In March, the elite members of the watch community meet at Baselworld in Basel Switzerland to check out the latest horological treats. The annual event, which has been described as a cross between Fashion Week, the Academy Awards and the Westminster Kennel Club Show, draws big spenders and celebrities. That’s where we spotted Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli wearing the new Hublot Big Bang Broderie.
2015 is the 15th anniversary of the Big Bang, a watch that was conceived as a timepiece that combines objects and materials that don’t normally mingle—such as rubber and gold—to create something new and modern. The Big Bang Broderie takes that concept a step further by introducing delicate and traditional Swiss embroidery into the mix.
Hublot Big Bang Broderie
Refaeli signed on to become Hublot’s first female ambassador in February, signaling that Hublot is serious about embracing women watch fanatics. The Big Bang Broderie comes in three styles: here, Refaeli is wearing the polished stainless steel style, but you can also get the watch in yellow gold and all black. Each version has 198 diamonds and is a limited edition of 200 pieces.
To satisfy traditional Big Bang fans, there are plenty of high-tech touches. For example, a special resin protects the silver threads on the carbon fiber dial. And the heart of this watch beats with a HUB 1110 automatic mechanical movement featuring 63 components and with a 42-hour power reserve
Although the Big Bang Broderie was designed for the ladies, it is not exactly a girly watch. With its 41mm case, it’s a big chunk of jewelry. And while the craftsmanship of the needlework is traditional, the design itself features a punk rock skull. You can be elegant but you can’t be demure when wearing this timepiece. Which is why it suits Refaeli so well—she has the right blend of tomboy and ladylike poise to pull it off.
