Despite being known as a traditional industry, the world of horology dropped a surprise when it welcomed the emerging market for NFT (Non-Fungible Tokens) watches. 

One of the first brands to meet this new technological advancement at the door was Jacob & Co.’s timepiece NFT – The Jacob & Co. NFT (Piece Unique 1 of 1) – the world’s first timepiece NFT which was sold for a total of $100,000. It was created in association with an NFT platform called ArtGrails. 

Industry veteran Jean-Claude Biver also offered the “first NFT auction of a luxury watch” which included a digital photo (also called digital twin) of his Hublot Bigger Bang All Black Tourbillon Chronograph “Special Piece” which has been a part of his collection for over 25 years. 

Since the release of the above two examples, there are many who have gone down this route of entering the metaverse (though not necessarily in the same way). Read on to find out:

Hublot Big Bang UNICO Ledger

Hublot joins the emerging world of cryptocurrency with the launch of its 50-piece limited-edition Big Bang UNICO Ledger that comes with a Ledger Nano X crypto wallet. For this timepiece, Hublot has partnered with Ledger – the world’s leading and most secure crypto and digital asset platform trusted by 4 million customers worldwide. The timepiece comes in the usually Big Bang UNICO aesthetics with a 42mm case in black ceramic with a golden bezel made from a unique alloy known as “Electrum”.  Along the golden bezel are etched the Bitcoin Latin motto “Vires in Numeri” symbolising the world’s oldest and newest currency. 

The watch comes with the Ledger Nano X Crypto wallet. What does this mean? It is a limited-edition crypto key that will only be available with the watch. Ledger’s signature digital asset wallet comes in the shape of a market-leading Bluetooth-enabled matt black piece featuring both of the brand’s logos. This piece of hardware is used for safely encrypting, securing, managing and growing your crypto assets. 

For more information on the watch, check out our full coverage here. 

Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra

Bulgari commemorated the 10th anniversary of its iconic Octo collection by unveiling a range of Octo timepieces. These include the brand’s eighth world record, the Octo Finissimo Ultra. Apart from being the world’s thinnest mechanical watch which comes in at just 1.80mm of thickness, the timepiece also marks Bulgari’s entry into the metaverse. 

The 2022 Octo Finissimo Ultra comes with an exclusive NFT artwork that can be accessed via the QR code engraved on the barrel’s ratchet wheel. Each timepiece is available with an authentication and uniqueness guarantee provided by blockchain technology. It also gives each owner exclusive access to a digital universe dedicated to their watch. In this sense, the Octo Finissimo Ultra represents the transition from ultra-miniaturisation to immateriality.

For more information on the watch, visit our coverage here. 

Panerai Radiomir Eilean Experience Edition

Panerai makes its entry into the Web3 with the release of its second edition of the Radiomir Eilean Experience watch with exclusive digital components. Limited to 50 pieces, each Radiomir Eliean Experience Edition watch comes with a collection of exclusive and limited NFTs. What does this mean? Each watch purchase will receive one of the 50 Panerai Genesis NFT in a unique cryptographic wallet, allowing each buyer to own this non-fungible token truly. 

Within this collectable lies an evolutive, one-of-a-kind artwork produced exclusively for Panerai by an NFT artist. This digital asset will also unlock exclusive content directly related to the Panerai Expedition Edition watches. Each of these NFTs will be time-stamped to specify the uniqueness of each buyer’s experience. Additionally, all owners of the Genesis NFT will have priority access to all future Web3 initiatives taken by Panerai. They will also be getting invites for exclusive services, events and other offerings from the brand. 

Want to know more about this watch? Check out our story here. 

Frederique Constant Classics Worldtimer Manufacture

Frederique Constant celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Classics Worldtimer Manufacture timepiece by offering its icon a journey into Web 3.0 by making it an NFT. The creation of exclusive NFTs of the Classics Worldtimer Manufacture is handled by Rarecubes, a Geneva-based studio specialised in blockchain technology. As of now, there is not much information available, but the brand mentioned more details of the same to be available on the official Frederique Constant website soon.

Want to know more on the watch? Check out our story here. 

Images: Hublot, Frederique Constant, Bulgari and Panerai