Hublot

Cher Monsieur Biver,

Congratulations on the Hublot program for Basel, and most particularly for two exceptional releases, the Masterpiece MP-05 "LaFerrari" and the Antikythera Sunmoon watch, each of which (at least from a personal perspective) adds something significant to the watchmaking canon. Indeed: please accept belated congratulations for your part in the rise and rise of Hublot as a world-recognised brand.

Reflecting on the rise of the brand means admitting to a misplaced scepticism on the prevalence of the special releases built upon the Big Bang and King Power platforms - the collaborations, the homages to ambassadors, the club watches and so on. At first there were only a couple, and they were wonderfully quirky: who else has taken the trouble, for example, to tie-in with the wonderful Morgan Motor Company? You will have sold more Hublot Morgan watches in a year than the number of sportscars ever to roll out of the Morgan factory, so it was heartwarming to see you honour the tiny but much-loved marque.

The 'LE' watches gradually became a little more prolific: staying momentarily on the auto theme, there is of course the aforementioned Ferrari, the Monza, the Ayrton Senna[s], the Ferrari Club France; the F1; there are the boutique editions (Kronometry, Chronopassion, Vendome, Marcus, Hour Glass); the football clubs (Manchester United, Mexico FF, Bayern Munich, World Cup Winners, Juventus, FIFA referees); the nautical (Wally, Seabourn); and, of course, the celebrity (Kobe Bryant, Dwyane (sic) Wade, Diego Maradona, Jet Li, Ayrton Senna, Usain Bolt, Shinji Kagawa, Bode Miller, Maria Höfl-Riesch). The lists are not intended to be comprehensive...

It is this last category that has provoked an idea; an idea which is now a proposition for your consideration.

Very few of us can or will become celebrities, but that is not to say that we cannot or do not admire your watches. Indeed, it is we 'non-celebrities' who will purchase by far the greatest number of Hublot pieces. So, the proposition is this: please create for us 'the Everyman Bang' (or 'the Everyman King Power', as you prefer).

Naturally, you will probably need to settle upon one anonymous collector to be the representative of this Everyman class: someone who can join you at the various functions and events around the world at which the Everyman Bang will be presented. Look no further: you have a volunteer.

The Everyman Bang  - or 'the pplater Bang', as we can now call it - must be accessible to nuns and collectors of varying means. Sadly, therefore, no 'black caviar', or even a vertical tourbillon, on this piece. The only complication which might be considered is a cathedral chime, for reasons which are obvious from the avatar. Otherwise, it needs to be a very conventional watch.

As it may be the only Hublot we will ever need, the case should be of a most durable material: Hublamic or Hublitanium, perhaps. A movement designed for minimum service; lubricant free, with a Hublicium balance wheel.  Available in a range of sizes, from 34mm (for the Everyboy) through to 57mm (for those with Pannie envy).

Maybe we can break with the signature hands and substitute miniature crucifixes (crucifices???) as hands. The dial can feature a picture of a nun at the three o'clock position, and it will be an honour to provide you with a specimen of the pplater signature for the nine o'clock position. It is ironic to suggest it, but the watch would benefit from being a Limited Edition, as that suggests retained value. Given its likely broad appeal, perhaps a limited run of, say, 500,000 should do the trick?

It is a matter for you and your board, of course, but perhaps a portion of the profits from 'the pplater Bang' may be directed towards homes for wayward nuns, or Swiss cowherds and cheesemakers.

Humbly presented for your kind, and hopefully favourable, consideration,

Respectfully yours,

Cheers,

pplater.

Considering an open letter to Richard Mille? It would be nice to see the two brands fighting for  your endorsement.....

Made my day.....

Mo

Ciao,

Francois

Here's to the pplater bang fund for "wayward nuns, or Swiss cowherds and cheesemakers"!

Very nice "billet".

Even if I don't really know from what angle it should be taken :p

Have a great sunday P' (and you too M. Biver)

Cheers,

Mark