Hublot: Bar Refaeli becomes first female watch ambassador

The supermodel has joined the ranks of Hublot's celebrity-studded clique of brand ambassadors, including Usain Bolt, Pelé, Dwyane Wade and Jay Z.

Speaking on Thursday night at the launch party, Refaeli said, "I'm extremely excited to be the first female face for the Hublot brand. I've been a huge fan for many years and am so proud to be a part of the family now."

Refaeli will front the Hublot's ladies' range, which features the sexy new lace-inspired Big Bang Broderie watch. With a skull lace pattern designed by Bischoff, on a dial studded with 11 diamonds and soft arabesques on the bezel and strap, the timepiece reflects a rebellious spirit coupled with the ancestral art of embroidery that is 100% Swiss made.

Fellow brand ambassador Dwyane Wade, who is in town for the 2015 NBA All Star Weekend, also attended the exclusive media event.

During the evening, Bar strutted the catwalk in a couture gown, made exclusively from fabric by Hublot partner Bischoff, the leading Maison Suisse lace house, in a nod to the launch of Hublot's newest women's timepiece collection -- the Big Bang Broderie -- done in collaboration with the storied firm.

This year, the watch maker plans to focus on its female customers by offering ladies a series of new watch models that will embody the notion of the "Art of Fusion," where innovation meets luxury and fashion.

Hublot's new store at 743 Fifth Avenue in New York where Thursday night's launch party was held will open to the public later this year. It will be the brand's largest retail location.