Watch Paparazzi

Actor Ludacris spotted wearing Hublot

Ludacris was recently photographed wearing one of the more technically demanding pieces in Hublot's King Power catalogue — the Zirconium Pavé, reference 709.ZX.1770.RX.1704 — a watch that combines exotic materials engineering with unrestrained diamond setting in a way that few manufacturers would attempt at this price point.

The Hublot King Power Zirconium Pavé ref. 709.ZX.1770.RX.1704 houses a 48mm case crafated from zirconium oxide ceramic, a material distinct from the standard black ceramic Hublot uses across much of its lineup. Zirconium ceramic is substantially harder, more scratch-resistant, and considerably more difficult to mill and finish, requiring specialized tooling and longer production cycles. The reference designation 'ZX' in the model number specifically denotes this zirconium construction. The movement inside is Hublot's in-house HUB 4100 calibre — a UNICO-based automatic with a column wheel chronograph, 72-hour power reserve, and a flyback function, visible through the sapphire case back. It operates at 28,800 vph and offers a solid technical foundation beneath the watch's overtly decorative exterior.

From a collector standpoint, the King Power series — produced roughly between 2008 and 2015 before being largely superseded by the Big Bang Unico line — now occupies an interesting middle ground. Purists often overlooked it during production in favor of the original Big Bang, but the more exotic material variants like the Zirconium Pavé are increasingly recognized as genuinely limited, technically complex references. The pavé configuration on this reference incorporates 1,704 diamonds across the bezel, dial, and crown, adding significant labor cost beyond the case material alone.

Ludacris has maintained a consistent interest in high-complication and visually assertive timepieces throughout his career, and the King Power Zirconium Pavé fits that profile precisely. It is not a subtle choice, nor is it intended to be — it is a watch designed to register at a distance, which aligns with his public persona both as a performer and as a figure in entertainment culture.

At UK retail the piece was listed at approximately £28,000, translating to roughly $35,000–$36,000 USD at period exchange rates. On the secondary market, grey market pricing for King Power pavé variants has remained relatively stable, with demand driven primarily by collectors targeting the more unusual material references within the line.