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Hublot at Watches & Wonders 2024: Big Bangs and Bold Color

by Lee Sheng . Apr 10, 2024

News

Hublot at Watches & Wonders 2024: Big Bangs and Bold Color

Emphasizing fancy colors and materials.

At Watches & Wonders 2024, Swiss watchmaker Hublot emphasizes a dedicated focus on enhancing its existing collection with new colors and materials. Here’s a handy guide to the updated collection of watches, all featuring in-house movements, ranging from the Big Bang Unico flyback chronograph to the high-end MP-11, which packs a 14-day power reserve.

Big Bang Unico & Big Bang Unico Ice Bang

First up in the refreshed catalog is a trio of Big Bang Unico, the brand’s signature flyback chronograph with an in-house movement. Joining the lineup are two new materials: ceramic and sapphire. Given that most of the Big Bang Unico models feature darker or more conservative colors, the introduction of orange and olive green ceramic variants is a noteworthy addition. But the standout among the new Big Bang Unico models is undoubtedly the pink sapphire version, which also comes with a matching strap in transparent pink rubber.

Another new addition is the Ice Bang, a special version of the Big Bang Unico that serves as a reissue of the original Ice Bang from 2006. The latest iteration retains the signature two-tone black and grey case of the original but is updated with modern materials and movement. The original featured a black ceramic case and tantalum bezel, while the latest version is solely made from ceramic in various shades and finishes. It also incorporates the brand’s HUB1280, a modular chronograph with all the mechanisms visible on the dial side.

Big Bang Unico Specifications

Movement: HUB1280; automatic; 72 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Case: 42 mm x 14.5mm; orange ceramic, green ceramic, black ceramic, or pink sapphire; water resistant to 100 m
Strap: Rubber strap in matching color
Limited edition: 250 pieces each for orange and green ceramic; 100 pieces each for pink sapphire and black ceramic

Square Bang Unico

On the topic of new materials and colors, the Square Bang Unico lineup also receives an update. An all-new square-shaped model that made its debut in 2022, the Square Bang Unico is practically a square version of the Big Bang Unico, now featuring the brand’s trademark Magic Gold case – an alloy combining yellow gold and ceramic, offering a more understated and stylish look than traditional yellow gold. According to Hublot, the Magic Gold remains 18k in purity and is virtually scratch-proof. The new Square Bang Unico is available either as a two-tone version with the case in black ceramic and the bezel in Magic Gold, or solely in Magic Gold (although, in typical Hublot fashion, there will be a minor mix of materials, with the flank and pushers in black ceramic).

Square Bang Unico Specifications

Movement: HUB1280; automatic; 72 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Case: 42 mm x 14.7 mm; Magic Gold or black ceramic; water resistant to 100 m
Strap: Black rubber strap
Limited edition: 200 pieces each for the Magic Gold version

Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire

Now, here comes the heavyweight, but framed in lightweight ceramic. The MP-11 is a majestic watch with a 14-day running time thanks to seven barrels stacked across the dial. Previously available in various colors of ceramic and sapphire, the MP-11 is offered for the first time in a glacier-blue sapphire. In fact, it’s also the very first time Hublot makes an ice-blue sapphire. Undoubtedly, it’s the most beautiful sapphire case for this model to date. The new case is not only icy cool in terms of look and feel but also optimal for this movement, as it allows a clear view into the impressive construction that packs a long, long power reserve.

Big Bang MP-11 Water Blue Sapphire Specifications

Movement: MHUB9011; manual-winding; 14 days power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, and power reserve indicator
Case: 45 mm x 14.4 mm; Water Blue Sapphire; water resistant to 30 m
Strap: Blue rubber strap
Limited edition: 50 pieces

MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Retrograde Black Carbon

Another technically inclined watch is the MP-13, which is intriguing because it combines both a bi-axis tourbillon and twin retrograde indicators for the hours and minutes. Together, these complications or functions make the MP-13 a rather unusual proposition on the market with few competitors, especially because it’s executed in Hublot’s unique style of combining classical complications with modern materials and executions. Originally debuted in 2023 in titanium, the MP-13 now receives an upgrade in material. The latest version features a carbon fiber case with the bezel covered in Texalium, a fiberglass-based composite material topped with an aluminum coating for a reflective look.

MP-13 Tourbillon Bi-Axis Retrograde Black Carbon Specifications

Movement: MHUB6200; manual-winding; 96 hours power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, tourbillon, and power reserve indicator
Case: 44 mm x 16.7 mm; carbon fiber and Texalium, water resistant to 30 m
Strap: Black rubber strap
Limited edition: 50 pieces

Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon 5-Day Power Reserve

Next up is a skeletonized tourbillon watch with a striking two-tone black and orange carbon case. Though previously available in two-tone, the Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon 5-Day Power Reserve had a more conservative combination of colors such as black and dark blue, but the latest version is different. The black carbon fiber case, impregnated with orange micro-fiber glass, truly elevates the look to match the contemporary-looking skeletonized movement. The movement is particularly attractive with orange rings in different sizes, which not only echo the case but also create a focal point on the movement to avoid the usual pitfall of a skeletonized movement – being too complex and hard to read.

Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon 5-Day Power Reserve Specifications

Movement: MHUB6020; manual-winding; 5 days power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, tourbillon, and power reserve indicator
Case: 42 mm x 13.25 mm; carbon fiber and orange micro-glass fiber, water resistant to 30 m
Strap: Black and orange rubber strap
Limited edition: 50 pieces