Hublot King Power Ayrton Senna and King Power Tourbillon Ayrton Senna
During the build up to the Brazilian Grand Prix, Hublot unveil two new pieces, the King Power Ayrton Senna and the King Power Tourbillon Ayrton Senna. Previous Senna tribute pieces by Hublot have formed part of the Big Bang collection, but since the release of the King Power F1 to celebrate the brand becoming F1's Official Watchmaker, it is a natural progression that these special timepieces should now form part of the King Power portfolio. Recently I had a conversation with a young F1 fan about the current F1 season, and how exciting it is that the Driver's Championship is still open as the last few races approach - obvious comparisons to the Prost/Senna end-of-season championship battles were made, and it was with great sadness that I realised that the young lad had never witnessed Senna race, had never seen him animate a qualifying session to claim pole position in the last few seconds. In 1994 when the world mourned the premature death of Ayrton Senna even those who did not follow F1 racing quickly realised that someone very special had been lost. This year Senna would have celebrated his fiftieth birthday.
The King Power Ayrton Senna measures 48mm and as you would expect the materials used are cutting-edge - carbon fibre and ceramic bezel with titanium screws, a 48mm carbon fibre case and a matt black carbon dial with a very trick power reserve indicator comprising green, blue and red dots an ingenious design which takes F1 inspired themes to a whole new level.
The movement is the Hublot Calibre HUB4247 with Split Seconds Chronograph function. The sapphire crystal is stamped with the signature of Ayrton Senna in yellow matching the hands and indices in this otherwise boldly dark timepiece. The King Power Ayrton Senna comes presented on a black Nomex and rubber strap.
The King Power Tourbillon Ayrton Senna is powered by the Hublot Calibre HUB6300, a column-wheel chronograph with clutch tourbillon escapement coupled directly onto the cage. Again high-tech materials are used - carbon fibre case, ceramic bezel with circular satin finishing and titanium screws. The power reserve is positioned over at the 9 o'clock position.
This very special piece will be an exclusive edition of just 10, each will feature a caseback engraving of one of Ayrton's career achievements chosen for inclusion by his family. The King Power Ayrton Senna Tourbillon comes presented on a striking yellow strap with green and blue stitching in honour of his nationality.
In his lifetime Senna was an extremely generous individual donating large parts of his fortune to help the poor in Brazil, especially children and young people. He was an astute businessman with a flair for marketing his own brand "Senna". On his death, this charitable work continued with the founding by his family of the "Instituto Ayrton Senna" which continues to transform the lives of thousands. It is in keeping with this spirit of generousity that Hublot collaborate with the institution to create the Senna timepieces and share with them the profits.
