The press release from Hublot announces the launch of the “Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon” watch, a unique fusion of traditional Chinese art and modern watchmaking. Drawing inspiration from the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting, the watch features a multi-dimensional design that forms a 3D silhouette of an eastern dragon, symbolizing luck, strength, wisdom, and immortality. This limited edition of 88 pieces, created in collaboration with Chinese artist Chen Fenwan, signifies the intersection of tradition and modernity. The watch’s design elements include a rubber strap with marquetry, a first for Hublot, and intricate components forming the dragon’s silhouette.
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The watch celebrates the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese calendar, a period that recurs every 12 years and is revered for its association with prosperity. The year 2024 marks the return of the Wood Dragon, and Hublot pays homage to this through the natural fibers in paper, reflecting the soul and spirit of the dragon. Artist Chen Fenwan’s expertise in paper-cutting is a central theme, symbolizing the fusion of Hublot’s philosophy of being first, unique, and different. The watch’s aesthetics are a blend of cultural symbolism and advanced craftsmanship.
Hublot’s innovative approach is evident in the “Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon,” where the dragon’s metamorphosis, incorporating features of various animals, is a metaphor for the ‘Art of Fusion.’ The dragon, also known as ‘Loong,’ is detailed with the eyes of a prawn, horns of a deer, and other distinctive features of different animals. This design, a blend of several thousand years of cultural legacy, celebrates the art of paper cutting, a craft with significant historical and cultural importance in China.
The watch, housed in a 42 mm titanium case, showcases Hublot’s prowess in incorporating layered effects and multi-level dial construction, reminiscent of paper cutting. The dragon’s silhouette extends onto the rubber strap, featuring a marquetry motif, another first for Hublot. The watch, powered by the HUB1710 automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve, is offered in a limited edition of 88 pieces, emphasizing its exclusivity and connection to Chinese cultural heritage. This release from Hublot is not just a timepiece but a fusion of art, culture, and advanced horological technology.
