Hublot’s Oceanographic 4000 is the latest diver’s watch to push the limits of technology and rationality. Claiming a record for its ability to plunge down to 4,000 meters, the Oceanographic edges out Rolex’s Deepsea, which goes down to 3,900 meters. Hublot tested the timepiece’s seal to the equivalent of 5,000 meters in a Roxer tank, assuring its seaworthiness well beyond its official limit. A 6.5 mm-thick synthetic sapphire crystal, two screw-down crowns, and a screw-down caseback help the 48 mm King Power case withstand such extreme pressure. Hublot will produce 1,000 numbered pieces in grade 2 titanium ($19,900) and 500 pieces in an All Black version made of carbon fiber ($25,900). After investing 18 months of research, development, and testing, Hublot debuted the massive watch last summer at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, with which Hublot has forged a partnership offering support to the institution’s efforts to study and preserve marine environments. (www.hublot.com)
