244: A New Era For Hublot, AP's Royal Oak Jewelry Collection, And IWC's Ingenieur Revival

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, David, and Ripley explore a new chapter for Hublot, Audemars Piguet's latest venture into luxury jewelry, the 50th anniversary of the IWC Ingenieur, and much more. With Ariel away, the trio kicks things off with a discussion of Hublot's evolving direction under former Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, including the new Classic Fusion Original and Big Bang Original.

David shares his firsthand experience at Hublot's launch event in Milan, where he met brand founder Carlo Crocco and learned more about the history behind Hublot's signature fusion of gold and rubber. The conversation also turns to Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Joaillerie collection, as the guys debate what happens when you take the watch out of a luxury watch and somehow make it even more expensive. Later, the guys examine the IWC Ingenieur's 50th anniversary models, debate the often-overlooked Aquatimer, and wrap things up with another unpredictable round of the Picker Wheel of Death featuring Greubel Forsey, Gerald Charles, and Cuervo y Sobrinos.

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Key Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction and Welcome

[01:36] Hublot's New Era and François-Henry Bennahmias

[03:02] Hublot's Artist Collaborations and AP's Marvel Watches

[06:09] What Does the Future Hold for Hublot?

[08:47] Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Joaillerie Collection

[16:35] A Closer Look at the Royal Oak Bracelets

[17:52] Hublot Classic Fusion Original Launch in Milan

[20:00] The History of Hublot's Gold and Rubber Design

[23:20] Exploring the New Classic Fusion Original

[29:12] Hublot Big Bang Original Review

[30:17] IWC Ingenieur 50th Anniversary Watches

[32:13] The Anniversary Design and Silver Dial

[35:38] Has the IWC Ingenieur Been a Success?

[37:45] Rediscovering the IWC Aquatimer

[43:20] Picker Wheel of Death

[46:30] Greubel Forsey's Watchmaking and Favorite Models

[47:56] Upcoming Reviews and What's Next