SpotlightLVMH Watch Week 2023: Highlights from Hublot
Hublot introduces a fresh take on the Classic Fusion, and various new versions of the Big Bang and Spirit of Big Bang models as part of their collection for the start of this year. Here’s an overview
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Hublot unveiled its newest addition to the Big Bang and Classic Fusion collections at the LVMH Watch Week 2023 in Singapore. Infusing new material and colour into their iconic collections, Hublot’s newest launches are nothing short of astounding. Here’s a lowdown on what’s new.
Hublot Classic Fusion
The iconic porthole-inspired watch from Hublot that made waves in the 1980s is back, and it is better than ever. The brand, founded by Carlo Crocco, is paying homage to its roots with the new Classic Fusion Original collection, modelled after the original design. Each watch in the collection is a modern interpretation of the original, featuring a polished black dial, minimal markings, and a white-on-black date window at three o’clock.
Available in three sizes—33mm, 38mm, and 42mm—the Classic Fusion Original collection offers a variety of material options for the case, including titanium, ‘black magic’ ceramic, and yellow gold. Each watch is paired with a black rubber strap that complements the case, and the hardware matches the case material for a cohesive look. The gold option may seem unusual, but just like the original Hublot watch that shook up the industry with its unique combination of gold and rubber, it remains the oddball of the lot.
Inside the watch, the 38mm and 42mm versions feature the Hublot MHUB1110 movement, which is based on the Sellita SW300-1, and is an automatic Swiss-made movement with a power reserve of 42 hours. The 33mm version is powered by the HUB2913 quartz movement, which has a battery life of 3-5 years. Regardless of the movement, it’s clear that Hublot understands that this watch is more about style and statement than technical specs. It’s a watch that challenges conventions and continues to make a bold statement, just like the original.
Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Yellow Neon SAXEM
The Switzerland-based luxury watchmaker announced a fluorescent yellow, translucent version of its flagship watch, and it’s all set to turn heads. The brand is known for its use of unique materials and intricate designs, and this new watch is no exception.
The new Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Yellow Neon SAXEM is crafted using a unique alloy of aluminium oxide, combined with rare earth minerals like chromium and thulium. The brand has dubbed this new material ‘SAXEM’, which stands for sapphire aluminium oxide and rare earth mineral. The resulting compound is said to be “ultra-resistant and endowed with a brilliance that is greater than that of sapphire”. This new watch is not only a work of art but also a technological masterpiece. The skeletonised dial showcases the self-winding tourbillon movement, and the watch is set on a transparent yellow rubber strap with a titanium clasp. With a limited run of 50 and a price tag of £182,000 (approximately INR 1,80,63,243), it’s not a watch for everyone, but it is one that makes a statement.
Hublot’s third Big Bang Unico SORAI
Hublot also unveiled a new and exciting limited-edition version of the Big Bang Unico x SORAI. This is the third rendition in an ongoing collaboration between Hublot and the company of one of its brand ambassadors, former cricketer Kevin Pietersen.
The stunning new Big Bang Unico SORAI has a grey ceramic case, a dial with colours inspired by South African sunsets, and a hip-looking orange and purple camouflage-style strap. SORAI stands for ‘Save our Rhinos Africa India’, and the organisation’s goal is to support efforts to protect rhinoceroses, a heavily endangered species. SORAI is not so much a charity as it is a fundraising organisation, which creates objects such as this limited-edition Hublot watch, as well as other collector’s items, for the ‘save the rhinos’ cause.
The 44mm Big Bang Unico ceramic case has a matte-grey finish, inspired by the skin tone of rhinos. The case is 14.5mm thick and is water-resistant to 100 meters, with sapphire crystal over the semi-skeletonised dial. The hour markers are in gradient colours of the African sunset, a subtle yet playful way of incorporating the attractive colour palette. Inside the Big Bang Unico X SORAI is Hublot’s in-house made automatic calibre MHUB12800 UNICO 2 movement, an upgrade from a previous generation Unico automatic chronograph. The 2023 Hublot Big Bang Unico X SORAI is a limited edition of 100 pieces, making it highly sought-after, and an exclusive timepiece for enthusiasts and collectors.
Hublot Big Bang Unico Integrated Rainbow & Big Bang Unico Time Only Rainbow
Rainbow watches have been a popular trend in the industry for quite some time now, and Hublot, known for its bold and colourful designs, is at the forefront of this trend. As part of LVMH Watch Week 2023, Hublot has unveiled two new rainbow gem-set Big Bang watches with matching integrated bracelets. These watches, officially known as the Hublot Big Bang Unico Integrated Rainbow and the Big Bang Unico Time Only Rainbow, are not only beautiful but also unapologetically luxurious.
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Integrated Rainbow is crafted from polished satin-finished ‘king gold’, which is Hublot’s unique blend of 18k red gold and platinum. The 42mm case is 13.45mm thick, and it is instantly recognisable as part of the Big Bang collection. The external case design is largely the same as the other solid gold Unico Integrated models, complete with its angular case, integrated lugs and signature bezel with six exposed screws. The watch is powered by the familiar Unico MHUB1280 self-winding chronograph movement, which offers the flyback function.
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Time Only Rainbow, on the other hand, is based on the brand’s current Integrated Time Only series. This model features a 40mm case that is 9.25mm thick, and it is crafted from the brand’s proprietary 18k King Gold alloy. The watch offers the Big Bang collection’s signature angular case profile, complete with integrated lugs, 100 meters of water resistance, and the obligatory six exposed screws on its rainbow gem-set bezel. It is powered by the MHUB1710 automatic movement, and has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.
Also Launched…
Classic Fusion Gold Crystal
Big Bang One-Click Sapphire Diamonds
Spirit of Big Bang 5-Day Power Reserve
