MichaelC[AP Moderator]
17873
Hublot Big Bang 45mm Ferrari Texas
May 23, 2014,08:00 AM
As we head into Memorial Day weekend here in the United States, what could be more American than a Texas themed watch? So let's take a look at Hublot's Big Bang 45mm Ferrari Texas Limited Edition.
The watch is created in a micro edition of 50 pieces to commemorate the collaboration between Hublot and Ferrari, as well as Hublot's newest boutiques located in Houston and Dallas. The case on this watch is titanium and the bezel is ceramic. The automatic movement is Hublot's in house "Unico", and has a 73 hour power reserve. The reference number for this watch is 401.NM.0123.VR.TEX13.
Like most watches Hublot makes, the case design is very modular. This series maybe even more so, as the layered bezel adds to the "stacked" assembly appearance.
Certainly, what first jumped out to my eyes when handling this watch were the awesome blue numerals and hands. Hublot uses an appealing shade of medium blue with a matte finish.
Yellow is of course complimentary to blue, and a small dash at 3:00 serves to highlight the date disc and make the individual day legible. A 60 minute chronograph counter is in the same location on the watch, and is trimmed with red markings.
On the other side of the dial is the highly polished Ferrari horse logo. I'll admit, when I first saw Hublot's Ferrari watches, I did not adore the horse logo being so prominent on the dial. Other Unico powered watches feature a continuously running sub seconds counter in that location. But the Ferrari series is purposed to highlight the relationship between these brands, and therefore I find it acceptable.
More Ferrari detailing appears on the lower pusher. The Unico movement offers a flyback function, so this pusher has 2 uses.
The visual depth on the open dial is really nice. The blue numerals have a sculpted and powerful look, appropriate for such a masculine sports watch. The black buttons on the lugs at 6 and 12 serve as quick detach mechanisms for the straps. I tried this in person and it is remarkably easy to do.
The strap has several rows of colored stitching, all adding to the Texas theme. A carbon insert on the clasp matches a carbon insert on the left side of the case. The clasp itself is very easy to adjust and allows the user to quickly fine tune the fit.
This watch is also provided with a wonderfully robust watch winder. It is a heavy object for sure, and displays recognizable Hublot design language and construction. I applaud Hublot here for providing such an accessory with a fine watch.
Surely the naysayers will identify this watch as "just another Limited Edition". It is a tired subject, and one we have discussed with many brands. But Hublot really has embraced the never ending line of Limited Editions and partnerships, and I do not fault them for deciding on a business model and sticking with it.
Specific to the timepiece, I cannot think of many bold sports styled chronograph watches that only allow for a 60 minute counting mechanism. Obviously, Hublot chose to have the prominent Ferrari logo at 9:00, and thankfully did not try to add a counting hand over it. The column wheel occupies the space at 6:00, so there really is not much space left for additional displays. Not necessarily a negative, but a consideration for a prospective buyer.
Surely Hublot's Big Bang 45mm Ferrari Texas watch is a bold statement. I find it very well finished and executed. The color palette on this watch really works in person. They say everything is bigger in Texas. Surely Hublot's watch does not disappoint in this regard.
Many thanks to the incredible staff at the Hublot Boutique in Bal Harbour, Florida, for allowing me to photograph this watch (and others still to come!) and answer my many questions.
This message has been edited by MichaelC on 2014-05-23 08:10:50