Hublot’s beloved Big Bang turns eighteen this year. To celebrate the occasion, the Swiss watchmaker has unveiled the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold. This super exclusive novelty, limited to just 200 pieces, celebrates the fusion of two pillars of the Hublot universe: Big Bang Unico and the manufacture’s Magic Gold alloy.
“We first launched it in 2005, which means that this year, the Big Bang is turning eighteen!” – exclaims Hublot’s CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe. He adds: “A major milestone for Hublot, but also for the industry, in that it created not only its own look, spirit, universe, and technical achievements, but also its own large community of fans and collectors. At the same time, at 18, it remains as fresh and carefree as the day it was released. The Big Bang still has a lot to say. The proof is in this “Full Magic Gold” version, which truly embodies the essence of our Manufacture.”
Hublot does not shy away from demanding more from its manufacture. However, for the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold, Hublot has returned to basics. It all starts with the Big Bang, and its iconic 44mm case, the “sandwich” construction, large pushers, bezel with six visible, unaligned, functional screws, case and pusher guard, skeleton dial and the interchangeable One Click rubber strap. The dial features the full complement of Big Bang signatures: Arabic numerals and skeleton Big Bang hands.
Magic Gold, one of the hallmarks of Hublo’s manufacture, features on both the case and bezel. Its hues are echoed on the indices, counters and hands, in satin-finished and microblasted 3N gold. The glow of the gold forms a beautiful contrast with the rest of the components of the case – the titanium pushers, guards, screws and rubber strap – which are all in the deepest black.
Unveiled in 2011, Magic Gold is a fusion of 24-carat gold with ceramic. The result is 18K gold that is patented and scratchproof. To give an idea of its hardness, traditional gold has a rating of 400 Vickers while hardened steel is 600 Vickers. Magic Gold is at 1000 Vickers. By injecting liquid gold into the cold-pressed boron carbide components at very high pressure, Hublot has managed to create a unique material, composed of gold and ceramic, that can only be scratched by diamond.
The watch is driven by the new UNICO 2 manufacture movement (HUB 1280). The subject of several patent applications, UNICO 2 is thinner and more precise than its predecessor UNICO 1. It boasts a gentler and quieter winding system. Its chronograph does not jump at the start, and it no longer quivers, thanks to a brand-new clutch mechanism. It also offers better resistance to shocks.
However, UNICO 2 has retained the aesthetic characteristics of its predecessor, including the highly technical and illustrative open-worked design, and the signature “H” for Hublot. According to Hublot, this movement requires less maintenance and offers more operational efficiency following services. It offers a power reserve of 72 hours and a two-year warranty, extended to three years when registering for an Hublotista account.
The Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold will be presented in the brand’s new Greenbox case. Created entirely from oak, including its hinges, the box is carved from mostly traceable wood, whose sourcing and manufacture promote short supply chains. Designed to be a reusable item, 98% of the box’s removable interior is made from eco-friendly and recycled components, such as recycled fabrics, plastic yarns, PET and eco-labelled recycled paper and cardboard.
