The Big Bang gets a nautical upgrade. LVMH watch giant Hublot collaborated with Italia Independent to launch yet another dapper timepiece, perfect those passionate about sailing and the sea. The new Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent pays tribute to Lapo Elkann's (Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia) passion for sailing.

"As long as I can remember, sailing has been part of my life. I have spent many hours sailing the Mediterranean, like here in Capri or off the coast of Brazil. I started very young thanks to my grandfather Gianni Agnelli love story with incredible boats which I was lucky to sail on. Each of them has a special memory but Stealth has a special place not only for his unrepeated, one of kind design but also because of our victory of the Fastnet with it. I am therefore very proud to be able to pay tribute to him with this new watch. A maritime spirit that has been perfectly restored thanks to the technical expertise of our partner Hublot.” Lapo Elkann, Founder and Artistic Director of Italia Independent and Garage Italia.

Limited to a 100 pieces, the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Teak Italia Independent is based on the legendary Big Bang Unico Chronograph fused with the style codes of the yachts of the late Gianni Agnelli, Azzurra, Agneta, Extra Beat, Stealth and particularly the Tiketitoo, whose hull was stained a warm golden colour. The case and the push-pieces machined in King Gold, feature the dial wiht orange indexes and a bezel cut out of teak.Water-resistant to 100 metres, the watch encloses the UNICO HUB1242 calibre house chronograph movement, which has a 72-hour power reserve.

“This new project made us aware of the unsuspected links between the world of sailing and our watchmaking expertise, including, for example, the use of materials and techniques that are at the forefront of innovation we have managed to combine with traditional teak wood. A perfect match between technology and tradition, or the very meaning of the Art of Fusion! Here, our partnership with Lapo Elkann and his brand Italia Independent takes on an emotional, creative and technical dimension.” Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.

The 45mm model is available with two strap variations – one inspired by the world of regattas and cut from the sail of a real boat in Kevlar carbon with a rubber base, and the second is orange and striped and made entirely from rubber. The One Click system makes it easy for the wearer to change the straps at will.