The Hublot watch designed for the FIFA World cup in Brazil.

By Denise Marray/Gulf Times Correspondent/London

Timing is everything on the football pitch and when the World Cup comes to Qatar in 2022, the official timekeeper will be the world-renowned Swiss fine watch brand, Hublot. The Big Bang FIFA World Cup official watch is currently being showcased at Harrods in dynamic, animated window displays that pay tribute to the watchmaker’s connections with both top-flight football and Formula 1.

Created exclusively for Harrods, each of the four themed windows highlights the fine craftsmanship of the timepieces and celebrate Hublot’s historic affiliation with FIFA World Cup and Ferrari. The FIFA World Cup timepiece has a bi-retrograde display and lightning speed hands. It is a pioneering innovation and the only such movement of its type in the watchmaking industry.

With a bi-retrograde display, the hands return to their starting points at super-fast speed. When the chronograph is started, the chrono’s second hand and minute hand move from left to right in a circular arc of 45 minutes (one half of a football match), with an area for 15 minutes’ added time up to 60 minutes. There are two push-buttons on either side of the crown for START, STOP and RESET; the push-button at 2 o’clock is also used to show the period of time selected from the following four options: 1st half, half time, 2nd half and end of match, indicated by a window in the centre at 12 o’clock. 

This rather unusual display design demands additional effort, as the rapid movements of the hands require more energy from the movement. This has been optimised, as far as possible, so as not to affect the correct operation of the time display; Hublot was highly selective in its choice of materials and functions, opting for those offering the lowest possible consumption and friction coefficient. 

Obviously, time doesn’t stop during a football match. This is why the two permanently rotating hands are arranged in a counter at 6 o’clock. This way, they continue to display the passing hours and minutes while the seconds are shown by a small sector-shaped counter; this has a three-spoke hand positioned at 9 o’clock which rotates permanently and allows the wearer to see at a glance that the movement is working correctly. The power reserve is approximately 72 hours. 

The “Hublot Loves Football” window showcases limited-edition pieces created in collaboration with the brand’s iconic football ambassadors, including Pelé, Roy Hodgson and José Mourinho.

Hublot’s UNICO window presents the UNICO Manufacture calibre – the brand’s signature chronograph movement. Unique in the industry due to the position of its mechanism with a horizontal double clutch and the famous “column wheel”, its development required a completely original approach from this world-leading brand.

The Ferrari connection is being brought into sharp focus with the inclusion of a Ferrari Formula 1 sports car at the front façade of Harrods. Also on show is the limited-edition Big Bang Ferrari UK timepiece, which was conceived to demonstrate Hublot and Ferrari’s sport, performance and technological DNA.

The kaleidoscopic Pop art window celebrates the eye-catching and ultra-feminine Hublot Pop art series. Pink, blue, purple, apple green: an explosion of colours in watch form is displayed. All genuine Pop Art reinterpretations inspired by the famous art movement, this vibrant collection is a cacophony of colour.

Additional pieces on display in this exclusive exhibition include a selection of rare, high-value and diamond-set tourbillons. Harrods customers can also relax in the luxurious Hublot lounge.

Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, said: “We are the brand where tradition meets the future. That’s what we call the Fusion in Watchmaking Art. Innovation is part of our DNA. We feel that the link to Harrods is on the same level as creating a first in watchmaking. We share a passion for design, creativity and craftsmanship.”

Jason Broderick, fashion director of Menswear, Sports and Watches, said: “Hosting this magnificent exhibition with Hublot is a pleasure for both the store and for our customers. Hublot continues to be a key brand within the Fine Watch room and this unique event, exhibited exclusively in our most prominent Brompton Road windows, celebrates the remarkable tradition and historic values of the Hublot brand. Our close relationship with brands in orchestrating these events demonstrates our desire to keep Harrods the leading global destination for horological experiences and product.”