To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic Big Bang, Hublot has fused the original design with the Unico, their in-house chronograph. The result is simply stunning. The new material, Magic Ceramic, was also unveiled, demonstrating the brand's ongoing R&D efforts.
This commemorative model celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang, which was released in 2005. While maintaining the original exterior and details, it is equipped with the in-house Unico chronograph. The rotor is specially designed with the 20th anniversary logo engraved on it. Automatic winding (Cal. MHUB1280). 43 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Ti case (diameter 43mm, thickness 13.2mm). Water resistant to 100m. Limited to 500 pieces worldwide. Price: 2,849,000 yen (tax included).
Photographs by Yu Mitamura, Ryotaro Horiuchi, Eiichi Okuyama
Hiroyuki Suzuki: Interview and text
Text by Hiroyuki Suzuki
Edited by Yuto Hosoda (Chronos-Japan)
20th Anniversary of the Iconic Big Bang Collection
The gold and ceramic combination gives the strongest impression of an updated version of the original design. The gold parts, originally made of 18K 5N gold, have been changed to 18K King Gold. The use of a closed dial is rather innovative. Automatic winding (Cal. MHUB1280). 43 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. 18K King Gold case (diameter 43mm, thickness 13.2mm). Water resistant to 100m. Limited to 250 pieces worldwide. Price: 5,269,000 yen (tax included).
This time, Hublot has moved within the venue and built a new booth. Hublot's new booth is located in the corridor connecting the two halls, directly ahead of the former main entrance. This new booth has brought about a dramatic transformation in the scene inside PalExpo. For Hublot, the most important event of all is the 20th anniversary of the Big Bang, the iconic collection that was launched in 2005.
The Big Bang 20th Anniversary Collection includes five limited edition models, all featuring the Unico movement and crafted from iconic materials. Other models announced include the Master of Sapphire set, featuring five limited edition sapphire crystals in five different colors, and the Material & High Complications set, consisting of five high-complication models.
The iconic "all-black" design model is also available. The use of micro-blasted and polished ceramic parts, along with a new carbon pattern on the dial, improves legibility over the original. Automatic movement (Cal. HUB1280). 43 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Black ceramic case (43mm diameter, 13.2mm thick). Water resistant to 100m. Limited to 500 pieces worldwide. Price: 3,454,000 yen (tax included).
First up is the Unico-equipped Big Bang 20th Anniversary. The lineup includes five models: Titanium Ceramic, King Gold Ceramic, the all-ceramic Red Magic, the iconic All Black, and Full Magic Gold. Each of these five models has a different limited edition. The aforementioned Material & High Complications set, announced as a set of five, sold out during Watches & Wonders, demonstrating the Big Bang's explosive power.
The basic design is a brushed-up version of the original model's exterior, which is still in the current lineup and is designed to be equipped with the Unico movement. The inset dial arrangement follows the two-counter design of the current Big Bang Unico, but the closed dial with a carbon-effect pattern, which was not seen on previous Unico-equipped watches that were primarily open-face, gives it a fresh look. The side of the bezel features a checkered pattern similar to the original, and the pusher shape has also been revised to a square shape, following the original. However, while the original's anti-slip pattern was orthogonal horizontally and vertically, the 20th anniversary model uses a diagonal pattern. This design is also carried over to the structured rubber strap, and it appears to be one of the icons celebrating the 20th anniversary.
The anniversary model, equipped with the Meca-10 movement with a winding time of approximately 10 days, is available as a set of five watches with sapphire crystal cases in five different colors. The power reserve indicator mechanism, which uses a rack system, is clearly visible from the dial side. Manual winding (Cal. HUB1201). 24 jewels. 21,600 vph. Power reserve of approximately 240 hours. Water-resistant to 50 meters. Priced at ¥82,885,000 (set price).
The titanium-cased "Classic Fusion" was released as a Japan-exclusive model. The deep blue gradient lacquer dial stands out beautifully against the large 45mm diameter case. It also feels comfortable to wear. Automatic movement (Cal. MHUB1120). 25 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 42 hours. Ti case (45mm diameter, 10.95mm thick). Water resistant to 50m. Priced at 1,155,000 yen (tax included).
This anniversary model is also an updated version of the original, with titanium replacing stainless steel and 18K King Gold replacing 18K 5N gold. There are also many other subtle changes, such as the addition of a recess on the back of the strap, which wasn't present on the original. This is a design change to prevent the rubber from sticking due to sweat, and it surpasses the original in terms of overall ease of use.
As for the new products other than the anniversary ones, the approach using special materials is interesting.
The latest "magic" achieved through Hublot's unique R&D. The two-tone ceramic bezel features a random pattern of twilight blue dots. The black ceramic background exhibits a gradation of color. Automatic movement (Cal. MHUB1280). 43 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Black ceramic case (42mm diameter, 14.5mm thick). Water resistant to 100m. Limited to 20 pieces worldwide. Price: 4,521,000 yen (tax included).
The bezel of the Big Bang Unico Magic Ceramic is a type of so-called two-tone ceramic, but rather than simply being divided into two colors, it features a twilight blue dot pattern and a gradation at the border of the gray background. The manufacturing method is completely unknown, but this unique technology should be a major advantage for Hublot.
While introducing new innovations like Magic Ceramic, they also have the ability to put together solid models in a short period of time. This is not just an "aggressive attitude," but also a testament to Hublot's maturity.
This model uses ceramic to achieve a neutral color palette. Mint green is a color exclusive to Hublot, and a women's model made from the same material has also been released. The refreshing mint green color is distinctive, and you can sense Hublot's strict quality control. Automatic movement (Cal. MHUB1280). 43 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Mint green ceramic case (42mm diameter, 14.5mm thick). Water resistant to 100m. Price: 3,311,000 yen (tax included).
This model is also made from neutral-toned ceramic material. Petrol blue, which has a strong yellow tint, is prone to discoloration, but this model exhibits none of this. The polished case surface brings out the blue hue. Automatic movement (Cal. MHUB1280). 43 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 72 hours. Petrol blue ceramic case (diameter 42mm, thickness 14.5mm). Water resistant to 100m. Price: 3,311,000 yen (tax included).
