Time can often feel fleeting, especially in the world of high-end watchmaking. For Hublot, however, 20 years is but a moment in the grand timeline of their journey toward redefining the boundaries of horology. The Big Bang collection, launched in 2005, has evolved from a groundbreaking design to become an undisputed icon in the watch industry. To commemorate two decades of revolutionary achievements, Hublot has unveiled a series of exceptional timepieces, blending historical elements with futuristic innovations.
The Evolution of the Big Bang: A Legacy of Innovation
The Big Bang collection was not merely a watch; it was a bold declaration of audacity and creativity, reshaping the way watchmaking approached materials, design, and technical expertise. Over the past 20 years, Hublot’s Big Bang has gone from one showstopper to the next, ceaselessly reinventing its codes while staying true to a spirit of revolution, audacity, and playfulness. The collection has cemented its place as the first truly iconic watch of the 21st century, a beacon of creativity in a field typically governed by tradition.
As part of the 20th anniversary celebrations, Hublot has revisited key milestones in the Big Bang’s history. The result is a fusion of the original Big Bang’s design with the more recent Big Bang Unico, culminating in five exclusive, limited-edition pieces that celebrate the essence of this iconic collection.
The Big Bang 20th Anniversary Editions
The five limited-edition Big Bang models feature a striking redesign, combining the most emblematic features of the original Big Bang with those of the later Big Bang Unico. Each piece showcases a redesigned case with the signature layered construction that harks back to the early Big Bang designs, complete with pinched lugs and a knurled bezel edge. The dials of these pieces feature a carbon-fiber-inspired motif, with engraved Arabic numerals and indexes filled with Super-LumiNova, echoing the luminous elements of the Big Bang Unico models.
These commemorative pieces are powered by the Unico automatic chronograph movement, with a gold rotor marking the 20th anniversary of the collection. The structured rubber strap, inspired by the original Big Bang’s treaded pattern, is attached using the Big Bang Unico’s One Click strap-change mechanism. These models celebrate the innovative materials Hublot has become famous for, showcasing the company’s ongoing mastery in crafting timepieces that are both functional and artistically outstanding.
Hublot CEO, Julien Tornare, shared his thoughts on the Big Bang’s legacy: “The Hublot Big Bang is undoubtedly one of the modern icons of 21st-century watchmaking. This year, we’re not only looking back at all that Hublot has achieved through the Big Bang, but also looking towards the future and all the potential it still holds.”
The Big Bang 20th Anniversary “Master of Sapphire” Set
When it comes to using sapphire as a material, Hublot has earned its title as the “Master of Sapphire.” After first introducing a sapphire Big Bang in 2016, Hublot has since pushed the boundaries of what is possible with sapphire, introducing colored sapphire cases in a series of groundbreaking designs. To mark the 20th anniversary, Hublot presents the Big Bang 20th Anniversary “Master of Sapphire” set, limited to just five pieces, each featuring a unique sapphire or SAXEM case.
This collection includes five stunning timepieces, each cased in a different hue of sapphire or SAXEM: transparent sapphire, Water Blue sapphire, Deep Blue sapphire, Purple sapphire, and Neon Yellow SAXEM. Each piece comes with a matching transparent strap and color accents on the hands and applied markers. The watches feature the MECA-10 movement, an impressive manual-winding calibre with a 10-day power reserve.
The “Master of Sapphire” set also introduces the MECA-10 calibre encased in sapphire for the first time, allowing the wearer to fully appreciate the mechanical movement inside through the crystal-clear case. The set is presented in a unique display case with a backlit panel, ensuring these pieces are not just timepieces but works of art.
The Big Bang 20th Anniversary “Materials & High Complications” Unique Set
In addition to the sapphire timepieces, Hublot has created the “Materials & High Complications” unique set, showcasing the brand’s most innovative materials and complicated movements. This set features five one-of-a-kind watches, each highlighting different technical and material feats.
The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Sapphire, for instance, features Hublot’s automatic micro-rotor tourbillon movement housed in an entirely transparent sapphire case. Other pieces in the set include the Big Bang Tourbillon Chronograph in Water Blue Sapphire, the Big Bang Tourbillon Chronograph Cathedral Minute Repeater in black frosted carbon fibre, and the Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater in Blue Texalium. Each watch demonstrates Hublot’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of high-end watchmaking with advanced materials and intricate complications.
The Big Bang One Click 33mm Pair in Petrol Blue and Mint Green Ceramic
Hublot’s exploration of new materials continues with the introduction of two new ceramic colours in the Big Bang One Click 33mm model. Petrol Blue and Mint Green ceramic offer fresh and vibrant hues that bring a sense of energy and vibrancy to the collection. The Big Bang One Click models, which feature Hublot’s signature quick-change strap system, now come in these new ceramic colours, offering a fresh and versatile look for both men and women.
A Burst of Color: The Big Bang One Click Joyful 33mm
Hublot also embraces vivid colours and gemstones in the Big Bang One Click Joyful 33mm collection. Five new references showcase different coloured gemstones set into the bezel, paired with matching rubber straps. The five models in the collection feature dazzling gemstones such as red spinels, orange sapphires, pink sapphires, blue topaz, and tsavorites, offering a striking, personalised touch to the already iconic Big Bang One Click model.
The Purest Blue: Big Bang Unico in Water Blue Sapphire
Hublot’s exploration of sapphire reaches new heights with the Big Bang Unico Water Blue Sapphire, a limited edition of just 50 pieces. The watch features a 44mm case and bezel made from Water Blue sapphire, a unique hue developed by Hublot’s R&D department. This timepiece combines a visually striking sapphire case with the robust and reliable Unico chronograph movement, making it both a visual and technical marvel.
A 20-Year Legacy: Hublot’s Unwavering Commitment to Innovation
Hublot’s Big Bang 20th Anniversary collection celebrates more than just a milestone; it showcases the brand’s unwavering commitment to innovation, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in watchmaking. With each piece, Hublot demonstrates its mastery of materials, technical expertise, and a bold vision for the future of horology. As Hublot looks ahead to the next 20 years, one thing is clear: the Big Bang will continue to define the future of luxury timepieces for years to come.
