Once again, LVMH is ahead of the pack. Last year, the luxury conglomerate released its new watches for 2020 with a splashy January event in Dubai, just weeks before Covid-19 became a global pandemic. The timing was certainly fortuitous for Hublot, Zenith, Bulgari and Tag Heuer. It gave the brands a chance to be seen in-person by both retailers, press and VIP clients before the business would nearly come to a standstill. This year, the watch division made sure to be first out of the gate again. Here are the highlights from Hublot with a special mention to Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon 5-Day Power Reserve Carbon White.
Hublot Big Bang Integral Ceramic
For a certain type of Hublot lover, nothing beats a ceramic—which makes the new Big Integral Ceramic a particularly exciting proposition. What differentiates this version from others is its monobloc architecture, meaning that the first link of its bracelet is fused to its 42 mm by 13.45 mm case. Because of this, the entire outer structure, with the exception of the bezel lugs and the rubber elements on the crown and pushers, is made from ceramic. Inside its svelte case you’ll find the V2 incarnation of Unico HUB1280 movement, which has a 72-hour power reserve. Previously only available in black, the single-colour, single-material Big Bang Integral Ceramic now comes in white, blue and grey hues and costs US$23,100 or about RM93,500.
Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire
Hublot has proven itself adept at creating and machining different-coloured sapphire cases. Still, the amber-hue on the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire is a world first. But as striking as that through-tinted 45 mm by 15.30 mm sapphire case may be, it’s not the only noteworthy thing about this piece. That’s because it’s powered by an entirely new tourbillon movement that features self-winding, a new architecture and three sapphire bridges. It’s limited to 50 examples and costs US$169,000 or roughly RM684,000.
Hublot Classic Fusion Orlinski
Bold angles and sharp edges have been a trademark of Richard Orlinski’s Hublot timepieces since he started at the watchmaker back in 2017. These new, monochromatic versions of the Classic Fusion Orlinski are clad entirely in ceramic with the exception of the crown and strap. But there’s so much more to this show piece than its elegant, geometric shape. Inside its thin, 40 mm by 11.10 mm case is a HUB1100 Self-Winding movement that consists of 63 components and 25 jewels. The latest iteration of the US$13,600 (or about RM55,000) watch comes in flashy blue and gloss black, both of which call to mind the colour codes used in Orlinksi’s XXL bestiary.
Hublot Big Bang MP-11 in Magic Gold and Blue Sapphire
The Big Bang MP-11 has the sort of high-tech movement that serves as the visual centerpiece. The calibre HUB9011 manual-winding skeletonised movement features an entirely original architecture that integrates seven series-coupled barrels that give it a 14-day power reserve. Yes, 14 days. Just as stunning are the two new colourways for its 45 mm by 15.30 mm case. One is made from the brand’s proprietary scratch-resistant 18-karat Magic gold and costs US$89,500 (about RM362,100), while the other is constructed from transparent blue sapphire and goes for US$132,000 (about RM534,100). Both are limited to 50 examples.
Hublot Big Bang One Click
The latest Big Bang One Click, is a shapeshifting timepiece that offers versatility in spades. Available in satin-finished stainless steel or 18-karat “King Gold,” the chronograph features a 33 mm by 10.55 mm case that’s been refined for slender wrists and a bezel set with 36 diamonds. The dial is available in black or white and houses the HUB1120 self-winding movement. The standout feature, however, is the interchangeable strap which can be switched in mere seconds thanks to the patented and easy to use “One Click” fastening system. Crafted from natural rubber, the strap is available in an array of colours—electric blue, raspberry pink or terracotta orange, to name just a few, meaning you can coordinate your watch with your outfit, should you so desire. The steel white diamond design is priced at US$12,500 (about RM51,000), while the King Gold white diamond costs US$23,000 (about RM93,100).
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Beige
On the heels of pastel pink and blue, Hublot has unveiled a new Big Bang in beige and proved that neutrals are in no way boring. The new timepiece features a satin-finished beige ceramic case that measures 39 mm by 12.6 mm and a matching sand-coloured sunray dial. The alligator strap is finished in a similar subtle hue and is fitted with a deployant buckle. The bezel, available in polished titanium or 18-karat “King Gold” (Hublot’s new gold colour, containing mainly platinum, that is a shade warmer than 5N 18-karat gold), is set with no less than 50 diamonds and adds a touch of sparkle to the decidedly monochrome design. The King Gold model is priced at US$24,100 (or about RM97,500) while the titanium edition will set you back US$19,900 or toughly (RM80,500).
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon 5-Day Power Reserve Carbon White
While all Hublot watches are built to make a statement, the Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon 5-Day Power Reserve Carbon White is one of the most striking designs of the new lineup. That is due in part to its skeletonised design that offers a full view, front and back, of its manufacture HUB6020 movement including a tourbillon, visible at 6 o’clock that completes one rotation per minute. The calibre’s architecture had to be specifically designed to fit into its tonneau-style, 42 mm by 13.25 mm carbon fibre case. The material was specially crafted to reveal its white composite inclusions, which are formed from glass microfibres created as non-woven pieces which are then blended with the carbon fibres using tinted epoxy resin to create the marbled look of its sandwich construction, held together by 6 h-shaped screws. Going the extra mile, the company equipped the handwound calibre with 115 hours of power reserve, displayed in a 5-day segment indicator at 8 o’clock. It comes with a black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant “One-Click” buckle clasp and retails for US$94,700 or about RM383,000.
Previously published on Robb Report.
