At the 2022 edition of Watches & Wonders, Hublot created a stir by unveiling a new square-shaped watch design inspired by the iconic Big Bang. The Square Bang Unico joins the barrel-shaped models already featured in “The Shaped Collection”. Its distinctive geometry is a real feat of craftsmanship for watchmakers who are traditionally accustomed to working with round cases. True to form, Hublot took this opportunity to demonstrate its technical expertise. The specific features that contributed to the Big Bang Unico’s popularity have been reinterpreted in this new format, including the case’s sandwich-like construction and the use of high-tech materials. All characteristics of the brand icon are clearly visible, including the six functional shaped screws, one of the Maison’s signature features. Clients and collectors alike have clearly acknowledged the Square Bang Unico’s appeal, giving it a resounding vote of confidence.
One year later, Hublot has taken the model back to the drawing board, this time exhibiting the Maison’s exceptional skills through the use of sapphire with the exclusive Square Bang Unico Sapphire, offered in a limited run of 250 pieces. Despite the two-fold challenge of its square format and the case’s multi-layered sapphire construction, Hublot’s engineers have successfully ensured that this timepiece is water-resistant to a depth of 5 ATM.
The renowned Unico movement, manufactured in-house, has also retained all the distinct features on which its reputation is founded. Set at 4 Hz (28,800 vib/h) and offering a 72-hour power reserve, is the prestigious automatic column-wheel flyback chronograph calibre known as the HUB1280. Incidentally, it is perfectly adapted for the square format, allowing it to be admired through the openwork dial, the back of the watch, and now through the sapphire crystal case itself.
Furthermore, Hublot is strengthening its position as a pioneer in the watchmaking world with the launch of the new Big Bang Integrated Tourbillion Fill Carbon.
The new Big Bang unites a micro-rotor tourbillon manufactured in-house with an ultra-lightweight, robust carbon fibre and Texalium case and a seamlessly integrated strap. Haute Horlogerie infused with ground-breaking technology.
This limited edition model, with only 50 pieces issued, fuses traditional Fine Watchmaking with Hublot’s cutting-edge spirit. To begin, the watch comprises two genuine complications: the tourbillon and the micro-rotor. To some, the latter is not a true complication, but with its skeleton structure, three days of full power reserve and 100% Hublot in-house manufacture – it becomes undeniable. As for the tourbillon, Hublot has designed it to be skeletonized and suspended, integrated within a bottom plate doted with transparent sapphire bridges.
The strap alone also merits being seen as a complication—especially considering its construction. It was designed, manufactured and assembled in-house in order to meet two objectives. Firstly, it is a featherweight 26 grams, making it one of the lightest straps available today. Secondly, it is supremely comfortable thanks to a perfect integration with the case, but also because of the links exclusively designed for this model. Each link is individually machined and finished to achieve the perfect surface quality—a real challenge with composite materials like Texalium and carbon fibre, as each element responds differently to cutting, machining and chamfering.
Discover more about HUBLOT online, and keep an eye out for new releases from the fair landing both on our websites and in our showrooms.
