The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the Year of the Wooden Dragon, and Hublot celebrates this momentous occasion by introducing the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon. This limited edition timepiece beautifully combines the traditional Chinese art of paper cutting with a modern twist. Renowned Chinese artist Chen Fenwan’s skills are showcased alongside Hublot’s avant-garde philosophy, resulting in a truly unique creation.
2024 in the Chinese calendar will see the majestic return of the Dragon, a celestial being known for its association with prosperity, luck, strength, and wisdom. Hublot, renowned for its exceptional and inventive approach to watchmaking, decided to commemorate this momentous year with a timepiece that captures the very spirit of the dragon – the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon.
The collaboration between Hublot and Chinese artist Chen Fenwan has resulted in the creation of a stunning 3D silhouette of an eastern dragon. This masterpiece is brought to life through the intricate combination of hands, wheels, and H-shaped screws. Chen Fenwan, acknowledged by the Chinese Modern Art Archive, demonstrates her mastery of paper-cutting as a tribute to the Wood Dragon, using organic materials to give life and meaning to her creations.
The Spirit of Big Bang The Titanium Dragon symbolizes Hublot’s philosophy of the ‘Art of Fusion.’ The text showcases the ongoing exploration of materials and their various forms of artistic expression. The dragon’s design is incredibly detailed, featuring hands, cogs, and screws that come together to create a unique interpretation of time. It truly showcases the brand’s dedication to innovation.
The dragon, a representation of the ‘Art of Fusion,’ incorporates characteristics from nine distinct animals, demonstrating the gradual transformation that has occurred over countless millennia. Chen Fenwan skillfully captures the essence of this revered creature, honoring the ancient art of Chinese paper cutting that dates back 2,000 years.
Hublot embraces Chinese tradition in a daring move by introducing a rubber strap adorned with a marquetry design for 2024. This is the first instance where Hublot showcases such a design, highlighting its dedication to combining traditional Chinese “sculpture in the round” with modern art. The dragon’s silhouette extends onto the rubber strap, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship that goes into each piece. The scales are carefully colored and integrated by hand, a process that takes approximately 8 hours per strap.
The Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon is available in a limited edition of 88 pieces, with each one beautifully encased in a 42 mm titanium case. The dial construction is designed with Hublot’s aesthetic codes, highlighting the intricate layered effects of paper cutting. This timepiece includes a second titanium-grey Velcro fabric strap and is equipped with the HUB1710 automatic movement, offering a power reserve of 50 hours.
