Megève, 11th January 2017 – At the end of a breathtaking ice show performed by Stéphane Lambiel, the renowned Swiss figure skater and Hublot ambassador, the Swiss watch Manufacture unveiled a stunning new model on the ice of the Megève ice rink to mark the start of the year: the Classic Fusion "La Grande Odyssée 2017". This limited edition of 100 numbered pieces pays a spirited tribute to La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc, an epic sled dog race through the fairytale landscapes of Haute-Savoie, which Hublot is proud to partner for the third consecutive year.
La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc is no ordinary sled dog race. Its technical difficulty, and the astounding natural setting it traverses, push the participants to the limits of human endeavour, with mushers and their dogs working as one to complete this sporting challenge.
As Official Timekeeper of La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc, Hublot is reaffirming the unique commitment of a traditional watch Manufacture: the measurement of time. This measurement is critical to the mushers from around the world, for whom the passage of __time is both their worst enemy and closest ally. Between 7th and 18th January 2017, seeking both adventure and victory, the participants will take part in a modern-day saga through the snow-covered peaks of France's Savoie region, completing 10 stages over a distance of 1000 gruelling kilometres.
Shortly after the presentation of La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc Mushers on Wednesday, an enthusiastic crowd gathered around the ice rink in the centre of the resort where Stéphane Lambiel, friend of the Hublot brand, figure skating double world champion and Olympic silver medallist, took to the ice to demonstrate his talent. At the end of the second short programme, the skater's final pirouette allowed the Classic Fusion "La Grande Odyssée" to be revealed by Benoit Lecigne, Hublot Brand Director for France, Benelux, UK, Ireland and Eastern Europe.
This watch pays tribute to a unique race, a voyage outside of time... The combination of the blue of the dial and the titanium case evokes the striking contrast of the immaculate white of virgin snow against the blue of the sky. This shade of blue also matches the eyes of the sled dogs who loyally accompany their mushers.
The satin finish of the dial echoes the way the sun's rays reflect off the powder snow. The wind rose at three o'clock, the precursor to the compass, symbolises the spirit of adventure and authenticity so dear to Hublot. The "vintage" treatment of its strap evokes the harshness of such a trek, where the mushers are constantly pushed to the limits, drawing on immense mental strength.
The presentation of this limited edition was followed by cocktails outdoors, and dinner in a traditional tepee. "Hublot is proud to partner La Grande Odyssée Savoie Mont Blanc, with which it shares values such as the respect for tradition, a love of nature, and a quest for excellence and for the limits of human endeavour," declared Benoit Lecigne.
