Hublot Launches New Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire

Transparent, black, yellow, blue, red – Hublot has mastered the creation and machining of sapphires with exclusive shades for its watchcases. With the new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire, the brand has once again achieved a world first by adding a completely new color to its palette of through-tinted sapphires. This unprecedented technical and aesthetic feat is combined with an entirely new tourbillon movement not only equipped with self-winding (a rarity for a tourbillon), but also with a reinvented architecture with its micro-rotor visible on the dial side and three sapphire bridges. A new fusion of daring and transparency, in a limited edition of 50 pieces.

In line with its winning spirit, Hublot has produced a new exceptional innovation by unveiling the world's very first case in orange sapphire. Our manufacture has also reaffirmed its watchmaking expertise by unveiling a new automatic tourbillon calibre, entirely designed and manufactured in-house, and on which the spectacular visible dial side architecture underscores the innovative design of the watch. The "Art of Fusion" in all its glory according to Ricardo Guadalupe, HUBLOT CEO

Orange sapphire, a world first

If there's one area where Hublot's own "Art of Fusion" is expressed in all its boldness and radiance, it's definitely that of cutting-edge materials, particularly manufactured sapphire. Over the years, the brand (which has its own Metallurgy & Materials laboratory) has already released numerous very illustrious watches where the sapphire cases and dials, available in novel colors, act as transparent settings for sophisticated mechanics – such as the Big Bang Unico Sapphire (transparent), All Black Sapphire, Big Bang Unico Red Sapphire and Blue Sapphire, and the recent Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Sapphire. Today, Hublot continues to innovate with this extraordinary material by reinterpreting the Big Bang Sapphire Tourbillon in an entirely new orange shade – a world first for a through-tinted sapphire – achieved thanks to the incorporation of titanium and chromium in a skilful manufacturing process. This surprising and dynamic colour is a breath of fresh air for haute horlogerie, and is in perfect harmony with Hublot's culture of excellence. The fascination of the translucent bezel and case in finely polished orange sapphire is enhanced by the technical tone of the six H-shape titanium screws that characterize the iconic Big Bang design.

An entirely new self-winding tourbillon calibre

A revolutionary case with an innovative movement. Hublot illustrates its unrivalled watchmaking expertise – and its mastery of the tourbillon, which has been constantly developed since 2007 – by accommodating an entirely new tourbillon movement at the heart of the orange sapphire, completely designed and produced by the brand. Unlike traditional tourbillon movements, equipped with manual winding, this exceptional calibre makes a name for itself thanks to its self-winding system ensuring a minimum power reserve of three days (72 hours) – a very noticeable improvement for the wearer. It is equipped with ceramic ball bearings and the latest Hublot technical advances in its winding system. The manufacture has also reasserted its uniqueness by reconstructing the movement in its entirety in order to make the micro-rotor visible from the dial side. This innovative layout not only represents an additional technical challenge for the designers, but also breathes new life in aesthetic terms, by strengthening the spectacular appearance of the dial and its very contemporary design. The perpetual movements of the micro-rotor set at 12 o'clock echo the rotation of the tourbillon, its regulating organ, positioned in perfect symmetry at 6 o'clock. The grey 22-carat gold micro-rotor is set off by exquisite decoration (bevelling, sunray-brushing and sand-blasting), as well as by signature Hublot openwork in the precious metal.

Hublot has also continued in its quest for transparency by using more sapphire in the movement itself. The manufacture calibre on the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire is equipped for the first time with three sapphire bridges – a barrel bridge, an automatic bridge and a tourbillon barrette. The lightweight effect of the skeleton work is accentuated by heavily open-worked and sandblasted platinum. The tourbillon cage at six o'clock, revolving on its axis every minute to compensate for the pull of the earth on the movement's direction, is distinctive for its pure geometry affording a glimpse into the mechanical heart of the model. The legibility of the open dial is enhanced by hands and indices with a luminescent coating. The transparent orange rubber strap with a lined relief – with a patented express One Click interchangeability system and titanium deployant buckle – completes the cutting-edge look of this limited edition release of 50 pieces.

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Privé Porter Opens Up First Ever Storefront in Miami's Uber-Luxury Brickell City Centre

*Photo credit World Red Eye; Hermès 20cm Birkin Faubourg Night & Hermès 20cm Birkin Faubourg Day the extremely rare set, in unused condition, on sale for $450,000

Privé Porter, the leading reseller of the most coveted Hermès Birkin handbags and luxury accessories, opened its first official brick-and-mortar storefront in Miami's uber-luxury Brickell City Centre. The new 1,250 sq. ft. location expands Privé Porter's luxury resale services from social media to retail, providing the Miami community with unparalleled access to the world's most exclusive Hermès handbags.

"With the demise of traditional retail anchors, shopping centers are looking to new, innovative brands such as Privé Porter to further attract affluent customers, and we couldn't be more proud to bring our unique offering to the Miami community at Brickell City Centre joining all the top names in luxury," says Jeffrey Berk, Managing Director of Privé Porter. "This pop-up is an audition to show that we bring the same Richard Mille-level customer whenever Privé Porter sets up shop. In a time when most retailers are shuttering stores and focusing on e-commerce, Privé Porter is seizing this opportunity to provide a first of its kind retail experience, shattering the 'glass ceiling' of secondhand luxury, legitimizing Privé Porter as a staple in the luxury community."

Privé Porter's Brickell City Centre store is bringing high fashion, luxury shopping and one-of-a-kind exclusive products to the Miami area, with Italian furnishings, chic Enno furniture and inventory handled only by certified staff. The store is fully secured with locked entrances and exits to limit the number of customers who can experience the exclusive handbags within the shop.  Each bag is an unused, pristine example of one of the different sizes of an Hermès Birkin or Kelly, ranging in price from $15,000 to $250,000 depending on the styles on display. Privé Porter continues to maintain a robust inventory through its passionate community of collectors, and specializes in sourcing rare and unique Hermès styles for clients including new 2020 color ways such as Vert Criquet, Sellier Rainbow, and Bleu Brume.

"Privé Porter is a unique re-sale concept that we are very excited to welcome to Brickell City Centre," said David Martin, Vice President, Retail, of Swire Properties. "Re-sale is an increasingly important part of the luxury eco-system, and increasingly desirable to discerning shoppers. It will allow them to dip their toes into the ultra-luxury side of fashion, and fits perfectly with Brickell City Centre's exciting mix of retailers and restaurants." 

While Berk founded Privé Porter in 2008, it wasn't until his wife, Michelle, took over with her love, knowledge and experience of the luxury goods market that turned the brand into the largest and most reliable source for brand new Hermès collectible handbags and accessories. Privé Porter was a first adopter of Instagram e-commerce in 2013, gaining a cult following of consumers who wanted hassle-free access to Hermés handbags, without the notorious roadblocks. Stars such as Kris Jenner, Paris Hilton, Cardi B, Keyshia Ka'Oir, Jeffree Star and more have become avid customers, turning to Privé Porter to not only source rare Hermés styles, but customize them as well.

To-date, Privé Porter's most expensive bag ever sold was a rare Hermès 30cm Gris Cendre Diamond Himalaya Crocodile Birkin with 18K Gold Hardware, selling for an impressive $500,000, close to three times more than what it retailed at Hermès. The brand's new storefront ushers in a new chapter for the luxury reseller, bringing their exclusive shopping experience to the affluent community of Miami, cementing their place as a pillar in the new age of luxury retail.

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