Basel 2008: Hublot Big Bang Euro 2008 Watch

The Hublot Big Bang Euro 2008 watch is a limited edition Big Bang timepiece, which Hublot has created in commemoration of the European Football Championship 2008, jointly hosted by Switzerland and Austria. The new model, with chronograph features designed specifically for football matches, was announced at Basel; guests in attendance during the presentation included UEFA marketing chief Philippe Margraff.  

The launch of this timepiece also pays tribute to Hublot's status as official timekeeper of the EURO 2008 event, and their admirable use of advertising space: rather than showcase their own products, all of Hublot's advertising space will feature the statement "NO TO RACISM".  Utilizing the multi-cultural appeal of the highly popular sport, Hublot and brand CEO Jean-Claude Biver have found a powerful platform to combat discrimination.  

The Hublot Big Bang Euro 2008 watch features a 44.5mm case in black ceramic; the bezel is also crafted from this material, being further accented with 6 sunken H-shaped titanium screws.  The sapphire crystal is treated with an anti-reflective coating on its underside.  Water resistance of the timepiece is 100 meters.

Designed specifically for the requirements of football matches, the Hublot Big Bang Euro 2008 watch presents a unique chronograph complication which is calibrated for match requirements.  The counter on the left side of the dial can time the 45-minute match periods, as well as the 15-minute extra-time intervals.  The movement responsible for this function is known as the HUB45 caliber; this self-winding movement features 55 jewels, and has a tungsten carbide central rotor, for efficient winding.  Power reserve is approximately 45 hours.  Additional functions of the HUB45 caliber are subsidiary seconds, and a date display.  

The Hublot Big Bang Euro 2008 watch is completed by a fitted Hublot rubber strap whose underside is marked with the red "UEFA EURO 2008" strip.  The watch will be produced in a numbered, limited edition of 2008 pieces.  Hublot will also offer 250 numbered examples of the Big Bang Euro 2008 watch in 18K red gold.