Hublot on Holidays Part 2 - Hong Kong Hustle

Spontaneity is not the first thought that came into our minds when planning the second part of our holiday, rather necessity and a desperate need to get out of the cold. Imagine just visiting a tropical island and returning back to Sydney with temperatures of 8-12 C and rain. We jumped online searched for an Asian holiday package that could be arranged within 24hrs. Bingo the decision was made. Destination is Hong Kong. Flight tomorrow! We were excited about coming to this vibrant metropolis where change is the only constant. Pic of new building Our first morning here Shot from hotel A quick journey from Kowloon on the ferry to Hong Kong Island. Wow my first visit to an actual Hublot Boutique (but not the last). We must have spent the better part of 4 hrs there trying every watch in the shop. Can you tell which one is mine? I was also privileged to try these two marvels.

I have to commend the hospitality and professionalism of the staff at the Boutique. They put up with this overenthusiastic Hublotista for over three days. If you thought our day was frantic, the evening turned into a serious gastronomic extravaganza. We met Loic Biver at the trend setting One Peking. The lift took us to the 28th floor to experience Hutong. Boasting ornate carved wood screens, finely carved wood chairs and impeccably decorated with bamboo bird cages galore, Hutong is Northern Chinese charm at its best. Hutong is a stylish mix of old and new, befitting the Fusion theme. The food is just heavenly. We had salted duck, bamboo clams which are close to impossible to cook just right. The signature dish is crispy de-boned lamb ribs, alas gone before we could take a photo. After dinner we moved onto Aqua sprit and enjoyed the spectacular light show that is Hong Kong Harbour at night. By this stage Loic and I have had a few Mojito’s LOL. The next night we met up with wb!, his charming wife and Micro to experience some of the best local cuisine. The venue was Under Bridge Spicy Crab and naturally we had a few spicy crabs in Typhoon Shelter Style. Hublotista certainly know how to have a good time. (See post on Timezone Forum by wb! Hublot and food - Hong Kong visit) Our only regret was that we didn’t have more time to spend in Hong Kong as Micro is a fabulous host and I’m sure that he would have show us more places that capture the essence of this electrifying city.

Hublot on Holidays Part 1 Paradise

I’ve always been quite sheepish of wearing my watches when travelling but this self imposed nonsense has quickly withered away LOL.

Vikki and I recently had our 10 year wedding anniversary and as such we wanted to make this holiday something special. We wanted to escape the winter cold and just relax in pure luxury. Initial thoughts were Hawaii, Maldives or Mauritius. A combination of timing and circumstance actually made us stay in Australia.

Let me introduce you to Hayman Island. Hayman, in Australia's magnificent Great Barrier Reef, is a private island destination presenting a unique resort experience of adventure, relaxation, tranquility, indulgence and natural beauty.

Upon arrival on Hamilton Island we were escorted to the Sun Goddess for a 60 minute journey to the private island resort Hayman.


The Tantalum Matt was very much at home on this boat.


This is the whole resort

Imaging waking up to this view everyday.

Wow this was our room for 8 nights.

Courtesy of Swiss Prestige and Hublot we were lucky to get a Hublot t-shirt which Vikki proudly paraded around the resort LOL.

Some local wildlife

The cuisine was divine. Imagine the shock when I scratched my Tantalum Mat bezel by dropping a cheese knife on it. This faux pas must certainly be a worthy candidate for ‘Dumbest way to scratch a Watch Award’.

Naturally we also wanted to go snorkelling and see part of the Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral reef system stretching for over 3,000 kilometres. It can be seen from outer space and is the world's biggest single structure made by living organisms. CNN has labelled it one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

Here is the floating pontoon that allows tourists to see a small part of this natural wonder.

Some shots of the Reef. Shame I didn’t use the flash as this would have brought the true colour of the coral to life.



This is the first instalment of a series of travel tales that I hope you enjoy reading.

Why my Hublot and Australia have so much in common.

This is not your average post to say the least LOL. When I purchased my All Black Classic Fusion I was aware that it is made from ceramic which uses Zirconium Oxide. I also understand that Australia mines mineral sands but after some further research I realised that one of our companies, Iluka is the largest producer of zircon in the world, with an approximate global market share of 34%.

With respect to the Big Bang Tantalum Matt, one of biggest success stories in Western Australia’s mining sector is in the sleepy South-West town of Greenbushes - and it doesn’t involve iron ore, gold or nickel. Talison Minerals’ tantalum and spodumene mine in Greenbushes, 250km south-east of Perth, was until very recently producing 50 % of the world’s tantalum and 80 % of the world’s lithium minerals. Tantalum is indeed a very rare element.

It would be a nice thought to think that some of the raw materials actually did come from Australia. Being born in Switzerland and now living in Australia makes this idea quite special – call it a type of fusion lol.

Now back to wearing my two Hublot.

Finally got a Big Bang

Gee that was quick, but it should come to no surprise. Once you are bitten by the Hublot bug (for me it is for the second time) it is hard to resist. So lets step back for a moment. I only got my All Black Classic Fusion about 3 weeks ago. This watch is the perfect daily wearer. Smart and elegant it arouses a great deal of curiosity from the casual onlooker. Based on the number of complements, the magnetisim of the Classic Fusion line should not be underestimated by Hublot. Imagine adding a tourbillion and\or other complications into the Classic Fusion line.

The joys that I have been experiencing with the All Black have intensified my desire to get a Big Bang to complete my Hublot collection. I have been procrastinating on this point for months now, as I want this one to be a keeper. The initial thought was to get the original Rose Gold Big Bang with ceramic bezel. To the purists this must be the ultimate Hublot. However, the Big Bang line has evolved and the selection is overwhelming. I have also been privileged to see the Magnesium Bang with the Hublonium in-house movement. This would have been a nice addition, however I do prefer some more heft in my watches.

When I posted the picture of the Lockheed SR-71 a few weeks ago, the concept of ‘luxurious stealth’ spoke to me and it is my Hublot collection theme going forward. Personally I believe that the idea of understated luxury is also an interesting element of the Hublot Fusion concept. Searching the world for a used Big Bang All Black came to mind but I wanted more variety in my collection.

May I present the unveiling of my latest Hublot.


You will have to scroll down a bit further.

Here it is, the perfect complement, a Big Bang Tantalum Mat. This watch spoke to me in the first instance. I love the contrast of the dial and the heft. The fact that Tantalum is a noble metal also adds to its appeal. I have gold, platinum already and this is just so different.

I also like the tactile dimension of this watch. Running your fingertips through the micro blasted surface presents a remarkable sensation


In closing, I consider myself privileged to be back in the Hublot family. Hublot watches personify dreams and aspirations, which in the current economic climate could be considered a luxury.

Back in Black - Hublotista again

It has been a long time, as I think I have been suffering from Big Bang indecision LOL. How times change, about 14 months ago when I got my first Hublot (and regretfully let it go) there was only one AD in Sydney Australia. Now we have three so the choice is great and hence the dilemma. I had a SS\Ceramic Big Bang and more recently I have been looking at the Rose Gold, Mag Bang and the Areo Bang as a replacement. Then I've also been thinking about the Big Bang Evolution models which are coming out later this year.

This all changed, the choice was instantanious when I laid my eyes on the BB Classic All Black. WOW this is like a black jewel. Elegant, understated (No way) a real stealth piece that looks awesome. I just had to have this watch LOL.

The pictures don't do this watch justice.

Legibility is actually very good

Love the All Black look

This is not a dull black


Since I got this watch it hasn't been off my wrist and its durability make it a great daily wearer.

Glad to be a fully blown Hublotista again and look forward to reporting some exciting travel tales whilst wearing this watch.

Well done Hublot, the BB Classic line is another great success which will in time receive even greater recognition. The choice for the discerning collector.

Paperchase

I’m not talking about my work that is a case of more paper shuffle and talking the talk (personally I prefer to walk the walk) lol.

That brings me to my most recent project and it is not another watch. Rather I’ve been in the hunt for an original Rolex Cosmograph booklet that came with the watches during the mid to late 60s. Boy I though getting an authentic vintage Rolex is a challenge, these booklets are as rare as hens teeth. Naturally there are a lot of fakes. With a bit of inside knowledge from a fellow experienced Rolex collector and some determination the challenge was finally overcome.



Thanks for having a look, catch you again soon!

A King Power Lunch in Sydney

Imagine having one of those crazy days in the office where you just want to escape. Well this is how the day started on a Tuesday morning and I was really wondering whether I would actually have the time to catch up with our special visitors for lunch. Luckily Vikki had it all under control, despite the fact that the weather was being just as unpredictable. Come lunchtime all the pieces fell magically into place. Vikki chose Cafe Sydney which captures the essence of Sydney. Located on the rooftop of Customs House, Cafe Sydney is a regular haunt for businessmen closing deals and beautiful people being beautiful. It has a great wine list and an extensive seafood selection on the menu (on our hosts wish list). It is also just meters away from my office. The scene has finally been set for the perfect lunch. Our hosts are none other than Emil and Jacqueline from Swiss Prestige Watches, who are always a pleasure and privilege to spend time with. The first order of business was to select our food from the fabulous menu which included a number of Australian seafood delights such as; oysters, bugs, crayfish and of course Emil’s favourite fresh yabbies. Accompanied by a nice bottle of Villa Maria Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Shortly thereafter the conversation moved onto my favourite topic LOL watches. It has been over 12 months since we last caught up. Back then the conversation focus was on LVMH’s acquisition of Hublot, now we talked about the economic downturn and its effect on the watch industry. One obvious positive is that there is now a lot more focus on the customer which is great news as we will see even better service. Hublot, specifically, is doing very well in a more realistic market. We talked about the King Power and my initial impression was that this line was more of a novelty rather than an evolution of the Hublot Big Bang. I could not have been more wrong after seeing the BB King Power rosegold tourbillon, its rawness spoke to my heart and soul. Design wise it is way ahead of its time and I couldn’t imagine the watch being any smaller. And then Emil took out the King Power All Black Tourbillon which looks like a stealth fighter and is my favourite. I felt like an action hero wearing this watch. The combination of scrumptious food, smooth wine and great company has made this another memorable event. Emil and Jacqueline are fabulous hosts and we are very grateful for the time they spent with us in their busy schedule. The passion and energy of Hublot and its people is very apparent and something I would like to introduce to more Australians. Stay tuned as this is only the beginning.......