Only Watch 2017 Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire Usain Bolt

Only Watch 2017 Charity Watch Auction

The world’s most prestigious watchmakers come together every two years to take part in the exclusive Only Watch to raise money for and awareness of the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Taking place under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco, the charity event invites the top haute horology manufactures to create a one-off piece for the occasion. Set for 11th November 2017, Geneva, Switzerland will play host to this year’s edition of Only Watch, which is sure to attract attention from watch collectors and enthusiasts across the globe.

Hublot pays homage to Olympic champion sprinter and the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, for this year’s charity auction. Fresh from their ateliers comes The Only Watch 2017 Big Bang Unico Sapphire Usain Bolt (ref. 411.JX.4089.RT.OWM17). As a charity auction that seeks to support the courage and will power of those suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, the Swiss Manufacture chose the unparalleled Bolt as a dedication to that determination. A brand ambassador since 2012, Usain Bolt, aka “Lightning Bolt” has a slew of Hublot watches made in his honor. This Usain Bolt Hublot Big Bang watch is particularly special because, as all Only Watch watches, it’s a unique piece.

Commenting on the collaboration, Usain Bolt said, “I’m thankful to have full use of my muscles and to have been able to run fast and set so many records. I’m happy to support Only Watch and help in the scientific and medical research on neuromuscular diseases.”

Only Watch 2017 Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire

Sized at 45mm in diameter, this is a hefty watch, which is the norm for Hublot. Furthermore, fashioned into the iconic Big Bang shape is none other than transparent sapphire—an incredible feat for the watchmaker. Sapphire is known to be a particularly difficult material to work with, but the end result is worth it. Large yet airy, masculine yet refined, a Hublot Big Bang in sapphire is an impressive timepiece indeed. Complementing the skeleton look is a green, black, and gold color scheme. This is of course chosen as a tribute to the Jamaican flag — a nod to the athlete’s country of origin.

Housing a micro blasted yellow gold plated dial, the chronograph Big Bang Unico Sapphire Usain Bolt showcases a sub-dial at 9 o’clock that bears the silhouette of Bolt’s signature victory sign. Additionally, there also the symbolic lightning bolt seconds hand in honor of the champion athlete. Another register sits at the 3 o’clock mark and integrates a date window on a white disk. In line with the watch’s bold design, a robust crown sits between two round pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock. In contrast to the transparent sapphire, the pushers and crown are made from satin-finished 18k yellow gold. The overall look of the Only Watch 2017 Hublot is a skillful blend of modern design and watchmaking mastery.

Manufacture Caliber Hublot HUB1242

Powered by the Manufacture Caliber Hublot “UNICO” HUB1242, the instrument features a self-winding chronograph flyback movement and column wheel. It’s worth mentioning that UNICO is the label Hublot keeps for their in-house movements. Pulsating at a frequency of 28,800 beats per hour, this caliber offers wearers a power reserve of 72 hours. In keeping with Hublot’s skeletonized style, watch aficionados can admire the caliber in action via the transparent sapphire caseback. Emphasizing the support for the high-profile charity event is the ONLY WATCH logo prominently placed on the caseback.

Throwing in more for the wearer, Hublot created an interchangeable strap system for the Big Bang Unico Sapphire Usain Bolt as it will be auctioned off with two straps — one in lined transparent and black rubber and the other in yellow gold leather with detailing that once again takes its design cues from the Jamaican flag. Each strap is fitted with a titanium and yellow gold deployant buckle for easy wearing and removal.

What Will The Only Watch 2017 Hublot Big Bang Unico Sapphire Usain Bolt Sell For?

As if this uniquely developed timepiece wasn’t enough, Hublot is also extending a meet and greet with Usain Bolt to the watch’s ultimate buyer, in addition to a Puma jersey signed by the fastest man in the world himself.

Pre-sale estimates of the Only Watch 2017 Hublot piece ranges from $52,000 to $83,000. But it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise if this watch does better than the estimate considering all the additional rewards included within the price. We suspect that this three-in-one offering will attract many bidders, and not only from the world of haute horology, but also from the world of sport.