Anyone familiar with the world of watches will by now just about have absorbed the initial impact of Jean-Claude Biver¹s arrival at the helm of Hublot. Few watches could have been better named than his Big Bang, the watch that announced the return to business of Switzerland¹s most ebullient watch company boss.

From relative obscurity, Biver propelled Hublot to its current status as all-round hottest property and the watch most likely to be seen in the business class cabin. Astute to the needs of the times and the need to keep interest high, Biver¹s élan has seen the Hublot logo popping up everywhere from Old Trafford to the America¹s Cup via Yves Rossy¹s strap-on jet pack.

The watches too, come in a dazzling variety of designs, materials and special editions.
The latest to enjoy a brief moment in Hublot¹s limelight is the £19,950 Ayrton Senna 2, a black ceramic Big Bang Foudroyante produced in collaboration with the Instituto Ayrton Senna, the charity set up by the great man¹s family, with the admirable aim of bringing more dignity and equity to the youth of Brazil.

The watch has a foudroyante chronograph ­ that is, it has a dial showing1/8th¹s of a second ­ and is decorated with highlights in the green and gold of Brazil, including Senna¹s signature on the dial. It will be made in an edition limited to 500 watches.
By James Gurney, editor of QP magazine; www.qpmagazine.com

Stockist: Marcus, 170 New Bond Street, W1; 020 7290 6500; www.marcuswatches.co.uk