On August 12th, 2017, the greatest sprinter of all time hung up his running shoes. Usain Bolt finished his career after taking part in the World Athletics Championships in London for the last time after conquering 11 World Championship titles and 8 Olympic medals. The ninth watch within the Big Bang Unico collections made out of sapphire is the new Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Chronograph Unico Limited Edition Usain Bolt Victory Set that was just released last week at the SIAR 2017 in Mexico City.
Nicknamed “Lightning Bolt”, Usain Bolt is the fastest sprinter of all time. To celebrate his success and what no other man has ever accomplished by running such a distance in so few seconds, the new Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Usain Bolt is available in a limited edition of only 8 pieces —celebrating his 8 Olympic medals— and fitted with a clear sapphire case.
With a 45 mm case cut from blocks of sapphire —a material which is almost as hard and scratch-resistant as diamond, the new Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Usain Bolt is sold in a special clear resin box with a pair of Puma Gold sprinting spikes —the same shoes worn by Usain Bolt during his final Olympic Games in 2016— and Usain Bolt's autograph on the box and the shoes.
The Case
Fitted with a sapphire dial that allows for full view of the HUB 1242 UNICO movement, the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire Usain Bolt comes with a few very unique touches that make the watch stand out and differentiate it from other Big Bang sapphire timepieces. As far as the case, the design combines a sapphire bezel, middle case and case back with 18K gold pushers, crown, screws and strap release inserts.
The Dial
Resembling the Unique Piece that was designed for the 2017 ONLY Watch Auction, the main difference between this new watch and the Unique Piece is that this one features a black PVD treated movement instead of a gold treated one.
Three unique touches make this watch quite interesting and good looking. First, the running seconds at 9 o'clock includes a black silhouette of Usain Bolt striking his traditional "lightning bolt" celebratory pose.
Second, the dial features green and gold accents throughout, alluding to the colors in the of the Jamaican flag —Usain's nationality. In a striking combination of black, gold and green, the Hublot Usain Bolt is a very sexy watch where the transparency of its sapphire case makes it even better.
Third, the seconds hand for the chronograph is shaped as a lightning bolt. While this is a feature we've already seen a while back on the Rolex Milgauss, in the case of this Hublot it celebrates Usain Bolt's lightning speed as the world record holder of the 100, 200 and 4 x 100 meters sprint.
The Strap
Following the same theme and hue of the 18K gold accents throughout the watch, this hue is carried over to the shinny gold colored calf leather strap embossed with the Jamaican flag. The inside of the strap is made from rubber for the wearer’s comfort and it is secured by a titanium and yellow gold folding clasp.
The Movement
Powering the new Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Unico Limited Edition Usain Bolt Victory Set is the in-house Hublot automatic flyback chronograph movement HUB 1242 UNICO. The movement with black PVD treatment features a column wheel and double clutch mechanism visible on the dial side. This 38-jewel automatic movement provides a power reserve of 3 days —72 hours— when fully wound.
On the Wrist & Pricing
On the wrist, the new Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Unico Limited Edition Usain Bolt wears true to its size and very light like all other Big Bang Unico Sapphire timepieces. In a very well executed limited edition and with its perfect contrasting 18K gold accents, this new watch is one that we really like. While many dislike the excessive number of limited editions released by Hublot, don't forget that this is part of their strategy and business model and regardless of what everyone thinks, this has worked extremely well for them.
In sum, this new Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Usain Bolt is very nice and its gold accents make it a little bit more appealing than the traditional sapphire models from this brand. Other than the gold strap that to us seems a little too flashy, this is a watch well made, with an in-house chronograph and in a very exclusive limited edition of only 8 pieces. Now, where else can you get a pair of Puma Gold sprinting spikes signed by a legend like Usain Bolt and a watch of this caliber? Nowhere else and only through Hublot.
Sticker Price $72,000 USD. For more info on Hublot click here.
