Hublot Bode Bang limited edition chronograph

Hublot and a four-time world champion alpine ski racer Bode Miller have unveiled a new limited edition Hublot Bode Bang (Ref. 301.CI.2010.RX.BDM09) chronograph watch.

Just like the rest of the “%model_name% Bang” line, the Hublot Bode Bang features the same dial layout and case design with the layer-cakestyle body and the signature notched bezel, which is fixed to the case with six H-shaped screws (please don’t ask why a fixed bezel needs notches on its side: nobody is going to rotate it anyway.)

The list of materials includes sandblasted black ceramic for the 44.5 mm case and bezel, as well as black composite resin for the lateral inserts on the case, chronograph push-pieces at 2 and 4 hours and winding crown.

The Bode Bang’s strap is also made of resin.

What is really new here, is the high-contrast black and white dial that features Miller’s signature across a chronograph sub-dial at 9 o’clock.

Sporting applied Arabic numerals, the trademark faceted hour markers and the skeletonized hands, the dial of the watch is easy to read in broad daylight, but will possibly be illegible at night, since I don’t see any sign of any luminous substance here.

The watch comes powered by the same HUB1400 automatic movement that also beats inside the Hublot Big Bang King All Black Blue diving watch presented in August.

Well, the watch looks fine (at least for a sporty chronograph, which is supposed to be massive and look rugged,) although some people may be scared away by its hefty price tag. According to the Swiss watchmaker, the limited edition Hublot Bode Bang will be offered to the general public at an MSRP of more than $17,000.

From where I sit, even the ceramic parts and the world-champion’s facsimile can’t justify such a high price.

Photos: Hublot

Hublot Bode Bang (Ref. 301.CI.2010.RX.BDM09) limited edition chronograph watch specification

Price range: $17,300
Movement: HUB1400, automatic, 28 jewels, Tungsten Carbide rotor
Complications: Chronograph, date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Sandblasted black ceramic
Case size: 44.5 mm
Case height: N/A
Dial: White with black numerals and hands
Water resistance: N/A
Strap: Rubber
Crystal: Sapphire