Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot and an avid cyclist and sailor, forged a link between the Hublot brand and the world of skiing when the Swiss watchmaker became the official timekeeper of the Alpine World Championships. Now, Biver is taking that link one step further as a new, limited-edition watch is launched to celebrate the brand’s association with skier Maria Riesch.

The Big Bang White Aero Bang Garmisch is the first completely white timepiece in the history of the Hublot Big Bang product line. The skeletonised dial gives a glimpse into the heart of the HUB4214 mechanism, while the combination of glossy and matt surfaces is, perhaps, suggestive of ice and snow. The watch was tested for its suitability in harsh winter conditions on the wrist of Maria Riesch and, if you’re interested in obtaining one, you’ll have to move nearly as fast as she does. Just 250 examples of the dramatic timepiece will be made.

As well as the Aero Bang Garmisch, you can also buy a selection of very special winter sports equipment from Hublot. In collaboration with the ski-making company Zai, Hublot has already presented a limited-edition set of skis, and has now unveiled the Hublot Sledge – limited to just 10 pieces. The fruit of a partnership between Hublot and ECAL, the Lausanne University of Art and Design, the Hublot Sledge combines ash wood for the structure, hand-sewn leather for the seat, carbonfibre for the handles and steel for the runners. The result is an object of beauty and, says Hublot, is “fast, stable, manoeuvrable and robust”.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Hublot