Hublot Nastie Bang

Hublot's Jean-Claude Biver once again brought traffic to a halt to open another brand boutique this time in London's New Bond Street, and to help with the launch was tennis icon Ilie Nastase for whom a new limited edition Big Bang, the Nastie Bang was unveiled.

If you were a lawn tennis fan in the 1970's then you had a decision to make, should you cheer for the cool-headed, silky smooth Björn Borg or the charismatic and feisty Ilie Nastase?  Borg was impeccable and flawless, Nastase took to the courts like a slightly scruffy rock star and his show-man antics had the more traditional Wimbledon spectators choking on their Pimms.  Borg is remembered for his supreme perfection and has his name on a nice collection of men's underwear, Nastase on the other hand was passionate and slightly dangerous and now has a very tasty Hublot Big Bang designed in his honour.........

The piece features a 44.5mm microblasted black ceramic case.  The dial is anthracite grey with black nickel appliques and faceted black nickel hands and a red chronograph hand.  The Nastase personalisation comes in the form of a "tennis ball" 30 minute counter at 3 o'clock and a 60 seconds counter at 9 o'clock with tennis points markings, 15-30-40.  Ilie's signature appears beneath the sapphire at 6 o'clock and the sapphire case back is inscribed with an image of the man himself.

Inside is Hublot's HUB 4100 Calibre automatic chronograph movement.  Water resistance is to 100 metres.  Nastase won 132 titles in his career and in tribute to this the watch will be an edition of 132 pieces.  The Hublot Nastie Bang  comes presented on a black rubber and leather strap with contrasting yellow stitching.