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Big Bang E – a connected watch equipped with the latest Hublot technology

 

 

 

Two years after the debuts of Hublot’s first connected watch model (the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia), the luxury watchmaker returns with a new model: the BIG BANG e, a connected watch equipped with the latest technology that adopts all the iconic Big Bang codes.

The new BIG BANG e unites Hublot’s highly advanced technical materials with the very latest innovations from today’s digital world.

Hublot Big Bang E; @hublot

A good pedigree always shines through!

Its case is cut from materials such as black ceramic or titanium in a “sandwich” construction, an innovative style invented by Hublot in 2005. Extremely complex, it comprises 42 components, 27 of which are for the K Module alone, the “cage” which houses the digital heart of the watch.

Apart from the “Time Only” analogue function, the BIG BANG e features exclusive interpretations of traditional watch complications, such as a Perpetual Calendar with an immaculately precise moon phase or a second GMT time zone, which presents the earth in a very realistic way. These functionalities have been revisited and enhanced to take advantage of the possibilities offered by the digital world. Despite this built-in technology, Hublot guarantees the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 30 meters.

The highlights include a scratchproof sapphire crystal, a rubber strap with deployant buckle invented by Hublot in 1980 for the Classic model and the patented One Click system for easy interchangeability.

The BIG BANG e is available in a 42 mm case, made from a choice of titanium or ceramic. The hour numerals are
metallised underneath the scratchproof sapphire crystal, which is covered with an AMOLED high definition touchscreen.

Just like a mechanical version of the Big Bang, its rotary crown with integrated pusher is used to activate the controls for its electronic module. Developed in partnership with other brands within the LVMH Group, the watch is adapted and perfected to meet Hublot’s requirements.

Hublot Big Bang E; @hublot

“Electronic watches were created in Switzerland using quartz in the 1970s. Fifty years later, we are continuing in the same innovative vein by producing a second smart watch which boasts an extremely high level of technological sophistication, whilst embodying all the aesthetic values, technical features and excellence that have ensured the reputation of our Big Bang collection. Ever more faithful to our “Art of Fusion” motto, we wanted the BIG BANG e to unite Hublot’s highly advanced technical materials with the very latest innovations from today’s digital world,”said- Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of HUBLOT.

The BIG BANG e will be produced in two different editions: one in titanium and one in black ceramic. For the first time in Hublot’s history, this watch will be sold online on the brand’s website as well as on the Wechat network in China.

A very #HublotLovesArt way of adding a touch of colour and rhythm to different moments throughout the dayAvailable as soon as the BIG BANG e is released, the first edition is part of the #HublotLovesArt movement: a series of eight dials stemming from the imagination of storytelling artist Marc Ferrero. Every three hours, the dial changes colour, meaning eight creations are displayed in sequence over a 24-hour period. Each of these is based on a specific colour: Happy Yellow, Magic Blue, Orange Dynamite, All White, Lucky Green, Magic Red, Rainbow Spirit and Black Magic. And that is not all. Every full hour is marked with the appearance of an animation that lasts five seconds.

Hublot Big Bang E; @hublot

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic debuts a watch made from fishing nets

 

A limited and committed edition. 

@alpina watches

For the first time in the history of the Alpina Maison, the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range features a case comprised of 70% plastic debris derived from fishing nets collected in the Indian Ocean. To ensure its durability, it has been strengthened with 30% fibreglass.

Founded in 1883 by a collective of leading Swiss independent watchmakers known as the ‘Alpinists’, Alpina has been

intimately linked to nature, the great outdoors and responsible exploration for nearly 140 years. The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range is the worthy heir to this commitment.

This new watchmaking line as well as its name draw their inspiration from the encounter between Alpina and the watch journalist Bernard Werk, in the Netherlands, three years ago.

Personally involved in the preservation of the oceans, he created the concept as well as the name “GYRE”, in reference to these giant circular ocean currents – and consisting in reusing the ghost fishing nets from the Indian Ocean. In order to protect an environment dear to Alpina as well as to GYRE-founders Bernard Werk and Jorrit Niels – and leave a sustainable footprint – the Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic line is the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Gyre Watch and the high-end watchmaking Maison.

It is also the first time that this eco-responsible blend has complied with EU REACH legislation (Registration, Evaluation,Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). Its aim is to control the use of chemical substances in order to improve the protection of human health and the environment, while promoting a high level of innovation – objectives perfectly expressed by the new Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range.

The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range now comprises five variations, including three men’s models (44 mm) and two ladies’s models (36 mm). They share three dial finishes evoking the reflections of the sea, in blue shades, turquoise and dyed mother-of-pearl, complete with luminescent hands. The seconds hand is finished with the famous triangle from the Alpina logo, which also features as an index hour marker at 12 o’clock.

Completing the look are three two-tone NATO style straps made from recycled plastic bottles. In addition, Alpina is offering a black vegetable leather strap comprised of recycled apple waste with every men’s model.

Each model is powered by the AL-525 automatic movement featuring three hands and the date, housed in a black composite case (70% PA6, 30% fibreglass) and presenting a unidirectional bezel that recalls the nautical pedigree of the Seastrong collection. Each piece is certified water-resistant to 300 m.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic watch 2020; @alpina watches

The Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic range embraces an ecological manifesto: Alpina has decided to launch these five new models to support the World Oceans Day (designated by the UN, on June 8th, 2020). The aim is to draw the attention of the international community to this event, which brings together all the initiatives aimed at cleaning up and protecting our oceans in a lasting way.

These timepieces will be made in strictly limited series of 1,883 pieces each, in reference to the year that Alpina was created. They will be presented in an exclusive and eco-friendly gift set comprising an inner box of FSC Mix paper housing a case made entirely from recycled plastic (ABS) with lining made from recycled plastic bottles (rPET). Completing this gift set will be a single leaflet (guarantee and certificate of authenticity) printed on FSC Recycled paper.

To reduce its ecological footprint further still, Alpina has also opted for a paperless user manual, accessible via a QR code.

Alpina Seastrong Diver Gyre Automatic watch 2020; @alpina watches

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