As part of Hublot’s dedication to quality the company made a strategic decision to establish it’s own manufacturing facility. All production is now done from an imposing black building located in Nyon, Switzerland. Ultimately this means the brand can now execute specialist skills like milling, electroplating, electrolysis, assembly and decoration in house. Over the last five years this has enabled Hublot to be more experimental with materials. In 2012 Jean-Claude Biver passed the baton over to Ricardo Guadalupe. His input has been integral in the evolution of the Big Bang series of watches. Here are five more distinctive models that perfectly illustrate this point.
Big Bang Ferrari Magic Gold
Over the last few years collaborations with famous companies has been marketing gold for watchmakers. A great example is Hublot’s association with iconic Italian automotive giant Ferrari. In 2012 Hublot released a watch called the Big Bang Ferrari using a revolutionary material (ceramic and gold) called Magic Gold. Not only is this fabric exceptionally hard (1,000 Vickers) but it also is scratch resistant. Other interesting characteristic about this watch is the wonderful skeletonized dial displaying the Ferrari logo. Beneath the refined exterior is a bespoke chronograph Unico movement with a 72-hour power reserve.
Big Bang Bezel Baguette Rubies
Carbon fiber is a very popular material in the automotive industry because of its strength, texture and super lightweight properties. Hublot was the first brand to ultilise its full potential in watchmaking. A great example of this can be found in their phenomenal Big Bang Bezel Baguette Rubies. This watch effortlessly combines the distinctive texture of carbon with 48 baguette-cut sparkling rubies. Due to the fact that carbon is not conducive with Gem setting the company had to develop a specialist patented brass ring. The result is a beautiful looking luxurious watch.
Big Bang Jeans Carat
One of the main reasons why Hublot is considered a market leader is its ability to experiment with different materials. Essentially Hublot are still expanding on Jean-Claude Biver’s original concept. This is perfectly showcased in their striking Big Bang Jeans Carat. What makes this timepiece so extraordinary is the use of Italian denim for the dial (set in epoxy resin) and strap. This characteristic gives the timepiece an amazingly distinctive and unique appearance. Another stunning feature is the shimmering baguette-cut sapphire set bezel. Powering the watch is a refined mechanical self-winding movement.
Big Bang Unico
After several years of extensive research and development Hublot unveiled their in house Hub 1240 ‘Unico’ movement. This phenomenal caliber was presented in an aptly named watch called the Big Bang Unico. What makes this timepiece so special is the fantastic open worked skeletonized dial. This detail allows the recipient to view all the intricate workings of this fine mechanism. Other features include a stylish gold case and black scratch resistant ceramic bezel. Impressively the watch features an innovative flyback function that allows the chronograph to be restarted without a reset.
Big Bang Unico 2014 FIFA World Cup
Over the last few years Hublot has developed many strategic partnerships with football stars and clubs. Recent successful alliances have been with Paris Saint Germain and the legendary Pelé. In 2014 the company released a very special Big Bang Unico to commemorate the 2014 world cup. This incredible watch is equipped a unique module that allows the game of soccer to be recorded. It even has a half time indication and accounts for any over time play. As well as these impressive functions the watch also has a really stylish and luxurious appearance.
