Latest news with #Hublot


South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Former Tag Heuer CEO Jean-Claude Biver on starting his eponymous luxury watch brand JC Biver, taking aesthetic pointers from the younger generation, and adding a personal touch to horology
'I have no pressure,' says Jean-Claude Biver , 'except the pressure of time [and] the need to be successful. That's already a lot of pressure, but it's a positive pressure.' It is hard to imagine that many pressures – including the pressure to succeed – remain for someone like Biver, who almost requires no introduction. In a career spanning half a century, Biver is known for deftly resuscitating several brands you may have heard of. In the wake of the quartz crisis, he bought and revitalised dive-watch icon Blancpain before selling it to Swatch Group. After joining the conglomerate, he connected James Bond with Omega to create one of the most enduring modern collaborations in horology. More recently, Biver modernised LVMH brands Hublot and Tag Heuer into two of the most visible brands in the sports of football and Formula One respectively, before exiting the industry in 2018. Advertisement Jean-Claude Biver founded his eponymous watch brand JC Biver in 2023. Photo: Handout 'Now, after 50 years in the business,' Biver ponders, 'I told myself I must find a place where my family [can be], where my son can come, where my wife can be, where other people can join. So I want a very small brand with very much individuality, where [each watchmaker] can make the whole watch themself.' Biver is, of course, referring to his eponymous brand, JC Biver, which – when it was announced in 2023 – made waves in the industry. It not only meant that a titan was set to return, but that he would be taking his son, Pierre Biver, with him. By operating the brand together, father and son put themselves in a unique position to learn from each other. Jean-Claude Biver with his son, Pierre Biver. Photo: Handout 'I learned from him to be quick, to be dynamic,' the elder Biver says. 'And he learns from me to think three times, to not be too quick. So it's a nice equilibrium. I also learned from him some aesthetic points. He was the first to get me to reduce the size of the watches. I was a little afraid to reduce [the size] because I got the feeling that [a smaller] watch looks a bit feminine. And he said, 'No, people now will tend to want smaller watches.' So the exchange between the two of us is quite good.' Biver cites discussions he's had with Pierre about the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak models in his collection as an example. 'He took the Royal Oak [from] 1972 and said to me, 'Look, that's the size.' The 1972 Royal Oak looked small to me, yet in 1972 it was considered a big watch. Once you have been used to a large watch, it's difficult to wear a smaller one because the small one seems to look too small. So you have to readapt, but once the eyes have readapted, then it's OK.' The Biver Automatique, in a 39mm case. Photo: Handout


Forbes
5 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Hublot Introduces The Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve
Square Bang Tourbillon Hublot isn't shy about pushing geometry where most brands tend to settle for tried and true designs. The brand's newest release, the Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve, marks the first time a tourbillon has appeared in its square-shaped Big Bang line, and this isn't just a matter of fitting an existing movement into a new silhouette. The entire architecture has been redesigned from the ground up, with bridges, layout, and components structured to match the case's square proportions. Skeletonized movement The new model runs on the manually wound MHUB6023, a fully skeletonized in-house movement developed specifically for this release. All 174 components are arranged in clean, right-angled symmetry, with square and rectangular bridges finished in a mix of matte and satin surfaces to emphasize depth. At 6 o'clock, the flying tourbillon beats away with a silicon escapement for added resistance to magnetic fields and temperature swings. The large mainspring barrel at 12 o'clock delivers a 96-hour power reserve, tracked by a linear indicator at 9. Rather than making minor tweaks to existing designs, Hublot has committed entirely to this brand new experimental restructuring. Every primary function is distributed across the watch in unique fashion: winding on the right, power reserve on the left, barrel up top, tourbillon below. The effect is balanced and striking, with each corner contributing visually and mechanically to the watch's function. Macro view The 42mm case is made entirely from 3D carbon, a composite material with a vertical and horizontal weave pattern. The strap itself is integrated with Hublot's 'One-Click' quick-release system and finished with a ceramic and titanium deployant clasp. Case thickness comes in at 13.2mm, and water resistance is rated to 30 meters. The dial is openworked sapphire, offering a full view of the movement suspended within the case. Like the rest of the watch, the design is minimal but sharp, clearly prioritizing architectural impact over dial furniture. For a time-only tourbillon watch, there's a lot to look at.


Fashion Network
23-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Hublot names Nitish Kumar Reddy as friend of the brand
Swiss luxury watchmaker Hublot has named Indian cricketer Nitish Kumar Reddy as its newest friend of the brand, marking a continued engagement with the sport. The partnership aligns with Hublot's 'Art of Fusion' philosophy, blending tradition with innovation across both watchmaking and sport. Nitish Kumar Reddy, known for his all-round performance on the cricket field, joins Hublot's global network of ambassadors, following previous associations with global players and its ongoing partnership with the International Cricket Council since 2019, Hublot announced in a press release. The brand noted that Reddy's discipline and versatility in both batting and bowling reflect Hublot's values of precision, creativity, and commitment to excellence. 'We are thrilled to welcome Nitish Kumar Reddy to the Hublot family," said Hublot's managing director for the Middle East, Africa, India and Latin America David Tedeschi in a press release. "Nitish's exceptional talent and dedication truly embody the spirit of India's rising generation. We believe his passion and drive will resonate deeply with Hublot's values as we further strengthen our presence in this dynamic and vibrant country." The collaboration will feature a series of curated events merging luxury timepieces with cricket culture. 'I feel truly honoured to be a part of Hublot family as Friend of the Brand," said Reddy. "I will always cherish these values through a Hublot watch wrapped around my wrist.'


Emirates Woman
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
8 standout pieces at Watches & Wonders 2025
From heritage watch houses to avant-garde ateliers, discover this season's standout timepieces at the Watches & Wonders 2025. CHOPARD L'Heure du Diamant With L'Heure du Diamant, Chopard embraces brilliance with unmistakable flair. Crafted in ethical gold and encircled by diamonds using the Maison's signature crown-setting technique, each 26mm piece offers a dazzling rendition featuring vibrant coloured dials in striking hues that add a fresh pop to the timeless silhouette. HUBLOT Magic Gold Hublot's Magic Gold combines the resilience of ceramic with the gilded lustre of gold in a unique masterpiece. Scratch-resistant, developed in-house and limited to 100 pieces, the Big Bang 20th Anniversary Magic Gold edition pairs this extraordinary metal with a carbon-patterned dial and gilt details for a fusion of innovation and style. JAEGER-LECOULTRE Reverso Tribute Monoface Small Seconds The legendary Reverso turns heads once again with the Tribute Monoface Small Seconds. With a Milanese bracelet in pink gold and a matching grained dial, it radiates vintage elegance with a contemporary twist. Featuring an iconic swiveling case composed of 50 components, below the surface lies the Calibre 822 – a hand-wound movement that offers 42 hours of power and a whisper-thin profile – a testament to its confident modernity in the world of watchmaking. PIAGET Andy Warhol Piaget takes a playful turn with the Andy Warhol timepieces that channel its artistic soul. The newly christened creations, now available in opal and sapphires, fuses bold design with precious materials to spectacular effect. The dial's tiger's eye version, with its golden shimmer and organic striations, is pure 1970s chic and a nod to Warhol's own Piaget collection. VACHERON CONSTANTIN Traditionnelle Moon Phase Vacheron Constantin's Traditionnelle Moon Phase elevates the Maison's watchmaking traditions. A masterpiece in understated luxury, the pink gold timepiece – limited to just 270 pieces – features a diamond-set 36mm case and a lustrous mother-of-pearl dial. The moon phase complication, powered by the Calibre 1410 AS/270, is accompanied by small seconds for ultimate precision and a power reserve display, a showcase of the maison's mechanical prowess. With its Maltese cross motif and 'côte unique' finishing, this piece is history and horology, harmonised. FREDERIQUE CONSTANT Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture The Classic Perpetual Calendar Manufacture by the Geneva-based watchmaker proves that high complication doesn't have to mean high price. Housed in a sleek 40mm steel case with a rich salmon dial, it combines sophistication with accessibility. Inside beats the FC-776 calibre, Frederique Constant's 34th in-house movement, now with a three-day power reserve. Elegant, functional, and finely finished, this watch is a quiet revolution in Swiss watchmaking. ROLEX The Oyster Perpetual A muted lavender, a warm sandy beige and a fresh pistachio green – Rolex reinvents minimalism for the Oyster Perpetual collection, bringing a fresh perspective to the classic line. With matt lacquer dials and smooth Oystersteel cases, these watches radiate effortless cool. Each piece houses cutting-edge calibres (2232 or 3230) and offers the robustness and elegance Rolex is known for. VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Lady Arpels Bal des Amoureux Automate The Lady Arpels Bal des Amoureux Automate tells a tale of romance under the Parisian stars. Showcasing a poetic complication, it brings two lovers together at midnight and noon, all at the push of a button. Stars mark the hours and minutes via a double retrograde display, adding another layer of magic and innovation. The cobblestone streets and lanterns are delicately sculpted in white gold, while a guinguette-inspired backdrop recreates the joy of an open-air Parisian soirée. – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images: Supplied
Business Times
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Action-packed trio of new watches
Tudor Pelagos FXD Chrono 'Pink' [SINGAPORE] Tudor continues its bold partnership with the Giro d'Italia, unveiling the Pelagos FXD Chrono 'Pink' – a limited edition of just 300 pieces, inspired by the race's iconic Maglia Rosa. The vivid pink jersey is worn by the winner of the race, which is not only one of the most beautiful and celebrated in the Grand Tour calendar, but also one of the most challenging. Over the course of the competition, riders will experience the elevation gain of going up Mount Everest six times. As the official timekeeper of the Giro, the new chronograph is meticulously engineered for the demands of professional cycling. Just like the Pelagos FXD Chrono 'Cycling Edition' from last July, the standout feature is a cycling-specific tachymeter scale – this time in pink – spiralling around the dial for quick speed readings at cyclist-friendly intervals. The 43 mm matte black carbon composite case, paired with titanium hardware, ensures lightweight durability; and powering the new Chrono 'Pink' is the COSC-certified Manufacture Calibre MT5813, offering a 70-hour power reserve. Completing the package is a jacquard-woven technical fabric strap with a pink stripe, woven in France for comfort on and off the bike – a fitting tribute to those who dare to chase victory. Hublot MP-10 in Sapphire and Black Ceramic Hublot, renowned for its boundary-pushing designs, has just reimagined its already-iconic MP-10 Tourbillon with two striking new editions. The latest releases – one in deep black ceramic, the other in radiant sapphire – showcase Hublot's mastery of both material innovation and horological artistry. The new deep black ceramic MP-10 Tourbillon pays homage to Hublot's iconic All-Black series. PHOTO: HUBLOT The MP-10 Tourbillon is no ordinary timepiece. Eschewing traditional dials and hands, it instead dazzles with a roller display for hours and minutes, a colour-coded circular power reserve, and a mesmerising tourbillon inclined at 35 degrees, all powered by Hublot's intricate HUB9013 movement. With 592 components and a 48-hour power reserve, the MP-10 is as much a feat of engineering as it is a work of art. The sapphire edition offers a bold, transparent look that reveals every detail of the watch including its innovative movement. PHOTO: HUBLOT The black ceramic version, limited to 50 pieces, pays homage to Hublot's iconic All-Black series, while the sapphire edition – just 30 pieces worldwide – offers a bold, transparent look that reveals every detail of the movement. Both models boast a futuristic, curved case with not a single right angle, encapsulating Hublot's philosophy of fusing tradition with innovation. For collectors and design aficionados alike, the new MP-10 Tourbillon editions are the ultimate statement of modern luxury. Ulysse Nardin Diver Hammerhead Shark Ulysse Nardin pays a striking tribute to both high horology and ocean conservation with its new Diver Hammerhead Shark timepiece. Crafted in a bold 44 mm blue PVD-coated titanium case, this limited edition dive watch boasts 300 m water resistance, a uni-directional rotating bezel and luminous detailing for optimal underwater performance. Ulysse Nardin's Diver Hammerhead Shark is both a statement for the seas and their most misunderstood inhabitants. PHOTO: ULYSSE NARDIN Powered by the in-house UN-118 automatic movement with antimagnetic silicon technology, it offers a robust 60-hour power reserve and a unique forward/backward date corrector. The watch's design features red accents, a hammerhead shark motif, and an engraved caseback, all underscoring its conservation mission. In keeping with previous 'shark line' releases, Ulysse Nardin will pledge 1 per cent of annual sales of the watch to shark protection efforts via the Shark Trust, reinforcing its commitment as a 1% for the Planet member. Supported by shark attack survivor and conservationist Mike Coots, the Diver Hammerhead Shark is more than a precision instrument – it's a statement for the seas and their most misunderstood inhabitants.