True to its motto — first, unique, different— Hublot successfully reinvented the geometry of time with the creation of the Square Bang Unico, introduced in 2022. Adapted from Hublot’s iconic Big Bang, which is more barrel-like in shape, this square design much the same showcases the case’s sandwich-like construction bolted down with the trademark H-shaped titanium screws. Couple that with the seamless integration of different materials, textures and design elements, and you get a harmonious blend of luxury and innovation.
Following a year marked by Square Bang Unico’s success, Hublot now presents three new editions in sapphire and ceramic, showcasing the Maison’s exceptional mastery of state-of-the-art materials complemented with technical savoir-faire.
See-through sapphire
The star of the show is the Square Bang Unico Sapphire, a limited-edition watch with a ghostly allure, thanks to the colourless see-through nature of the 42mm case. It is made from synthetic sapphire, tough enough to withstand hard knocks while effectively protecting the mechanism inside. Only 250 pieces of this model are available.
Showcasing high mechanics and design in a divisive, disruptive and unconventional shape, its distinctive geometry is a real feat of craftsmanship for watchmakers who are traditionally accustomed to working with round cases. 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 50m.
Underneath the surface, Hublot’s dedication to horological excellence is evident. The renowned Unico movement, manufactured in-house, retains all the distinct features on which its reputation is founded. Set at 4Hz (28,800 vib/h) and offering a 72-hour power reserve is the prestigious automatic column-wheel flyback chronograph calibre known as the HUB1280. 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.
For Hublot, materials are an integral part of their watches’ design. They must complement their design, while protecting their mechanism and withstanding the test of time. As such, the manufacturer has chosen to use high-tech ceramic for certain bezels and cases, as it is an ultra-tough and almost entirely scratch-proof material (apart from diamond).
To strengthen its position as a leader in the use of ceramics, Hublot also presents two new editions of the Square Bang Unico in white and black, aptly called White Ceramic and Black Magic respectively. Each of these three models is fitted with a rubber strap and a titanium deployant buckle clasp. The One Click interchangeable system, developed exclusively by Hublot, makes it possible to personalise the watch by choosing from an extensive range of optional straps.
Dazzling diamonds
For the jewellery buff, Square Bang Unico has plenty to offer with a blinding collection of eight diamond-set editions in three case materials and four different setting levels.
In the first category, only the bezel is embellished with 44 diamonds. In the second, 138 gems are paved all over the bezel and the case. The third “Jewellery” category boasts a richer and more technically complex setting with 144 diamonds on bezel and case using a mix of round and baguette-cut diamonds. For these models, the cases come in either titanium or King Gold, a proprietary alloy that mixes 18-carat gold with copper and platinum to give the metal a redder hue than conventional rose gold.
The final “High Jewellery” level, presented in white gold or King Gold, is adorned with a blinding 285 diamonds across the bezel, case and dial including the flange, indices and subdials. These models are the only references in the collection to use rectangular and trapezoid diamonds instead of round-cut ones, to better match the angular profile of the Square Bang.
Each piece has an invisible setting, a jewellery technique where the claws holding the stones appear to disappear, creating the feeling that they are flushed flat into the surfaces. In particular, the extreme care taken with the hour-markers, the case flange and the time counters, highlighted by 79 baguette diamonds, is on show. The same care has been taken with the iconic protective lugs of the Big Bang case, as well as with the dedicated push-piece on the interchangeable bracelet and its folding clasp (which has 30 baguette diamonds).
In true Hublot fashion, all watches come with rubber straps secured with titanium deployant buckles, with the exception of the High Jewellery models, which come with alligator straps.
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Feeling blue
The perfect watch for the summer, the latest Big Bang Unico in Sky Blue rekindles one’s desire to get away and inspires new avenues for exploration. The new novelty for the season brings together three classic Hublot elements — the iconic Big Bang model, its Unico manufacture movement and ceramic, the Swiss watch luxury watchmaker’s material of choice.
The dial, like a cloudless sky, reveals the column wheel of the HUB1280 manufacture calibre, a self-winding chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve. The white luminescent hands and indices, which appear suspended, are a perfect contrast to the sky blue of the flange, bezel and subdial. Even the brushed metal elements like the H-shaped screws, crown and pushers seem to blend well into the whole aesthetics of the 42mm case.
Developed using the brand’s unique processes to produce this exclusive colour and unrivalled comfort, this high-tech material is hypoallergenic and adapts to the temperature of the skin. Lightweight and ultra-resistant to oxidation and scratching, it is the perfect companion for all your summer activities.
This limited edition comes with a white leather strap with velcro strap and sports fastener, as well as its iconic lined natural rubber version with a titanium deployant buckle. Only 200 pieces are available worldwide.
Going green
A brand that perpetuates innovation, excellence and sustainability, Hublot joined forces with fellow Swiss icon Nespresso on a joint upcycling project to create the world’s first watch using recycled Nespresso aluminium capsules and coffee grounds.
Available in limited quantities, the Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin is Hublot’s contribution to the coffee brand’s Second Life initiative to demonstrate that it is possible to add value to recycled raw materials — and that circularity has no limits. More importantly, the timepiece, which took a whole year of R&D, honours both the codes of each brand while still looking very polished and technically-sound.
The Big Bang Unico Nespresso Origin’s 42-mm case is crafted in recycled aluminium, of which 28% comes from Nespresso coffee capsules, anodised in vibrant green, then satin finished and polished. The bezel, crown and pushers are also made from recycled capsules, while the bottom of the case and the container are made from recycled titanium. As a finishing touch, the crown shows Nespresso’s iconic ‘N’ engraved in its iconic colour — a nod to the Master Origins Peru Organic capsule.
The Nespresso Origin takes recycled coffee grounds from Nespresso capsules and applies the magic of Hublot’s patented One Click interchangeable strap system to them. To create the rubber strap, Hublot has skilfully balanced the ratio of each ingredient — 4.1% coffee grounds, 8.2% recycled white rubber — to achieve the perfect colour, quality and durability.
For the fabric strap, Hublot collaborated with SingTex, one of Nespresso’s partners that was already using recycled coffee grounds to produce a fabric called Scafé. This 100% recycled fabric (composed of 5% coffee grounds and 95% recycled polyester) is being used for the first time to make a watch strap.
The timepiece comes packed in a Hublot Greenbox case, made entirely from oak including the hinges. The wood is carved from mostly massive, traceable wood, whose sourcing and manufacture both promote short supply chains. It is designed to be a reusable item, with 98% of its removable interior made from eco-friendly and recycled components. It is made from recycled fabrics, plastic yarns and PET, as well as recycled paper and cardboard that are eco-labelled. Hublot intends to use this case for all its watch collections in the future.
