One for the Ages...

Not.

Courtesy of Hublot

This is Hublot's latest journey down the rabbit hole of excess, vanity and brain-dead partnerships.

This is the Big Bang Unico Retrograde Kobe "Vino" Bryant - just rolls off the tongue, doesn't it?

Now apparently, there is a deep connection between between basketball, watchmaking, and wine making... for realsies?

Well, Mr. Bryant was kind enough to wax poetically on how this really (ugly, I'm sorry this thing hurts my feelings just looking at it) "unique" Hublot model came to be -

Kobe Brant, Hublot Brand Ambassador, said: “It is an honor to launch my second Hublot Timepiece, Vino. When I joined the Hublot family, the Black Mamba was a natural fit, but we also discussed the relationship between basketball, watchmaking and wine; specifically, the dedication of the wine makers to making that perfect blend, the effort that goes into the maturation process and the attention to detail that goes into the art of watchmaking," he added.

Courtesy of Hublot

Who knows, maybe he'll actually wear this one.  For those of you still interested, here are the specs - I'm heading out to search for some Pepto-Bismol. 

BIG BANG UNICO CHRONOGRAPH RETROGRADE KOBE ''VINO'' BRYANT

Reference: 
413.CX.4723.PR.KOB15 (Ceramic – Limited edition of 200 pieces) 
413.OX.4738.PR.KOB15 (King Gold – Limited edition of 100 pieces)
Diameter:
45.5 mm
Water Resistant:
10 ATM (100m)
Movement:
Caliber Hublot HUB1261
UNICO Manufacture self-winding Bi-retrograde movement with central chronograph and column wheel
Power Reserve:
72 Hours

Breitling, Westime and the Clippers Partner

Okay, I am a Clippers fan.  They are "the other" team in Los Angeles.  We  managed to get rid of the racist owner, and we have perhaps the most exciting team in the NBA - and frankly this is a team that keeps it real.  So it was with mixed emotions that I read that Breitling would be the official time keeper.

Breitling are perhaps the most indifferent of brands when it comes to communicating with journalists, bloggers and frankly their customers.  The good old days of send in your card and get a hat, some chocolates, etc.  perhaps set the bar a bit higher in my mind than was fair.  But  having said that, there is a growing group of folks who are tired of what many writers (both print and digital) are referring to as the "Breitling Attitude" when they either forget or ignore your BaselWorld appointment giving you a sneer and a shrug.  Essentially a stiff middle finger after they've blown you off.

So what does that have to do with basketball - well if I'm honest, sweet FA ; )

So here's the story, I've said my piece -

WESTIME NAMED THE OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER OF THE LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS

The Los Angeles Clippers and Westime today announced a partnership that makes Westime the Official Timekeeper of the Los Angeles Clippers. Westime in partnership with Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Breitling, is the first official timekeeper for the Clippers organization. 

The multi-year partnership begins with the 2014-15 basketball season and includes Westime and Breitling logos on courtside digital signs and LED displays around STAPLES Center. Breitling imagery is displayed during each game’s Countdown to Tip-off, while Westime branding is shown when the shot clock reaches five seconds. The partnership also incorporates Westime and Breitling into radio broadcasts, Clippers.com, social media and off-the-court events. 

“For decades Breitling has valued its partnership with Westime in the great city of Los Angeles,” says Thierry Prissert, president of Breitling USA. “By supporting the Clippers, one of the sports world’s most ascendant franchises, Breitling and Westime are sharing their passion for precision, success and achievement with a team that displays those same values during every game.”    

Breitling timepieces are available at all Westime locations in Southern California.

A Great Night for Graham and the LA Kings at Westime`

Okay, so my life actually doesn't suck!  This evening found me rubbing shoulders with watch fans, some famous people - and some of the Stanley Cup Champion LA Kings!

Now for those of you in Southern California who have not visited Westime - treat yourselves!  It is a beautiful store and it was the perfect venue for this evening's event.   And don't worry, I'm getting to the watches - but have you ever met a famous personality and been, well - let down?  Not so much tonight!    Graham has really found some true ambassadors to be proud of.

Okay, so back to watches - this one of the LA King's limited edition Graham watches.

And of course the other pieces from Graham's collection -

But what I really enjoy about events like this is that you really get a chance to see what it really looks like when a brand and retail partner connect with their customer.

And if you think this was another one of those stuffy affairs, guess again -

It would seem that Graham attracts a diverse and passionate following!

Graham not only brings a smile to the face...

but right down to your finger tips!

So I'll leave you with some images of a brand and retail partner actively engaging with their customers - what a concept!

So a big thank you to Graham, Westime and the LA Kings!  

Enjoy your watches!