Hublot has released three new limited edition pieces to celebrate their love of football and the association they have with the Argentina Football team.
Argentina is a footballing nation and has had some of the world’s football greats play for it. From the infamous (but still brilliant) Maradona, to the modern-day hero, and arguably one of the best ever, Lionel Messi – it is a nation that lives and breathes the sport. Hublot also loves Football, now having had an association with the sport since 2006 and creating many partnerships along the way. Their association with Argentine Football goes back almost as far, with Hublot creating a special edition Big Bang Maradona, limited to 250 pieces in 2010 and again in 2012 with a King Bang.
Argentina was again at the center of the Footballing world when they won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, narrowly beating France in a penalty decider after the scores were locked at 3-3. Hublot, having begun its partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) just prior decided to cement this with several limited edition pieces, of which have come to life this week in the form of two Hublot Big Bang Unico models and a Classic Fusion model.
As you can see, each piece is tied back the Argentine Football Team and the World Cup Win with several design elements on the watches, most notably the light blue colours of the Big Bang Unico pieces, which is seen on the National Flag of Argentina along with the team shirts. For those Argintine fans, or just lovers of Football, the Classic Fusion is decked out in the colours of Argentina’s “Away” jersey when playing.
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On the small seconds subdial of each, which are done in white with King Gold markers, hands and outer tracks, is the laser-engraved reproduction of the authentic World Cup, awarded to the team in 2022. This is a nice touch as it doesn’t detract from the overall design of the watches, which can happen in some cases with tribute or collaboration pieces, and is a fitting tribute to the team.
Another common element these three pieces have is the use of the Chronograph. Chronographs have long been associated with sports and the timing of it, and having this complication in each is just another way Hublot ties the watches in with the Argentine Football Team. In the Big Bang Unico models is the HUB1280 Flyback Chronograph movement, beating at 4Hz and with a 72 hour power reserve. This gives the wearer the ability to time events effortlessly thanks to the column wheel and vertical clutch set up in Hublot’s in-house chronograph movement. Alternatively, the Classic Fusion is powered by the HUB1143 calibre, still beating at 4Hz and with a 42 hour power reserve.
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Both Big Bang Unico models are done in Hublot’s 42mm size. The first in King Gold, Hublot’s proprietary Rose Gold alloy that mixes Platinum with the gold to give it a gentler hue compared to stand 18k 5N Rose Gold. The other is done in Titanium, making the piece super light when combined with the Sky Blue ceramic bezel and white ceramic middle casing. Both have Hublot’s quick change system to swap out the strap, which makes it a breeze for those who want to change up the look of the watch as each comes with an additional white rubber strap for that ultra-fresh look!
The Classic Fusion in the dark blue is 45mm in size, so slightly larger, but these wear a little smaller than suggested thanks to the construction and design of the case and the thickness at 13mm is almost 1.5mm less than the Big Bang Unico. Less summery, this piece is potentially more versatile thanks to the colour and design, with the added King Gold crown and chronograph pushers adding a little more sophistication to the overall look.
All three pieces are limited editions, and some are more so than others. The Hublot Big Bang Unico in King Gold is limited to just 10 pieces worldwide, making it the rarest of all three watches. The Big Bang Unico Titanium is limited to 25 pieces worldwide and finally, the Classic Fusion has been done in a run of 140 pieces. Meaning if these are right up your alley, you may want to talk to your local Hublot Boutique quickly as these, like most other Hublot limited edition get sold out quickly.
Initial Thoughts
Having done several deep dives into Hublot, and how the brand operates and makes its pieces, I can fully appreciate each of these new pieces. When I first saw these come through, I instantly gravitated towards the Big Bang Unico Titanium – that Sky Blue colour combination with the Titanium and white middle case works beautifully, and makes it slightly more subtle than the Big Bang Unico Sky Blue. I like blue, but that may be a little too much for my tastes.
The Classic Fusion on the other hand gives people a more subtle, less eye-catching choice should they want that, and with the touches of the rose-coloured King Gold, adds a little more elegance to the piece. Could this have worked better in the 42mm size to appease those who don’t love larger watches? Possibly. But as mentioned previously, they wear less like a 45mm, and in my eyes, more like a 43mm so it won’t catch too many people off guard. In any event, these are a fitting tribute to the World Champions, and a great way to solidify a partnership between Hublot and the AFA.
References: 441.OE.2080.RX.AFA24 (King Gold) / 441.NE.2080.RX.AFA24 (Titanium) / 521.NL.7180.RX.AFA24 (Classic Fusion)
Specification:
- Size: 42mm, 14.5mm thick (Big Bang Unico) / 45mm, 13.05mm thick (Classic Fusion)
- Case: King Gold or Titanium with light blue ceramic (Big Bang Unico) / Titanium with bark blue ceramic (Classic Fusion)
- Dial: Matt white with white counters (Big Bang Unico) / Sunray blue plated with Silver counter (Classic Fusion)
- Crystal: Sapphire with Anti-reflective coating with faceted edges
- Case back: Satin-brushed King Gold or Titanium
- Movement: HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture Self-winding Chronograph Flyback Movement with Column Wheel / HUB1143 Self-winding Chronograph (Classic Fusion). Both beating at 4Hz / 28,800 Vph
- Power reserve: 72 hrs (Big Bang Unico) / 42 hrs (Classic Fusion)
- Water resistance: 100m (Big Bang Unico) / 50m (Classic Fusion)
- Strap: Sky Blue and white rubber strap with additional white rubber strap with 18K King Gold and Titanium /titanium Deployant Buckle (Big Bang Unico). Blue Lined Rubber Strap with Stainless Steel Deployant Buckle (Classic Fusion)
Australian Recommended Retail Pricing: POA
Availability: Big Bang King Gold is limited to 10 pieces, Titanium is limited to 25 pieces and the Classic Fusion is limited to 140 pieces. Speak to your local boutique for more information.
