This summer, Hublot unleashes its third collaboration with Swiss tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi, who is renowned for his intricate graphical artistry. Having started working with Hublot in 2016, Maxime finds Hublot’s daring and innovative approach to be a perfect match for his own creative philosophy. In 2023, they release three limited edition models of the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang as well as two additional bejeweled models.

Concurrently, Hublot also harnesses the power of e-commerce to ensure equal opportunities for collectors worldwide by offering the limited edition Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey, sold exclusively at Hublot.com.

The novelties for 2023 lend a new edge and aesthetic to Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang collection, expressing the quintessence of the brand’s philosophy, “Art of Fusion,” with different synergies and combinations of materials, colors and finishes that are as captivating as they are artistically intriguing.

Hublot and Maxime Plescia-Büchi have embarked on a transformative seven-year collaboration that has yielded the extraordinary Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu timepiece. This remarkable watch exemplifies the marriage of artistic expression and meticulous craftsmanship, resulting in a creation that transcends the ordinary. With its three- dimensional design, harmonious geometry and bold spirit, the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu completely infuses Plescia- Büchi’s artistic influences into every fiber of its being.

Since its inception in 2014, the Spirit of Big Bang has captivated discerning watch connoisseurs with its distinctive barrel-shaped case and reinterpretation of design elements. In this third collaboration, Plescia-Büchi ingeniously reimagines the lines of the Spirit of Big Bang, injecting it with a renewed sense of identity and architectural elegance. While respecting the essence of the barrel shape, the Sang Bleu geometry and symmetry bestow upon the timepiece a fresh and captivating perspective. This collaboration epitomizes Hublot’s commitment to adaptability and, more importantly, the beautiful of real collaborations.

Maxime Plescia-Büchi, an artistic virtuoso renowned for his mastery of typography, tattooing and visual artistry, channels his creative prowess into the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu. Much like his tattoos, which give rise to new identities, he painstakingly transforms every component of the watch, from the case to the crystal, the bracelet to the clasp. The result is a mesmerizing interplay of shapes and volumes, characterized by elongated beveled features and meticulously measured angles that evoke a sense of perfect harmony. The unmistakable Sang Bleu signature permeates the timepiece, granting it an immediately recognizable identity.

The Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu collection comprises three highly limited editions: 200 units in titanium, 200 in All Black ceramic, and a further 100 units in the regal King Gold. Two additional models enchant with their opulent allure, featuring 180 diamonds meticulously set in titanium or King Gold for a pair of variations that have an incredible architectural structure and a brilliant beauty at the same time. The 42mm diameter case is fully adorned with intricate geometric tattoos that express the artistry and craftsmanship of its creators. The sapphire dial showcases the mesmerizing HUB4700 automatic skeleton chronograph movement, while the disk hands proudly bear the characteristic geometry born from the collaboration with Sang Bleu.

Despite its generous proportions, the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu ensures an impeccable ergonomic fit for wrists of all sizes, catering to both men and women. The subtly arched back of the case and sapphire crystal provide a seamless and comfortable wearing experience. The structure of the hands has been further enhanced, and the hour and minute markers refined, ensuring optimal legibility. This timepiece seamlessly marries form and function, transcending the realm of mere aesthetics.

The partnership between Hublot and Maxime Plescia- Büchi has blossomed into an extraordinary artistic trilogy. It commenced in 2016 with the inception of the first Big Bang Sang Bleu, featuring three-dimensional geometry inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man. In 2019, the Sang Bleu II saw the collaboration expand to encompass the entire Big Bang model, uniting the case, hexagonal bezel, sapphire crystal, hands, and bracelet in a unified symphony of artistry. Now, in 2023, the Spirit of Big Bang serves as a magnificent canvas for the Sang Bleu aesthetic, marking the next chapter of this visionary partnership.

The Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu represents the pinnacle of artistic expression between a watchmaker and a tattoo artist. Whether cased in precious gold or futuristic ceramic and titanium, the watch embodies a harmonious fusion of design, craftsmanship and innovation. With its breathtaking geometry, meticulous attention to detail and production exclusivity, the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu has completely redefined what it means to be in pursuit of perfection. It is not just a timekeeping instrument but a true work of art that will forever captivate those who appreciate the union of creativity and precision. Revolution recently had an opportunity for an elevator chat with Maxime where we spoke about his latest Sang Bleu timepieces for Hublot.

Hublot’s willingness to truly go beyond their —and the watch industry’s — comfort zone is so unique and, quite frankly, I do not see any other brand that would have gone for such a daring project at the time we started. It is the way I operate as well; naturally, we clicked. Ironically, I have seen in the recent years a growing amount of pieces from other brands using similar aesthetics. Were we just ahead of the zeitgeist, or did we influence them, or both? We’ll never know for sure but still, I do not see any major house like Hublot getting anywhere near to this level of innovation. Other collab pieces that brands do seem to only remain on a very cosmetic level. We [are] committed to rethinking everything!

My process is not like this. Tattooing or watchmaking is the end of a process; one doesn’t lead to the other. I start on a very abstract level, questioning and defining the formal or conceptual gestalt [the structure or experience, when considered as a whole] I am interested in. Then I work at formulating how they may be expressed in a specific context, e.g. tattooing or horological design. Then there may be a feedback effect from a specific implementation to the overarching abstract ideas, which updates the starting point for the next project.

Geometry is where visual form meets mathematics. But a clock, in its essence, is mathematical as well, in the way it displays information. But obviously, in the way it transforms natural organic movements of the body into an even, controlled one that can then be read as time-related information. In traditional watchmaking, this mathematical rationale is physically held in a contraption (a case with a bracelet or strap) whose shape is only loosely, if at all, related to the movement or display. My process aims to expand the mathematical dynamics of the informational and physical structures and let it “overflow” to the case [and] straps as far as can be, only adjusting it to the needs of ergonomics.

The previous model has it as well. It just makes sense as the design is meant to also lead people to look and appreciate the design of the movement. I am hoping, in future projects, we may even be able to work on the design of a movement itself.

Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu – King Gold Pavé Ref. 648.OX.0108.RX.1604.MXM23
Movement: Self-winding skeletonized caliber HUB4700; 50-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph and date
Case: 42mm; polished 18K King Gold set with 80 diamonds, King Gold bezel set with 100 diamonds; water resistant to 100m
Dial: Sapphire crystal
Strap: Black smooth rubber; 18K King Gold and black PVD titanium folding clasp
Price: US$70,400
Availability: Limited edition of 100 piece

In addition to the new Sang Bleu collaboration, Hublot has unveiled another limited edition piece for a completely different segment, the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey. Following its philosophy that colors should be treated as limited editions, Hublot presents a unique concept in the world of timepieces. Each year, the Essential Grey collection offers a single color, a single model, and a single channel for purchase. This approach caters to both avid collectors, who eagerly acquire each vintage, and casual enthusiasts patiently awaiting the arrival of their perfect model.

The star of this year’s Essential Grey line is the Spirit of Big Bang, by now a collection that has begun to really come into its own. Crafted entirely from 100 percent titanium, including the case, bezel, screws, crown, push-pieces, caseback and folding clasp, the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey showcases the chromatic properties of this exquisite material. Hublot has meticulously sandblasted and ground the titanium, resulting in a soft, radiant gray that forms the base for this extraordinary timepiece. The rubber strap has been carefully matched, featuring black thread lining on the outer edge to emphasize its sleek appearance.

Attention to detail is evident throughout the watch, with Hublot treating all components with equal precision. Subtle variations have been introduced to enhance legibility without compromising the timepiece’s overall aesthetic. Notable changes can be observed on the date disk, located at half-past four, and the chronograph counters at three and six o’clock. Multiple finishes, including mirror polishing, drawn lines, graining, luminescent hour markers and rhodium-plated hands, create a captivating interplay of depth and texture.

Powering the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey is the HUB4700 caliber, an automatic chronograph movement operating at a high frequency of 5Hz or 36,000 vibrations per hour. With a generous power reserve of 50 hours, this movement ensures accuracy and reliability. The 42mm case provides ample space for the Spirit of Big Bang to make a bold statement, retaining its signature lateral push-pieces and offering water resistance up to 100 meters. The watch is also equipped with Hublot’s One-Click system, allowing for effortless bracelet changes without the need for tools. Two variations of straps are available, including gray grooved rubber and gray with a Velcro buckle and ceramic.

Only 100 pieces will be manufactured, making this year’s edition twice as rare as its predecessor. To ensure equal opportunities for collectors worldwide, the collection will be available exclusively online at Hublot.com. This approach exemplifies Hublot’s commitment to treating all enthusiasts fairly, regardless of their proximity to the brand’s sales outlets.

Moreover, Hublot offers a unique advantage to customers who purchase their timepieces online. The Hublot Complete Service accompanies every online sale, commencing from the moment of purchase and extending beyond the warranty period. This comprehensive service includes a range of benefits such as restoring the watch’s original finish, renewing water resistance, overhauling the movement, and ensuring strict quality control. The Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey qualifies automatically for this rejuvenating treatment, guaranteeing that your timepiece remains in pristine condition for years to come.

Hublot’s CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe, provided us with his insights into the brand’s e-commerce strategy.

Yes, the crisis we faced definitively changed the way people buy today. Digital becomes more and more important, but only as long as it offers a real customer experience, with services worthy of the name. Of course, the project was in preparation before the start of the crisis, but we were forced to speed up work. We therefore decided to launch our online business platform the same day as we did launch the Big Bang e Black Ceramic and Big Bang e Titanium (connected watches from our core collection).

We have a client-centric approach at Hublot, which means that we believe our clients should be able to purchase whenever, wherever and however they choose. Thus, e-commerce is complementary to our retail footprint in that it gives clients the opportunity to purchase where we may geographically not have boutiques or when boutiques are closed or, quite simply, because they prefer to shop online. We also do know that our clients usually discover and explore the brand first online. Thus, we also would like to give clients an opportunity to purchase at this same moment of enchantment. E-commerce and retail are also intimately linked, as we know the client journey doesn’t end at the purchase; it’s actually in some ways the beginning. Thus, we fully expect and are equipped with services that allow the client to have a fluid experience between the online and physical worlds.

At Hublot we listen to our partners and to our customers. We understand their preferences and needs, then we bring our extensive know-how and craftsmanship to create watches at market demand while keeping up to our brand standards. In the U.S., we did launch the Classic Fusion Bronze Brown in 2022 as a U.S. e-commerce exclusive. This was sold out with a great success and we might reiterate the same action in the future.

Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey Ref. 642.NX.0110.NR.HEC23
Movement: Self-winding skeletonized caliber HUB4700; 50-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph and date
Case: 42mm; satin-finished and polished titanium; water resistant to 100m
Dial: Sapphire crystal
Strap: Gray fabric with Velcro and black ceramic buckle; additional black and silver lined rubber with titanium folding clasp
Price: US$24,100
Availability: Limited edition of 100 pieces and available exclusively on Hublot.com