light weight and the Swiss company that
manufactures the watch cases for most of the market works in other areas of ceramic manufacture as well. They are experts. The reason the ceramic watch cases are so expensive for the end user is due to waste. A lot of cases do not pass inspection and must be excluded from final ship and end up as trash.
The movement in these pieces is from my friends at La Joux Perret. I work on LJP movements almost daily. It doesn’t get much better than LJP. This one is the HUB44 RTF I believe. A split second chrono based on the rock solid ETA 7750 and taken to a level of perfection that only LJP can achieve.
The split second function is a complication addition to a normal chrono that must be serviced by trained Watchmakers at extremely high levels of perfection, schooling and patience. This complication alone brings forth a hefty price increase upon new movement sales to manufacturers, as well as the company having to have on staff Watchmakers of the highest caliber to take care of the after sales service of these fine micro machines.
I get asked all the time why so many Swiss companies are using this movement in their very expensive models. Answer, the movement simply works. It’s been around more than 20 years now, the patents have expired and that leaves the technology of the base caliber to be perfected by outside sources. If you would like to compare to another industry it would be what AMG does to a Mercedes Benz. An ETA 7750 derivative and a La Joux Perret caliber of the same base is simply two different movements, at two different executions of perfection levels.
I will be following Hublot a lot more around here. I highly recommend you have a look at Hublot at your local AD as well. Their pulse is in tune with the future of Swiss Watchmaking. Quite honestly, they are leading in so many areas.
The statistics are coming now…
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
Case
“King Power” diameter 48 mm in microblasted black ceramic
Bezel
Black microblasted ceramic with black rubber moulding, with 6 black
PVD-coated titanium raised H-shaped screws
Crystal
Sapphire crystal with interior/exterior anti-reflection treatment
Bezel
Black composite resin
Lateral inserts Black composite resin
Caseback
Black microblasted ceramic
Crown
Black PVD titanium with black rubber insert
Push-pieces Black PVD titanium with black rubber insert
Water-resistance
100 m or 10 ATM
Dial
Multi pieces with matt black microblasted additional counters and
flange; applique markers with black nickel treatment; black
SuperLuminova transfers
Hands
Brilliant black nickel chronograph hand; brilliant black nickel with black
SuperLuminova hours and minutes hands; brilliant black nickel with
black SuperLuminova split-seconds hand; brilliant black nickel with
black SuperLuminova foudroyante hand
Movement
Self-winding mechanical split-seconds foudroyante chronograph,
Hublot HUB44 RTF calibre developed with La Joux-Perret
Bridges
Polished, satin-finish with chamfered edges
Screws
Black PVD
Oscillating weight
Tungsten carbide with dimpled surface coated with black PVD
Bottom plate
Sand-blasted; rhodium-plated
Barrel
With reinforced spring
Escapement
Glucydur balance spring
Power reserve
42 hours
Strap
Adjustable jointed black rubber
Clasp
Black microblasted ceramic and black PVD steel deployant clasp
Limited Edition
500 numbered pieces 01/500 – 500/500
If Carlos Santana can wear a Big Bang so can you. Keep up the good work Hublot we love you!
Carlos, it’s King Bang time. . .