Tangible ripples of delight emanated from the Sepang International Circuit, and sent forth a collective outpouring of relief amongst the tifosi, both young and old all around the world as Fernando Alonso took the chequered flag thus ending the Ferrari F1 team's drought of victories. And so, we can finally and without further ado bring you our thoughts on the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari watch, safe in the knowledge that following the much publicized partnership of Hublot with Ferrari – a catch-all deal which includes association with the Ferrari F1 team – that Jean-Claude Biver had not, after all been sold a pup....... we jest, of course – win or lose, the Ferrari F1 team are, have always been, and always will be the most iconic on the grid, and the Ferrari/Hublot partnership has to be one of the most perfect product placements – ever. So, to the watch, the first piece designed together with Ferrari. When released last month at Basel World it caused quite a hubbub, and, even though in marketing terms Hublot have already moved on – the first of their King Power Euro 2012 models were unveiled today, the dust has not quite settled on the Big Bang Ferrari – and rightly so, it is magnificent. The case has been upsized slightly to 45.5mm but if you expected that both brand emblems would struggle for dial, strap and case domination then you will be somewhat disappointed – this is an intelligently designed timepiece, it is unmistakably Hublot, it is symbolic of Ferrari, yet the merging of these two powerful brands is tastefully achieved and is as subtle as you could imagine would ever be possible. A few clever details set this timepiece apart – a sapphire dial showcases the movement allowing a look-see to the shapes and forms shared by both horology and automobiles and the ingenious play with dimensionality – note the chunky, sculpted numerals and hour markers, the Hublot logo etched onto the sapphire and the cylindrical bezel all of which add layer upon layer of interest and depth. The Ferrari logo appears on the elongated pusher at 4 o'clock and the Prancing Horse is featured more prominently on the dial at 9 o'clock, at 3 o'clock is a dashboard-inspired minute counter with an integrated “Modena" yellow date window. Inside is the HUB 1241 UNICO self-winding column-wheel chronograph movement with a power reserve of 72 hours. Two editions will be available, a titanium case edition and also an edition constructed from Magic Gold, Hublot's scratch-proof precious metal which was only announced to the industry in December. Each piece will be presented with two black leather/rubber straps and a quick change mechanism for ease of use.
