Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver teamed up with players from Manchester United in New York City recently for the Hublot Million Dollar Challenge. The event, staged between the Flatiron and Empire State buildings, drew over 1500 people and raised funds for United for UNICEF, the English club’s charity.

Manchester United stars including Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher, and Edwin Van de Sar were on hand, as was team manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The stars tried their best to score a million dollar shot by hitting a small target with the ball. Goalie Edwin van de Sar came the closest, missing by a mere 3 inches. Regardless of the final score, Mr. Biver decided to write a check for $110,008 to United for UNICEF, which has raised more than 4 million dollars. “It’s one hundred thousand from Hublot, ten thousand from me and 8 dollars because it’s a lucky number”, he said to the roar of the crowd.

Sir Alex Ferguson who was mobbed with love by New York lovers of soccer said: “I love the Hublot challenges; they are a great way to connect soccer and charity. I also love Jean Claude Biver’s passion and the way he has helped Hublot become not only a great watchmaker but also one of the few luxury brands to understand the worldwide passion for soccer”.

The relationship between Manchester United and Hublot started in 2008 when Hublot designed the Manchester United Big Bang. They have worked together throughout the world to raise awareness of the Manchester United Foundation, which aims to educate, motivate and inspire young people to build a better life for themselves and their communities. Through their foundation, the Manchester United has created United for UNICEF, the longest partnership of its kind. In a little over 10 years, United for UNICEF has raised over £2 million pounds and has helped change the lives of over 2.2 million children.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson

Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver shoots at the target.

Jean-Claude Biver, David Gill, John Shiels, Paul Scholes, Edwin Van de Sar, Ryan Giggs, Darren Fletcher, Sir Alex Ferguson, and UNICEF kids and representatives

Hublot has announced that Jamaican sprint star and 3 time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt has joined the ranks of the exceptional sportsmen and women who are members of the Hublot family. Bolt electrified the world with his performances at the 2008 Summer Olympics and he currently hold world records in the 100 and 200 meters, and with his teammates the 4×100 meter relay.

In its statement, Hublot said that for them, Usain is not only an outstanding sportsman, but also a man with a naturally sunny disposition, who shares his gifts with humility. Like Bolt, Hublot is dedicated to the value of sharing, and is committed to sharing the company’s own success and making a contribution to support those who are less fortunate. Usain, for his part, is personally involved in a number of children’s foundations, particular in Jamaica.

Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot, is very proud that Usain Bolt wears a Hublot timepiece: “It is hugely symbolic for a watchmaker to see his watch worn by the fastest man in the world! the concept of time is sacred, for him and for us… We measure time, Usain always seems to outrun it!”.

Usain Bolt said: “I am delighted to be an ambassador for Hublot and join some great ambassadors such as Manchester United, Diego Maradona and Ayrton Senna’s family and Institute. I look forward to working together in the future and I hope my times continue to get faster with Hublot.”

Hublot has announced the signing of one of the most prestigious agreements in its history. The brand will serve as the Official Timekeeper and Official Watch for the next two FIFA World Cup events in 2010 and 2014. This is the first time in FIFA World Cup history that a watchmaking brand will serve as the Official FIFA Timekeeper and have a presence on the substitution board.

To commemorate this agreement, Hublot is unveiling the official licensed watch of the FIFA World Cup: a timepiece reflecting the gold of the coveted FIFA World Cup Trophy. The case, bezel and dial are fashioned from 5N pink gold, with a subtle tone-on-tone drawing of the prestigious FIFA World Cup Trophy at 6 o’clock. The Trophy is also engraved on the solid-gold caseback. The 45mm case houses an automatic-winding HUB1112 caliber.

This Classic Fusion model is available in a series of just 100 numbered pieces with an MSRP of $29,500.

Technical specifications appear below the images, which may be enlarged with a click.

Below, Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver (left) with FIFA President Joseph S. (Sepp) Blatter.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Case: “Classic Fusion” 45 mm diameter, 5N gold
Bezel: 5N gold with vertical satin finish, and 6 titanium H-shaped countersunk, polished & locked screws
Crystal: Sapphire with interior anti-reflective treatment
Bezel Lug: Black composite resin
Case-back: 5N solid gold with engraving of the FIFA World Cup Trophy
Crown: 5N gold with Hublot logo
Screws: Titanium
Water resistance: 50 m or 5 ATM
Dial: Satin-finished 5N 18 ct gold with satin-finished 5N 18 ct gold appliques, and relief applique of the FIFA World Cup Trophy at 6 o’clock
Hands: Faceted, diamond-polished, skeleton, 5N gold colour
Movement: Mechanical with automatic winding HUB1112
Jewels: 21
Bridges: Satin-finished, bevelled & polished
Screws: Black PVD titanium
Oscillating Weight: Tungsten carbide with black PVD treated dimpled surface
Main Plate: Sandblasted & rhodium-plated
Barrel: With reinforced spring
Escapement: Glucydur hairspring
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Strap: Adjustable black Alligator Gummy strap
Clasp: 5N gold with black PVD deployant
Series: Limited, 100 pieces numbered from 01/100 to 100/100

After signing sponsorship deals with FIFA World Cup and Formula 1 racing, Hublot announces the renewal of its partnership with skiing star Bode Miller who became the most decorated U.S. skier in Olympic history with 3 medals in Vancouver. Hublot’s relationship extends through the 2011 World Championships, where it will be the official timekeeper.

Hublot’s continuing partnership with Miller was announced at a New York City press conference and private luncheon, attended by friends and VIPs at Cipriani Wall Street. Attendees included Hublot ambassador and top model Veronica Varekova and supermodels Elena Kuletskaya, Kate Bock and Michelle McCallum. Hublot recently issued the limited edition “Bode Bang” (pictured below) to support Bode’s Turtle Ridge Foundation, which encourages kids to live healthy lifestyles through sports.

Hublot and Czech supermodel Veronica Varekova, an ambassador for the African Wildlife Foundation, are joining together to support a great cause and promote Hublot’s new women’s watch line. Varekova and Hublot held a press conference at Cipriani’s Downtown in New York City this past Thursday to announce their joint effort and to unveil the latest timepieces from the line. Varekova will be Hublot’s first celebrity representative for its women’s collection.

Hublot CEO Jean-Claude Biver was on hand to talk about the brand’s new campaign. Biver affirmed that more and more women desire to wear a timepiece that resembles a man’s watch. He added that Hublot’s inspiration for the line is to create a watch that is “strong, powerful, natural and big” and that uses “innovative colors and materials” symbolic of the modern woman.

Biver also commented on the importance of helping others. “The sharing process is the foundation of the Hublot family,” he asserted. As part of Hublot’s partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation, the organization’s logo will be incorporated into many of Hublot’s campaigns. Several joint events will also be held in support of the foundation’s cause.

Biver also used the occasion to announce that Hublot is opening a four-year watchmaking school at its Swiss factory. Each year, 25 participants will embark on a program that will teach them watchmaking skills at the highest level.

Depeche Mode, Hublot, Patrizzi & Co. and Liveauctioneers.com are teaming up to offer twelve unique collector timepieces in an online auction with the full proceeds to benefit the Teenage Cancer Trust. Each timepiece bears the artwork of one of Depeche Mode’s legendary studio albums. Bidding opened yesterday and closes February 24. A sampling of the timepieces appears below.

On February 17, Depeche Mode will open the 10th season of concerts organized by the charity Teenage Cancer Trust at the Royal Albert Hall in London. On this occasion, and in support of this cause, Depeche Mode and Hublot have joined forces to produce twelve exclusive boxed sets. Inside the exquisitely designed presentation boxes, Depeche Mode fans will find a treasure chest of exclusive materials chosen by the band. Each box contains:

– A deluxe vinyl version of the album
– A USB Key containing a digital edition of the album and documentary about the making of the album
– An original album artwork print and a framed gold CD.
– A photograph signed by all members of the group who contributed to the album, including Vince Clarke and Alan Wilder.

Geneva-based auction house Patrizzi & Co. and Liveauctioneers.com have graciously donated their time and energy to this noble cause. All proceeds from this unique auction, which closes February 24, will be presented to the Teenage Cancer Trust on February 26 at the penultimate concert of Depeche Mode’s “Sounds of The Universe Tour” in Dusseldorf.

To learn more, or to register to bid, visit www.patrizziauction.com. You can learn more about the Teenage Cancer Trust at their official website.

Technical information about the timepieces appears below the images, which you may enlarge with a click.

Technical details
BIG BANG DEPECHE MODE

Case: “Big Bang” diameter 44.5 mm in sandblasted black ceramic
Bezel: Sandblasted black ceramic with 6 H-shaped Titanium black PVD screws, sunken, polished and blocked
Crystal: Sapphire with anti-reflection treatment
Bezel lug: Black composite resin
Lateral inserts: Black composite resin
Back: Sandblasted Black ceramic with sapphire crystal with album logo
Crown: Steel black PVD, with natural black rubber insert
Push-pieces Steel black PVD, rectangular, with natural black rubber insert
Water-resistance: 100 m or 10 ATM
Dial: Matt black with black superluminova applique indices, numerals and album artwork between 3 and 9 o’clock
Hands: Faceted matte black
Movement: HUB4100 Mechanical chronograph with automatic winding
No. of components: 252
Rubies: 28
Bridges: Satin-finish, chamfered, polished
Screws: Black PVD
Calendar: Trapezoid aperture at 4.30, black background, shiny black numeral
Oscillating weight: Tungsten carbide with dimpled surface treated in black PVD
Bottom plate: Sand-blasted rhodium-plated
Barrel With reinforced spring
Escapement: Glucydur balance spring
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Strap: Black Alligator Rubber with dial matching stitching
Clasp: sandblasted steel black PVD
Limited Edition 12 Unique pieces, each numbered 1/1

Movement maker BNB Concept is out of business. But its founder, and many of its watchmakers, have found a new gig.

Just months ago BNB Concept seemed to be smokin’. The Swiss maker of expensive, complicated movements for brands including Hublot, Concord and Bell & Ross, was being praised in press reports for its “phenomenal” growth. BNB’s founder and majority shareholder, Matthias Buttet, gave interviews describing the company’s 200% annual sales increases, recession be damned.

Matthias Buttet

The company was selling, yes, but getting paid was apparently something else. On January 18 the company, which had been based in Duillier, near Nyon, closed its doors.

One big reason was a huge portfolio of accounts receivable, which one source said amounted to more than $9 million, that BNB could not collect. Suddenly, the company behind such talked-about watches as Jacob & Co.’s 31-day Quenttin and Romaine Jerome’s Day and Night (it has two tourbillons, but doesn’t tell the time) was no more. Buttet told one Swiss paper he had tried to sell the company, but its heavy debts had scared away all suitors. In its heyday, BNB, founded in 2004, had more than 30 customers and employed some 200 people, including the small band of elite watchmakers Buttet had chosen to make branded, artisan watches under the banner “Confrérie Horlogère.”

Now Buttet (he’s one of the “B’s” in “BNB”: the other “B” and the “N” are Enrico Barbasini and Michel Navas) is starting a new chapter. Last week, Hublot, one of BNB’s biggest customers, hired Buttet to head a new “Haute Horlogerie” department to make complicated movements for the Hublot brand. Hublot chief Jean-Claude Biver told WatchTime he will hire 30 to 40 watchmakers from BNB. Biver said he is in the process of trying to buy all of BNB’s machinery. BNB machines and people will be relocated to Hublot’s new factory in Nyon, which opened last year. Prior to BNB’s collapse, but as a precautionary measure in its event, Hublot, which is owned by the LVMH luxury-goods group, had bought from it about $2 million of finished and unfinished movements so it would not be cut short.

Look for an in-depth report in WatchTime’s March/April issue.

BNB’s customers included Romain Jerome, Jacob & Co., DeWitt, Bell & Ross, and Concord

The King Power Tourbillon GMT is Hublot’s first tourbillon with a dual time zone indicator. The red and blue GMT dial located at 1 o’clock displays a second time zone of the traveler’s choosing. A retrograde date is located at 9 o’clock. This piece also stands apart because its gold color is unique. The watch is crafted from a new gold alloy containing 5% platinum called “King Gold.” Only 28 examples will be produced.

The suggested retail price is $175,000. Technical information appears below the image, which you may enlarge with a click.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Case
“King Power” 48 mm diameter in “King Gold”
Bezel Microblasted black ceramic with molded black rubber, with 6 relief black PVD
H-shaped titanium screws
Crystal Sapphire with interior/exterior anti-reflective treatment
Bezel lug Black composite resin
Lateral inserts Black composite resin
Case-back “King Gold”
Crown “King Gold” with black rubber insert
Push-piece “King Gold” with black rubber insert
Water resistance 100 m or 10 ATM

Dial
Multilayer with microblasted gold-dusted matte black counters and flange, gold-plated applique indexes and black SuperLuminova™ transfers, the Retrograde Date is shown at 9 o’clock, the GMT dial at 1 o’clock in red and blue and the Tourbillon cage at 5 o’clock

Hands
Gold-plated hands with black SuperLuminova

Movement
HUB6121 Tourbillon GMT Retrograde Date
Dimensions Diameter: Ø 35.60 mm
Thickness: 6.90 mm
No. of components 278
Number of jewels 30
Balance Screw balance, flat hairspring
Vibrations 21,600 Vib/h (3Hz)
Tourbillon Cage Ø 12.50 mm
Power Reserve 90 hours
Bridges “Colimaçon”-decorated, 5N18 treatment
Screws Polished and blocked, angled screw and slot, nickel-plated
Main plate Microblasted, black chrome treatment
Upper plate “Colimaçon”-decorated, 5N18 treatment

Strap
Adjustable articulated black rubber

Clasp
Folding buckle in “King Gold” and gold PVD steel

Edition limited to 28 pieces numbered 01/28 to 28/28

The new Big Bang Steel Tutti Frutti Rose features a fine mother of pearl dial which adds a touch of elegance. The satin-finished case is surrounded by 48 baguette-cut pink sapphires, with an alligator strap to match. The case measures 41mm in diameter and is water resistant to 100 meters. The movement is a mechanical auto-winding Hublot caliber HUB4300.

The Big Bang Steel Tutti Frutti Rose is priced at $19,900. Technical details appear below the image, which may be enlarged with a click.

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Case: “Big Bang”, 41 mm diameter in polished steel, with satin-finished endpieces
Bezel: Steel set with 48 baguette-cut pink sapphires, with 6 H-shaped sunken, polished and blocked titanium screws
Crystal: Sapphire with interior anti-reflective treatment
Bezel Lug: Pink composite resin
Lateral inserts: Pink composite resin
Case-back: Steel with sapphire crystal, interior anti-reflective treatment
Crown: Steel with pink natural rubber insert
Push-pieces: Steel, rectangular with pink natural rubber insert
Screws: Titanium
Water resistance: 100 m or 10 ATM
Dial: White mother of pearl with satin-finished rhodium-plated appliques
Hands: Faceted, diamond-set, luminescent white, seconds hand with H-shaped counterweights
Movement: Mechanical chronograph with automatic winding, Hublot Calibre HUB4300
No. of components: 278
Jewels: 37
Bridges: Satin-finished, bevelled & polished
Screws: Black PVD
Date: Trapezoid window at 4.30
Oscillating Weight: Tungsten carbide with black PVD treated dimpled surface
Main plate: Sandblasted & rhodium-plated
Barrel: With reinforced spring
Escapement: Glucydur hairspring
Power Reserve: 42 hours
Strap: Adjustable, in pink alligator skin with pink natural rubber inner
Clasp: Steel deployant buckle

Four-time World Champion skier Bode Miller recently launched the new Hublot limited edition Bode Bang watch with a celebrity tennis match at Sutton East Tennis Club in New York City. The participants gathered to support Bode’s relationship with the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program. Following the Celebrity Challenge, Bode led a basic tennis clinic with 50+ kids and then, along with Hublot, (on behalf of the Turtle Ridge Foundation) donated $10,000 to the organization.

Best known for his skill on the slopes, Bode also knows his way around a tennis court. “My family played a lot when I was growing up. If I wasn’t skiing professionally I think I’d be playing tennis.” Bode Miller and his family started The Turtle Ridge Foundation in 2005. It is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting health, diversity, and sustainable living through sports. In February 2009, Bode joined forces with Hublot to collaborate on design and development of the new Hublot Bode Bang limited edition watch. A portion of sales from the watch will go to the Turtle Ridge Foundation.

L to R Hublot President Ricardo Guadalupe, Sebastian Stan, Tim Morehouse, Justin Gimelstob, and Bode Miller show off their Bode Bangs.

Bode (back center) and Ricardo Guadalupe (R) with the kids from the Harlem Junior Tennis and Education Program.