Chef Christian André Pettersen spotted wearing a Hublot

At the Bocuse d'Or Europe 2020 podium — one of the most competitive culinary arenas on the planet — Norwegian chef Christian André Pettersen was photographed hoisting the trophy with a striking Hublot Big Bang Unico 44mm in King Gold riding his wrist. For a chef who has now claimed both the European and world Bocuse d'Or titles twice, the choice of timepiece is anything but incidental.

The Big Bang Unico 44mm in King Gold (reference 441.OX.1180.RX) is built around Hublot's proprietary King Gold alloy, an 18-karat rose gold formula developed in-house and trademarked by the brand for its superior scratch resistance compared to standard 18k red gold. The case measures 44mm in diameter with a thickness of 15.45mm, water-resistant to 100 metres, and is paired with a black structured rubber strap that anchors the warm tonneau-shaped case with a purposeful sportiness.

The movement is the real story. The Caliber HUB1242 is a fully skeletonised, column-wheel flyback chronograph manufactured entirely by Hublot's Nyon manufacture. Operating at 28,800 vph with a 72-hour power reserve, it is visible through both the open-worked dial and the sapphire caseback. When Hublot debuted the Unico movement in 2011, it fundamentally changed the narrative around the brand — demonstrating genuine manufacture credentials. The column-wheel and lateral clutch architecture are clearly visible through the skeleton layout, giving the dial a technical drama that distinguishes it from the standard Big Bang line.

Among collectors, the King Gold Unico occupies a respected middle ground: it carries the manufacture credibility of the HUB1242 movement, the exclusivity of the proprietary gold alloy, and the visual impact of the skeleton dial, without requiring the stratospheric budget of a Tourbillon. Grey-market demand has remained firm, with pre-owned examples trading at or near retail depending on condition and box/papers.

Pettersen's affinity for the piece reads naturally — a technically complex, high-performance instrument worn by a professional whose craft demands precision under pressure. The King Gold finish mirrors the gold medals hanging around the necks of the Norwegian team in the same frame. At a retail of approximately $43,000, this is a serious watch for a chef who has earned serious hardware.