Comments:
Hublot at its George Best: the King Power Red Devil
I can easily guess what you will tell me: here we go again, it comes the umpteenth limited edition from Hublot especially since it is the third (!!!) dedicated to Manchester United. But how do they not feel bored themselves? And what leads me to write you about it?
Let's be clear from the beginning: this watch will not enter the watchmaking pantheon. This does not mean it is not interesting. Indeed, for once, the topic of football is shrewdly used to be found even in unexpected details. And then, with great intelligence, Hublot has created a watch that speaks particularly well to the deepest fan of Manchester United. Everything is done in order that, if he can afford its price, he can not resist to its call.
What is the magic formula? It is very simple after all. The trick is to give to the potential buyers the feeling that with this King Power it will not be a simple watch dedicated to their favorite team, but that they will have a real piece of Manchester United on the wrist. What could be more symbolic than the pitch of the club? And so, each King Power Red Devil gets indexes inserted with real blades of Old Trafford pitch! The idea may seem just as crazy as brilliant but at least it strikes the mind. Of course, a special lacquer covers the grass so that the color is permanent. Maybe it is a pity, if the color had changed over time, it would have been a renewal of the concept of "patina" ...
But considering that this King Power Red Devil only through its decoration with the colors of the club and its particular indexes would be a mistake. The main feature of the watch is the chronograph with two central hands (seconds + minutes), which, due to the football atmosphere, can measure time up to 45 minutes. Due to the central minute hand, the scale is located on the periphery of the dial. The two hands are well differentiated which avoids confusion. The minute hand is the shortest while the second is noticeable by its red arrow. The absence of the minutes subdial gives free space to the club logo, the devil with his trident. The date window is very discreetly put just below the devil. Even if it is properly integrated, I think I'd prefer the watch without the date window.
The movement HUB4245 is based on the Valjoux 7750 which, besides his two central hands, is characterized by an extended power reserve (72 hours), silicium pallet and escape wheel. Its frequency is of course to 4Hz. The movement is not visible on the caseback of the watch because the whole club logo covers it. It is not a very serious issue because dial side, the finishing "Aerobang" was preferred. The HUB4245 is half-skeletonized creating openings in the dial. At first glance, all this looks like a happy mess. But surprisingly, the watch is very readable because the plate and bridges have been treated with black PVD coating reinforcing the contrast with the hands. The openings creates a feeling of depth and give character to the watch which is, in my point of view, one of the most exciting limited editions coming from Hublot. I sincerely believe that the finish "Aerobang" style fits perfectly well the Hublot design and this Red Devil is a proof.
As a King Power, the case has a XXL size with a diameter of 48mm. The watch is, however, smaller than it is actually because the bezel is rather thick. The thickness of the glass, the shape of the case allow Hublot to play on materials. The case and bezel are made of micro- blasted black ceramic, the crown and pushers of steel with black PVD coating and the sides of black composite resin. The two buttons are black or red rubber-coated. A harmony of colours is respected and all is done properly although I find that the case finish is not that exceptional.
The black rubber strap follows the same codes with a red line in its center. It is a very efficient strap. The great advantage of Hublot watches is their comfort and the King Power Red Devil respects the rule: despite its size, the watch is very well positioned on the wrist thanks to the shape of the case which imposes to the bracelet the appropriate curve.
I had the opportunity to see a lot of limited editions coming from Hublot. I was not seduced by a large part of them because they were not bringing something new. I consider that this King Power Red Devil stands out from the pack. Of course, this is a watch with a high price for a movement is based on the 7750. But the care to details, the chronograph with two central hands and the design consistency with the football world make it definitely more interesting than others. And after all, the first targetted customer is the wealthy fan of Manchester United ... if he is hesitating, despite the clear message delivered by this King Power, the authenticity certificate signed by Sir Alex Ferguson should finally convince him to succumb.
The King Power Red Devil is available in a limited edition of 500 watches micro-blasted black ceramic (see photos) and of 250 watches in 18K Gold King (Pink Gold).
I would like to thank a lot the staff of the Hall of Time Boutique in Brussels.
Fr.Xavier
Let's be clear from the beginning: this watch will not enter the watchmaking pantheon. This does not mean it is not interesting. Indeed, for once, the topic of football is shrewdly used to be found even in unexpected details. And then, with great intelligence, Hublot has created a watch that speaks particularly well to the deepest fan of Manchester United. Everything is done in order that, if he can afford its price, he can not resist to its call.
What is the magic formula? It is very simple after all. The trick is to give to the potential buyers the feeling that with this King Power it will not be a simple watch dedicated to their favorite team, but that they will have a real piece of Manchester United on the wrist. What could be more symbolic than the pitch of the club? And so, each King Power Red Devil gets indexes inserted with real blades of Old Trafford pitch! The idea may seem just as crazy as brilliant but at least it strikes the mind. Of course, a special lacquer covers the grass so that the color is permanent. Maybe it is a pity, if the color had changed over time, it would have been a renewal of the concept of "patina" ...
But considering that this King Power Red Devil only through its decoration with the colors of the club and its particular indexes would be a mistake. The main feature of the watch is the chronograph with two central hands (seconds + minutes), which, due to the football atmosphere, can measure time up to 45 minutes. Due to the central minute hand, the scale is located on the periphery of the dial. The two hands are well differentiated which avoids confusion. The minute hand is the shortest while the second is noticeable by its red arrow. The absence of the minutes subdial gives free space to the club logo, the devil with his trident. The date window is very discreetly put just below the devil. Even if it is properly integrated, I think I'd prefer the watch without the date window.
The movement HUB4245 is based on the Valjoux 7750 which, besides his two central hands, is characterized by an extended power reserve (72 hours), silicium pallet and escape wheel. Its frequency is of course to 4Hz. The movement is not visible on the caseback of the watch because the whole club logo covers it. It is not a very serious issue because dial side, the finishing "Aerobang" was preferred. The HUB4245 is half-skeletonized creating openings in the dial. At first glance, all this looks like a happy mess. But surprisingly, the watch is very readable because the plate and bridges have been treated with black PVD coating reinforcing the contrast with the hands. The openings creates a feeling of depth and give character to the watch which is, in my point of view, one of the most exciting limited editions coming from Hublot. I sincerely believe that the finish "Aerobang" style fits perfectly well the Hublot design and this Red Devil is a proof.
As a King Power, the case has a XXL size with a diameter of 48mm. The watch is, however, smaller than it is actually because the bezel is rather thick. The thickness of the glass, the shape of the case allow Hublot to play on materials. The case and bezel are made of micro- blasted black ceramic, the crown and pushers of steel with black PVD coating and the sides of black composite resin. The two buttons are black or red rubber-coated. A harmony of colours is respected and all is done properly although I find that the case finish is not that exceptional.
The black rubber strap follows the same codes with a red line in its center. It is a very efficient strap. The great advantage of Hublot watches is their comfort and the King Power Red Devil respects the rule: despite its size, the watch is very well positioned on the wrist thanks to the shape of the case which imposes to the bracelet the appropriate curve.
I had the opportunity to see a lot of limited editions coming from Hublot. I was not seduced by a large part of them because they were not bringing something new. I consider that this King Power Red Devil stands out from the pack. Of course, this is a watch with a high price for a movement is based on the 7750. But the care to details, the chronograph with two central hands and the design consistency with the football world make it definitely more interesting than others. And after all, the first targetted customer is the wealthy fan of Manchester United ... if he is hesitating, despite the clear message delivered by this King Power, the authenticity certificate signed by Sir Alex Ferguson should finally convince him to succumb.
The King Power Red Devil is available in a limited edition of 500 watches micro-blasted black ceramic (see photos) and of 250 watches in 18K Gold King (Pink Gold).
I would like to thank a lot the staff of the Hall of Time Boutique in Brussels.
Fr.Xavier
Very well said review...
... Thanks FX! For many, there are not so many reasons they can clearly express, but attracted to and get a Hublot anyway. But you said it quite well for this particular one.
Thank you so much!
Ken
Thank you so much!
Ken
Nice
Admittedly, I am an ABUMU (anything BUT Man U). However, I am moved by the design, very attractive I mus say.
Thanks for the pictures and review.
You know what?
This is one of the Hublots that really captures my imagination. The use of grass from Old Trafford just tickles my fancy. It's an addition to the watch that doesn't feel cheesy, largely because of how the turf is used. It's a sentimental touch that is nicely integrated into the watch.
Thanks for the write-up!
Cheers,
Daos
Thanks for the write-up!
Cheers,
Daos
Thanks Daos ! You are surprising me !
I couldn't imagine that you would be attracted by some details of this watch ! We will ask to Jean-Claude to create a watch just for you ! ;-)
Fx
Fx
I put deposit for this watch and it was confirmed...
However, due to urgent financial needs, I had to cancel my order hiks...hiks...
Maybe I can get in the future. A fine watch indeed, different from the other KP.
Congrats!
Perhaps one of Hublot's more unique LEs.
My issue with Hublot is not the number of LEs, but rather the similarities they all possess. For me a Limited Edition watch should be unique from the rest of a brand's line, and never just a re-dial or added logo. I think of those as more of a "limited version".
So this watch has its unique detailing. The grass markers look nice in your photos. Unique dial treatments. Do I personally like it? NO, this is not for me. BUT, I will respect it more if it the same watch does not reappear for other teams with different colors or logos.
Great review here Francois!
So this watch has its unique detailing. The grass markers look nice in your photos. Unique dial treatments. Do I personally like it? NO, this is not for me. BUT, I will respect it more if it the same watch does not reappear for other teams with different colors or logos.
Great review here Francois!