On 13 April in Nyon, Hublot had the honour and privilege to welcome its ambassador, the superstar Chinese pianist Lang Lang. Acclaimed in the most prestigious concert halls, and in the middle of a world tour, with more than 80 dates booked, he visited Hublot between his concerts in Basel and Leipzig, to discover the Manufacture’s workshops.
Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, was on hand to welcome him and introduce him to the stages of manufacturing a watch. This was a first opportunity for Lang Lang to admire watchmakers at work. He was a very pleasant and open guest, asking lots of questions, especially about the model he wears at his concerts, the Big Bang Carbon Bezel Baguette Diamonds.
He made a noteworthy stop at the complications workshop: it was there that Lang Lang played various pieces inspired by themes dear to Hublot, such as the Art of Fusion. The famous virtuoso improvised a piece for each theme. For this purpose, the piano he normally plays at his concerts was set up in the complications workshop of the Manufacture, in the middle of the watchmakers and VIP guests present at this event, who were delighted to attend such an exceptional performance in such a setting! However, the choice of this workshop was no coincidence, since it is here that the complication movements are assembled, particularly the minute repeaters. The principle of these pieces, which embody the quintessence of Haute Horlogerie, is to sound the hours, quarter-hours and minutes, with a highly particular and musical chime. Furthermore, this complication won an award at the 2014 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, with the Classic Fusion Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater taking the prize for best “Striking Watch”. Thus, musical art and watchmaking art are united by their virtuosity.
It was a relaxed visit and spirits were high amongst the Hublot team.
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