The Manual Wind: Hublot Big Bang Unico Magic Gold

By Ian Schwam November 26, 2014

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The wristwatch is an isolated accessory. A collectable commodity status symbol with some serious values. It is still a worn accessory none the less. Durability has become more focal in the watch industry in recent years. Research and development teams are working hard to engineer new alloys and machine current materials into the fine timepieces we see today. Hublot is one brand that has coined their new alloy to truly describe its amazing properties; Magic Gold.

Magic Gold is the product of years of metallurgy research at Hublot. Combining pure gold with ceramic, they have been able to create one of the hardest metals to be used in watchmaking. Magic gold has enough parts pure gold to remain 18k while the boron carbide (ceramic) makes this alloy 2.5 times as hard as gold and 1.5 times as hard as steel.

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Incorporating this awesome alloy, Hublot has released a timepiece that is as durable as it is sharp; the Hublot Big Bang Unico Magic Gold. A fusion of materials, this watch incorporates a hardened matte finish ceramic case, a ribbed rubber strap with titanium PVD coated buckle, and a Magic Gold bezel. With the bezel being the most compromised part of the watch during wear, this scratch resistant material is well suited to combat door frames, walls, and any other obstacles that pop out on you to compromise your watch.

At 45.5mm in diameter, this case harbors Hublot’s in-house chronograph movement; the UNICO. Behind this matte black skeleton dial, the UNICO offers a double clutch column wheel flyback chronograph with a 72 hour power reserve. Also finished in matte black PVD, even the movement fits with the look of this rugged yet refined timepiece.

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While most collectable items maintain secure homes on walls, in books, and even in temperature controlled garages, the wristwatch doesn’t always have that luxury. Attached to the end of an extremity is not the safest place for a valuable item. Hublot is one brand to recognize the importance of durability and combine the right materials for the job. With Magic Gold as part of this construction, your bezel might be protected but your wallet is certainly compromised.

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The Manual Wind: The Fabergé Visionnaire Double Timezone for your Wrist

Faberge Visionnaire, Double Timezone

What is in a name? Watch conglomerates are experts at rejuvenation by digging in the files of watchmaking’s past, choosing a brand with history and resurrecting it with present technology. Many current brands have taken this path. Years dormant and suddenly revived. Fabergé is a name known very well. Perhaps its fame is not from watchmaking, but why not create a watch? Fabergé is known for its priceless and collectible eggs, clocks and object d’art. Almost synonymous with royalty, why shouldn't this brand be utilized today for luxury?

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the manual wind an affordable timeless timepiece with appropriate name eterna

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At 40mm in diameter, Eterna has created a modern dress watch. In stainless steel and PVD gold steel, two looks are offered for an affordable price. The dial is what makes this watch. A silver sun-brushed dial brings back the old days giving this watch its classic look. Beneath the dial lies a Sellita Swiss automatic movement with a 38 hour power reserve. The piece attaches to the wrist with either a black or brown crocodile embossed calf strap with a tang buckle.

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the manual wind oris bronze carl brashear limited edition diver

Steel and gold are the two metals that first come to mind in watch discussion. Sprinkle in some titanium, ceramic, and platinum and call it a day. Hublot was one brand to run the gamut on exotic metals; tantalum, cermet, and tungsten to name a few. One metal making a big splash lately (causing it to patina) is bronze. Gerald Genta tried with the Gefica years ago but it wasn't as well received as Panerai’s bronze Luminor of late. Now Oris is taking a stab at this fun-to-wear metal with its Divers Sixty-Five inspired Carl Brashear Limited Edition.

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