Against All Odds
Hublot Showcases Its Watchmaking Mastery With Seminal Pieces at Watches & Wonders 2024.
by The Time Place Magazine
When it comes to reinventing iconic works and bringing new inventions to life, Hublot has proven itself to be a formidable manufacturer. From its establishment in 1980, the esteemed brand has gone against all odds and delivered creations that surpass all expectations, including the groundbreaking Big Bang collection.
This year, at Watches & Wonders, Hublot makes a big impact and captivates watch enthusiasts once again. The Swiss haute horologist launched various highly coveted watches at the annual event, ranging from the classic Big Bang Integrated Time Only to the unexpected Big Bang MP-11 14-Day Power Reserve Water Blue Sapphire.
Big Bang MP-11 14-Day Power Reserve Water Blue Sapphire
First up is the groundbreaking Big Bang MP-11. Aside from its striking aesthetics, the MP-11 could perhaps be one of the most powerful timepieces to exist, what with its 14-day power reserve. Set on a water blue transparent rubber strap, the timepiece has a unique wave-like structure to house the 7 barrels that power the movement. The main dial, which indicates both the current hour and minute, is minimised and takes up only the upper half of the overall watch, in order to exhibit its astounding mechanics. Just underneath it is an impressive display of the HUB9011 manufacture manual winding movement and the 90° transmission that was made possible by the helical worm gear.
This latter invention, unique to Hublot’s collection, is what drives the timepiece to maintain its 14-day power reserve. Meanwhile, in the lower half of the watch, one can vividly see the rotating disc that indicates the remaining power reserve.
Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu
Commemorating Hublot’s long partnership with Maxime Plescia-Buchi, the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu continues the collection’s tradition of merging haute horology and tattoo art. This year, both the horologist and artist managed to create a timepiece whose geometric shape can almost extend to one’s own wrist thanks to its sapphire canvas. Clad on a white rubber strap, the geometric etching on this reiteration of the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu further crystallises the timepiece. Against the skeletonised chronograph is the minimalist white hour and minute markers, which are pointed at by slim hands. The timepiece is powered by HUB4700, equipped with a 50-hour power reserve, and features a slim date window on the lower right corner of the watch. A limited edition, the timepiece is a limited edition of just 100 pieces, making this a true collector’s item.
Whilst the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu Sapphire’s beauty lies in its nearly translucent aesthetics, Hublot also delivers two opulent versions of the model at Watches & Wonders 2024. Though its silhouette is similar to that of the Sapphire variant, the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu High Jewellery are available in 18-carat white gold or 18-carat King Gold. Furthermore, each watch is adorned with 243 baguette-cut diamonds.
Big Bang Integrated Time Only
Also making a comeback this year is Hublot’s Big Bang Integrated Time Only, a classic wristwatch that has accompanied the brand’s clients since it was first conceived. This time, the haute horologist presents six new reiterations, which are made compact in a slightly smaller 38 mm diameter. While the rest of Hublot’s timepieces at Watches & Wonders 2024 push past watchmaking limits with unparalleled technology and avantgarde aesthetics, the Big Bang Integrated Time Only delivers a nearly retro persona. Made in satin-finished and polished titanium, 18-carat King Gold, or satin-finished and polished black or blue ceramic, the models display a simple polished black or satin-finished blue sunray dial that acts as the backdrop to the classic-looking hour indices. In addition to the skeletonised hour and minute hands, the seconds hand features Hublot’s trademark initial, and the timepiece is not without its petite date window at the 3 o’clock position, nor the distinct Big Bang “ears” on its case.
Big Bang e Gen3 UEFA EURO 2024
The key to becoming a great football athlete not only lies in grit and skills, but also in one’s precision and timing. With the UEFA EURO 2024™ just around the corner, Hublot partners with formidable football player Kylian Mbappé to celebrate the momentous event in the “Every second counts!” film campaign. As Mbappé flits across the pitch and scores a goal in the film, one also gets a peak into the Big Bang e GEN3 UEFA EURO 2024™, which will be the official watch of the UEFA EURO 2024™ tournament this summer. Spanning 44 mm in diameter, the titanium timepiece features a Qualcomm Snapdragon WearTM 4100+ processor, eight high technology sensors and various connectivity options. Fit for athletes, the sensors include a heart rate monitor, accelerometer, gyroscope, low latency off body, and more, and the timepiece is compatible with Android 11.0+ and iOS 15.0+.
Unico
In addition to the timepieces introduced at the illustrious event, a much-awaited calibre also made its way to the Hublot showcase. Though its origins could be traced back to 14 years ago, the reinvented Unico calibre bears a new face at the event, ready to elevate Hublot’s timepieces with it. The evolved calibre features a precise chronograph with a winding mechanism, both of which have been made more efficient and robust. With a 72-hour power reserve, the calibre also has enhanced shock resistance and time-telling precision. This new generation of Unico will become the driving force for Hublot’s masterpieces, including five watches introduced in Geneva, namely the Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic and Big Bang Unico Dark Green Ceramic, the Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire, and the two Square Bang watches in Magic Gold.
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