Not to be outdone by Audemars Piguet and their claims to Formula 1 racing, Hublot, the official watch brand of F1, has announced the F1 King Power Austin as a tribute to the United States Grand Prix which was held in Austin, Texas this past weekend. Limited to just 250 units, this titanium cased chronograph boasts a carbon and titanium bezel which has been styled to look like a cross-drilled  performance brake rotor. Measuring 48mm across, the F1 King Power Austin is powered by the HUB4100 automatic chronograph movement which has a power reserve of 42 hours and offers a 30 minute chronograph, sub seconds and a date display.

While the King Power line is a predictable platform for an F1-inspired watch, Hublot has not simply slapped an F1 logo on an existing model. The rubberized chronograph pushers boldly proclaim “START” and “RESET” in red and black lettering, calling for a comparison with the button-heavy layouts of a modern F1 steering wheel. The pushers are matched by a bright red dial and highlight stitching in the hornback alligator strap. I find that the design definitely makes me think of the complex and precise equipment used in an F1 car and that the coloring would look very much at home in the pit lane. F1 is all about bright colors, over engineered mechanical complexities and big attitudes, and the F1 King Power Austin emulates these things well.

This Hublot announcement comes hot on the heels of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher Limited Edition announcement in which AP flexed its F1 credibility by working with one of the best drivers in the history of the sport. Rivalries and competition can be just as intense in the watch making world as they often are among teams and drivers that make up Formula 1 racing. We feel that such background stories make the watches more interesting. The Hublot F1 King Power Austin will be available soon and carries a list price of $25 200 USD. With 250 being made in the limited edition, we recommend only those with the wallet, wrist fortitude, and highest level of F1-in-America pride head to their nearest authorized dealer.