Hublot Partners With Novak Djokovic on a Knockout Timepiece

The Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic is robust, light and sustainable — inspired by the star athlete’s winning mindset.

Article by T Australia

Big Bang Unico Novak DjokovicBig Bang Unico Novak Djokovic. Photograph courtesy of Hublot.

Novak Djokovic was named a Hublot ambassador back in 2021, just days before the US Open, where he was crowned the world’s No. 1 tennis player. Since then, Hublot has accompanied the star athlete through a number of momentous occasions — most notably, he accepted his 23rd Grand Slam trophy in 2023 while wearing a blue Hublot Big Bang, and he celebrated his win at the Western and Southern Open in Mason with a bright yellow Big Bang Unico Yellow Magic.

Now, the Swiss luxury watchmaker pays homage to Djokovic with a specially designed watch that reflects his agility on the court. Hublot unveils the Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic, crafted from 25 tennis rackets and 32 Lacoste shirts—17 dark blue and 15 light blue—worn by Djokovic during his 2023 season.

Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic.
Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic. Photograph courtesy of Hublot.

“This new watch is an extension of [my] mindset and represents key moments from my 2023 season, a landmark year in my career,” says Djokovic.

“It is a symbol of every game, every moment. It has been an incredible experience to collaborate with Hublot to create this special watch.”

By incorporating recycled materials, the watch is incredibly light without sacrificing strength or resilience — mirroring Djokovic’s mindset. At its core lies the Unico manufacture chronograph movement, a fitting choice that embodies the bold and distinctive character of the brand. The watch comes with two strap options: an elastic sweatband lighter than a tennis ball, and a light blue Velcro strap with a polished blue aluminium sports buckle.

The Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic is limited to just 100 pieces, featuring a striking bright blue face that makes it a highly coveted collector’s item. Making it all the more personable, owners of the watch will also receive a Lacoste sport wristband and a Lacoste t-shirt signed by Djokovic, the all-time record-holder of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.

Colours and Diamonds Collide in Franck Muller’s New Round Skeleton Baguette 31mm

The Luxury Swiss watchmaker has unveiled a new timepiece that thoughtfully blends fine jewellery with haute horlogerie.

Article by T Australia

Round Skeleton Baguette.Round Skeleton Baguette. Photograph courtesy of Frank Muller.

Renowned for creating exclusive timepieces for the Asia Pacific market, Franck Muller has launched several standout models this year. In February, just in time for Lunar New Year, The Franck Muller Vanguard Dragon Slim Skeleton was launched, followed by the introduction of Long Island Evolution. Now, the luxury brand adds to its lineup with The Franck Muller Vanguard Dragon Slim Skeleton Baguette 31mm.

This colourful new timepiece is part of the Round Skeleton collection, which includes models in 39mm and 42mm sizes. The 31mm version features diamonds elegantly set along the bezel and case, drawing attention to its luxury appeal. Notably, it houses the smallest skeleton movement ever produced within the Franck Muller range.

Round Skeleton Baguette
Round Skeleton Baguette. Photograph courtesy of Frank Muller.

Available in both white and rose gold, the watch showcases various combinations of diamonds and stones including Emerald, Diamond, Sapphire, Rainbow and Ruby. 

The Franck Muller Round Skeleton Baguette in 31mm is an Australia Pacific regional exclusive, and is available for purchase in Australia now.

The AUD RRP for each reference of the Round Skeleton Baguette 31mm is:
•Round Skeleton Baguette 31mm (Ruby)–AUD RRP of $161,700
•Round Skeleton Baguette 31mm (Diamond)–AUD RRP of $161,700
•Round Skeleton Baguette 31mm (Emerald)–AUD RRP of $201,500
•Round Skeleton Baguette 31mm (Sapphire)–AUD RRP of $161,700
•Round Skeleton Baguette 31mm (Rainbow)–AUD RRP of $161,700

Luxury Swiss Watchmaker Hublot Releases Two Highly-Limited Timepieces in Just Two Weeks

The first is a partnership with renowned Swiss sailor Alan Roura, exclusive to 100 pieces, followed by the Spirit of Big Bang SORAI, limited to 30 pieces.

Article by T Australia

Hublot watchesFrom left: The Big Bang Unico Sailing Team / The Spirit of Big Bang SORAI. Photographs courtesy of Hublot.
Hublot, the luxury Swiss watchmaker, is renowned for crafting timepieces designed to last a lifetime. However, their highly limited editions can make ownership a challenge, only enhancing their desirability. Earlier this month, Hublot launched the Big Bang Unico Sailing Team, a limited edition of just 100 pieces in collaboration with Swiss sailor Alan Roura. This release honours Hublot’s 20-year legacy of creating technical watches built to withstand the sea.

The Big Bang Unico Sailing Team features the striking black and yellow colours of Roura’s IMOCA, a nod to the classic black and gold that defined Hublot’s first Classic Original in the 1980s. This bold choice reflects the daring spirit that has shaped the brand over the past 40 years. With a compact 42 mm diameter, the watch boasts a durable strap made from a single piece of woven black polyurethane that resembles a sail. The prominent “Hublot” logo across the strap pays homage to Roura’s mainsail, reinforcing the deep connection between the sailor and his watch.

Alan Roura - Hublot Watch.
Alan Roura - Hublot Watch. Photograph courtesy of Hublot.

Just two weeks later, Hublot announced another exciting release: the Spirit of Big Bang SORAI, limited to just 30 pieces, continuing its partnership with SORAI (Save Our Rhinos Africa and India), an organisation founded by former cricketer and Hublot ambassador Kevin Pietersen. With rhinos facing extinction, this partnership aims to support conservation efforts crucial for maintaining our ecosystem. Proceeds from the Spirit of Big Bang SORAI will help fund initiatives to protect these prehistoric-looking animals. Despite increased awareness, the crisis remains dire, with rhino populations plummeting from half a million in the early 20th century to just 27,000 today. 

However, there is hope: conservation efforts have helped the Indian rhino population grow from around 200 to about 4,000, while black rhinos have doubled over the last two decades. Hublot continues to stand with SORAI, empowering organisations to make a positive impact.

Hublot watch.
Spirit of Big Bang SORAI Grey Ceramic. Photograph courtesy of Hublot.

Zenith and Felipe Pantone’s New Limited-Edition Timepiece Is an Intersection of Art and Horology

Available in just 100 pieces, it marks the pair’s third collaborative series.

Article by Hollie Wornes

Photograph courtesy of Zenith.

In a fusion of contemporary art and precision watchmaking, Zenith and the acclaimed Argentine-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone have unveiled their latest masterpiece: the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone. The limited-edition watch, available in just 100 pieces from September 12, marks the pair’s third collaborative series.

Zenith and Pantone joined forces in 2020 when Pantone designed a unique tarpaulin for the Manufacture’s façade. Since then, they have introduced several notable projects: the Defy 21 limited edition series, which sold out instantly in 2021; a one-of-a-kind Defy 21 Double Tourbillon in a sapphire case, which broke records for Zenith at the the OnlyWatch 2021 charity auction; and a much-anticipated sequel in 2022 with the Defy Extreme Felipe Pantone.

FELIPPE PANTONE
FELIPPE PANTONE / Photograph courtesy of Zenith.

Pantone’s approach to the latest collaboration reveals his deep understanding of the intersection of art and horology. He’s known for creating visually impactful experiences through experimenting with colour and materials.

“When adapting this process [to watches, I have] to consider the precision and constraints inherent in horology,” Pantone tells T Australia.  “This means scaling down the grandeur of my usual art installations to something that fits on a watch dial.”

As well as maintaining the vibrant essence of his artistic style — which stems from Pantone’s graffiti-inspired artistic roots — the Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone is a complex yet minimalist creation. It features intricate details such as gradient indexes and hands, a mirror ‘Planned Iridescence’ dial, and a distinctive bolt-shaped tourbillon.

Crafted in a 41mm octagonal stainless-steel case, the timepiece boasts a geometric and angular silhouette. With its alternating satin-brushed and polished finishes, and an easily interchangeable steel bracelet along with a black rubber strap, the Defy Skyline Tourbillon is designed for both visual impact and ergonomic comfort.

The Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone.
The Defy Skyline Tourbillon Felipe Pantone. Photograph courtesy of Zenith.

Pantone describes his work as a dialogue between the past and the future, merging digital aesthetics with traditional techniques. “My aim is to encapsulate the speed of our digital era while maintaining a tangible, physical presence that engages viewers beyond a screen,” he says. 

This vision is brought to life through the Defy Skyline Tourbillon, where the iridescent dial and micro-engraved pattern create a visual effect reminiscent of Pantone’s signature moiré patterns. The tourbillon’s bridge, shaped like a lightning bolt and finished in a gradient of metallic rainbow tones, further highlights Pantone’s unique style.

The watch is presented in a custom box adorned with an iridescent pattern on both the interior and exterior, providing a final homage to Pantone’s distinctive artistry.

Covet This: A Petite Watch for Slender Wrists

Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has unveiled a new miniature Royal Oak quartz model measuring 23mm in diameter.

Article by T Australia

the new “Mini Oak” collection builds on Audemars Piguet's legacy to produce products for slender wrists, while adapting to contemporary lifestyles. Photograph courtesy of Audemars Piguet.

Most watch manufacturers consider a small women’s wrist to be less than 5.5 inches in size. For people with particularly small wrists, finding a watch that doesn’t look overly large can be a challenge.

Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet has just unveiled a new miniature Royal Oak quartz model measuring 23mm in diameter. The “Mini Oak” is available in 18-carat yellow gold, white gold and pink gold and was inspired by the Audemars Piguet’s rich history of miniature and jewellery watches.

The “Mini Oak” trio of petite watches offer a contemporary interpretation of the 20mm Mini Royal Oak launched by the brand in 1997, while adapting to contemporary lifestyle with a quartz movement offering more than seven years of battery life.

A close up of the new “Mini Oak” watch. Photograph courtesy of Audemars Piguet.
A close up of the new “Mini Oak” watch. Photograph courtesy of Audemars Piguet.

Since the 19th century, Audemars Piguet has created many small watches for women that have pushed the boundaries of miniaturisation, gem-setting and aesthetic refinement.

“From timeless classics and jewellery pieces to avant-garde artistic creations, the timepieces reflect the technical and aesthetic challenges of their respective eras, often anticipating the evolving tastes and expectations of their female clientele,” a spokesperson says.

Audemars Piguet’s first feminine creations featured extremely small complicated mechanisms fitted in elegant, yet discreet pendant, brooch or ring watches, often adorned with enamelled cases set with precious stones.