#WatchWednesday: The Hublot “Black Mamba Edition” x “Arturo Fuente” Posted by Ru Porter on 04/03/13 | Filed under Style, Watches, WatchWednesday

It's been roughly four months since the last #WatchWednesday piece, and sweet baby jesus knows that only two killer timepieces could propel me out of semi-watch-retirement. The first killer watch that I’m referring to is none other than luxury Swiss watchmaker Hublot’s King Power Black Mamba. Inspired by Kobe Bryant’s on-court persona, the limited-edition timepiece features a snake around the dial at 9 o’clock and Kobe’s jersey number, “24”, over 6 o’clock. Other Kobe-specific details include gold-plated hands and purple number indicators, which signifies the shooting-guard’s team colors, and a strap accented with black python skin.

Of the 250 wristwatches made, only 249 remain, and with a price tag of $25,200, only upper-class watchologists with the speed of the deadly African serpent will be able to afford one of Bryant’s exclusive chronographs, as they are expected to sell quickly. On a more positive note, proceeds from each sale will benefit the Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation, which is dedicated to improving the lives of youth and families in need by providing financial resources for like-minded organizations.



This marks the second breed of “Black Mamba” chronographs for the basketball star. Back in 2009, Kobe partnered with another Swiss watchmaker, Nubeo, for a sportier, rubber-encased version of the water-resistant timepiece at the Baselworld watch and jewelry trade-show.

Would you rock a King Power “Black Mamba” Hublot with your matching Kobe 8 systems (you know, if you had the cash?)

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Some people the finest cigars; some people collect luxury watches, and some collect both. Individuals who are in the latter category know that the basis of picking the best cigars and watches alike, really come down to the structure and the packaging. Every time I speak to a cigar enthusiast, Arturo Fuente ranks high in construction of the stick category. And when it comes to premier watchmakers, Hublot always stands out as one of the industry’s most elite brands. So it should come as no surprise then, that Arturo Fuente Cigars teamed up with Hublot to create the Hublot King Power "Arturo Fuente" collector’s timepiece series in honor of Fuente’s 100-year anniversary as one of the world’s leading manufacturers in the tobacco industry.

The King Power "Arturo Fuente" limited edition collector’s timepiece set, developed by Hublot, is delivered in a genuine cigar case comprised of a blend between Makassar ebony and carbon. The top contains an exclusive OPUS X ring accompanied by the Hublot logo signature. Only 100 of these custom watches have been produced, and depending on the exact model, they prices range from $20,000 – $40,000.



What's most appealing to cigar connoisseurs is the striking presentation of this collector’s item, as the watch comes in a cigar humidor along with 25 of the best and rarest cigars in the world, known as OpusX. While the majority of cigars are comprised of five tobacco leaves (wrapper, binder and three more leaves for filler), the Opus X has 9 leaves. Ambassador Carlos Fuente Jr.'s explanation for the extra layers is simple, "So that in every puff, you will discover a surprise."

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