The watches honour Argentina’s World Cup 2022 triumph
Things just seem to get better and better for fans of the Argentina football team. Having just celebrated the national team’s win in this year’s Copa America two weeks ago, they have cause to celebrate again. Hublot, in partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), has launched three limited-edition chronographs in honour of La Albiceleste’s triumph in the 2022 World Cup.
Although Hublot has long been involved in football, its partnership with the AFA only began on 1 September 2022. While the launch of the three new watches is not the first time Hublot has produced watches for the AFA (Hublot produced 100 Big Bang pieces to mark their partnership in 2022), it is the first time the Maison has crafted a series of mechanical chronographs for the organisation.
The three watches; the 42mm Big Bang Unico Titanium, the 42mm Big Bang Unico King Gold, and the 45mm Classic Fusion Chronograph Titanium, are all dressed in blue. The two Big Bang watches feature a sky blue colourway that pays homage to the Argentina football team’s home kit, while the Classic Fusion sports a navy blue that references the team’s away kit.
The most exclusive among the three timepieces is the limited-to-10 Big Bang Unico King Gold. As suggested by its name, the watch’s sky blue, ceramic bezel is contrasted by its warm King Gold case and pushers. The satin-brushed case offers a subdued accompaniment to the polished bezel, imbuing the watch with a dynamic yet cohesive look. The watch’s semi-skeletonised hands (also in King Gold) glide across its open-worked dial which features two white sub-dials.
On the smaller sub-dial, located at 9 o’clock, you’ll find a laser-engraved reproduction of the World Cup trophy. The same image can be found on the limited-to-25 Big Bang Unico Titanium, which features a titanium case and pushers instead of King Gold. Both timepieces are powered by the Maison’s HUB1280 calibre which offers a 72 hour power reserve.
You can also find the laser-engraved trophy on the Classic Fusion Chronograph Titanium, which is limited to 140 pieces. Rather than the open-worked dials on its counterparts, the Classic Fusion sports a navy blue, sunburst dial that’s accentuated by its King Gold crown and pushers. The watch is powered by the HUB1143 calibre which offers a 42 power reserve.
“What makes Hublot different in the world of football is not only the strength of its commitment to our players and teams, but also its loyalty,” says Claudio Tapia, President of AFA. “ We are very proud to have three limited series that celebrate the fusion of our sporting and watchmaking talents.”
