KIH captures the excitement of Hublot's Big Bang 10th Anniversary celebration in Tokyo, hosted at the Museum of Contemporary Art. His photo essay documents the event, showcasing the winning designs from the Big Bang competition and an extensive display of Hublot's iconic timepieces. This report offers a glimpse into the brand's global celebrations and its connection with the art and design world.
You may have noticed that it is Big Bang 10th Birthday year, and the celebratory dinner party world tour has begun!
In Tokyo, it was held at one of Tokyo Metropolitan's latest Museums - Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (
http://www.mot-art-museum.jp/eng/ ). I remember living around here, but clearly it was built while I was away. The venue is appropriate for any formal dinner event, just like the one at the Metropolitan in New York City.
Inside are the winning designs (see news central here:
www.watchprosite.com
). The guys "Big Game" already designs for Muji and such. Congratulations!
... and of course, Hublot Big Bang pieces and lots of display.
The number of guests was huge - probably 200 or more. The dining space is long and the stage is in the center where Mr. Biver made a very impressive opening remark.
The table setting is, well, Hublot.
The event was so fun (meeting many old friends and new) that I forgot to take the pics of super delicious dishes.
Without "his" cheese, no Hublot party can begin
Now, Mr. Biver speaks.
"Thank you, my friends. I love you all very, very much. I love success because it gives us proud and happiness.
...But I also HATE success because in success, there is already hidden 'bacteria' or hidden danger of NEXT miss-success. Because success makes people feel comfortable and when people feel comfortable, they become dangerous. Because when people feel comfortable, they start behaving with arrogance. And arrogance and self-satisfaction is the best way to break the company to the failure. That is why in this period of success of my brand, I am very careful, I repeat, I am very careful not let the people enter the 'zone of comfort' because the 'zone of comfort' is the ZONE OF DEATH of the company...
...It's like climbing the Mt. Everest. You can stay on the peak for a few hours then you have to go down. You may enjoy the 'zone of comfort' for a day or two, but you have to go back to humility, back to respect, back to politeness, and back to hard work. Work, respect, politeness, humility - this is the characteristics of your country, your mentality. That's one of the reasons why I love Japan. You are an example for the world, and for me. So trust me when I say that my biggest challenge for the next ten years will be to protect Hublot from success....
...Thank you, all of you, if you try with me to protect this brand, and NOT stay in the comfort zone. My first mission was to bring success to Hublot and we are celebrating the success today. In ten years, I hope, in 2025, to celebrate the protection and continuity of the brand.
Please enjoy the dinner. Don't sit only at your table. Move to other tables and enjoy with others. I will come to your tables, too. Thank you very much!"
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Well said, Mr. Biver. I am looking forward to meeting you in 10 years and seeing how we have changed or not changed.
The entertainment was "Close-Up Magic" by Mr. Tomohiro Maeda (was invited to show his magic at the 100th anniversary of "The Magic Circle London" of UK, which Prince Charles is one of the members, and later he was given the status of "Gold Star Member" from it). He played on the stage, as well as at each table, and entertained Mr. Biver and Ms. Miwa Sakai. You must see to believe it. He has the miracle fingers!
And a BIG BIG BANG cake appeared on the stage and it was cut on the stage (notice that one on the far left is Mr.
Vahid Halilhodลพiฤ, THE head coach of Soccer All Japan).
Now, unexpected prize for Mr. Biver. Chronos Japan, the leading watch magazine of Japan, just published its 10th anniversary special issue, and Mr. Biver was chosen as "The Most Influential Person in the Watch Industry in the last 10 years".
Mr. Soichiro Matsuzaki, the publisher of Chronos Japan, makes his remark on the occasion and Mr. Biver.
"At one time, I asked Mr. Biver, 'what is most important in watchmaking - movement, design, or finishing?'. He answered, 'they are all important, but that is not enough. When people takes up the watch, it has to have something to attract the person.' What is that?, I asked and he said, 'passion'. That's Mr. Biver's answer. We, at Chronos Japan, are very much looking forward to the many attractive and enjoyable watches you will make going forward. Happy 10th Anniversary, Mr. Biver."
Again, well said. At least for Japanese watch community, this "award" means A LOT.
The night went on.... but my report ends here.
The dinner event goes around the world and I defer the rest to the members around the world.
Mr. Biver
Ms. Miwa Sakai (Asia Pacific President)
Ms. Galley
Ms. Kurita
Ms. Okada
.. and all the staff from Geneva and Tokyo, Ginza Boutique, Osaka boutique.
Mr. Matsuzaki
Mr. Furukawa, the editor in chief.
Look forward to the next 10 years. I will. Because Hublot never stops.
