Spotlight On: The Snow Leopard Big Bang

The Hublot watch brand of Switzerland has built links with competitive skiing throughout their existence. Since 2011, they have been the “Official Time Keeper” of the Alpine World Ski Championship at Garmisch-Partenkirchen. They support Switzerland’s Dario Cologna, the world’s greatest cross country skier, and have formed partnerships with two ski schools and the Tourist Office of Zermott.

To further seal the brand’s connection with the Snow-capped Swiss Alps and the world of skiing and sports in general, Jean-Claude Biver and Ricardo Guadalupe of Hublot’s management have dedicated an iconic watch created to honor the brand’s ambassador, Maria Hölf-Riesch. The lovely ambassador is a Double World Champion and Double Olympic Champion of cross country skiing.

The snow-white ceramic watch set with eight diamonds on the dial was unveiled at Baselworld on April 26, 2013 in a special press conference with Chairman Biver and CEO Guadalupe in attendance. The amazing timepiece has been named the “Snow Leopard Maria Höfl-Riesch” Big Bang. Fifty of the luxury timepieces will be available.

Maria was deeply honored with the creation of a watch to commemorate her skiing accomplishments. She stated, “I am delighted that Hublot has created a watch inspired by this animal- and the fact that it bears my name fills me with pride.”

She explained that the snow leopard is her favorite animal and that she has much in common with this endangered creature. “It is a solitary creature, but a fighter, and it emanates a calm strength.” she stated. She hopes that the creation of the Snow Leopard Big Bang will raise awareness of the plight of this species.

The 41 mm case is bezel white ceramic with 6-H shaped titanium screws. The dial is leopard print with eight yellow diamond bezel-settings. The hands are rhodium-plated, faceted and polished. It has a sapphire crystal with interior/exterior anti-reflective coating. The strap is leopard print denim stitched onto white rubber. The caseback is steel and bears Maria Hölf- Riesch’s signature.