Hublot’s latest horological marvels showcase the brand’s technical competence and reflect its artistic vision. From the vibrant ceramic creations of the Spirit of Big Bang Collection to the mechanical ingenuity of the Big Bang MECA-10 and the groundbreaking use of SAXEM in the Big Bang Tourbillon, Hublot demonstrates its dominance in the competitive landscape of luxury watchmaking to “be the first, be unique, be different”.

Big Bang MECA-10: A Mechanical Sensation Reimagined

Hublot has once again demonstrated its innovative spirit with the reintroduction of the Big Bang MECA-10, a watch that initially captured the attention of the horological community in 2016. This latest iteration, unveiled nearly a decade after its predecessor, exemplifies Hublot’s dedication to ongoing technological developments and inventive engineering.

The new Big Bang MECA-10 retains the playful spirit and unique movement construction that made the original a standout. However, this version comes with significant upgrades, including an optimized caliber housed in a more compact 42mm case. Available in King Gold, titanium, and frosted carbon, the new MECA-10 offers a range of options to suit different tastes and preferences.

Inspired by Meccano-type construction systems, the MECA-10 is a testament to Hublot’s ability to reimagine the concept in a mechanical watch movement. The absence of a conventional dial allows for a full view of the intricate mechanism within, turning the act of timekeeping into a visual spectacle. The movement’s construction is a layered wonder, with each element carefully positioned to create a dynamic interplay of form and function.

While maintaining the distinctive characteristics of the original MECA-10, the new version features a refined, open and coherent display. This display is driven by a “crémaillère” rack system, a rare feature in mechanical watches. The system consists of a linear gear engaging a circular gear, moving in a straight line. A closer inspection reveals a complex mechanism composed of two superimposed disks rotating in opposite directions, connected by a spiral spring coiled in their center.

True to its name, the Big Bang MECA-10 boasts an impressive 10-day power reserve. What sets it apart, however, is its unique power reserve indicator. Utilizing two mainspring barrels, the movement’s energy level is displayed through a digital indicator showing the remaining days of autonomy. The power reserve actually exceeds 240 hours, but its display is capped at 10 days to ensure optimal chronometric performance. This attention to precision is further exemplified by the balance wheel, positioned on the dial side of the movement for full visibility.

The three linear bridges attached to the mainplate are now decorated with satin-brushed surfaces and hand polished bevels, elevating the movement’s aesthetic appeal to match its technical sophistication.

The 42mm case of the Big Bang MECA-10 maintains the familiar Big Bang silhouette while offering improved ergonomics. The King Gold and titanium versions feature the signature finish of satin-brushed surfaces and polished edges, while the frosted carbon version introduces a unique aesthetic to the core collection.

The frosted carbon model, which comes with a black Velcro strap, is particularly noteworthy. Unlike layered carbon fiber sheets, frosted carbon has no fixed pattern, ensuring that each piece is unique.

Tech Specs

Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 42mm

Movement: Manual winding Manufacture Caliber HUB1205; 10-day power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes and small seconds
Case: 42mm × 13.9mm; King Gold, titanium or black frosted carbon; water resistant to 100m
Dial: Matte black skeletonized; applied hour markers with luminescent coating
Strap: Black lined rubber with folding clasp in matching metal, or black Velcro fabric with ceramic sport buckle
Price: USD 42,700 for King Gold; USD 23,000 for Titanium; USD 27,400 for Carbon Black

Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM: A Gem of Innovation

The introduction of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM combines cutting-edge material science with haute horlogerie, resulting in a watch that is as visually striking as it is technically impressive.

At the heart of this watch is SAXEM (Sapphire Aluminum oXide and rare Earth Mineral), a substance that represents Hublot’s latest triumph in invention and material innovation. Originally developed for use in satellite technology, SAXEM offers a unique combination of properties that make it ideal for high-end watchmaking.

While SAXEM shares many characteristics with sapphire, such as hardness and transparency, its molecular structure allows for more intense colors and a brilliant shine. This makes it possible to achieve the vivid emerald green hue that defines this limited edition timepiece.

The openworked design of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM showcases a display of mechanical creativity. The kinetics of the micro-rotor at 12 o’clock are beautifully complemented by the 60-second tourbillon carriage at 6 o’clock, creating a dynamic interplay of motion on the dial. Adding to the sense of depth and transparency are three functional sapphire elements: the barrel bridge, automatic winding gears bridge and tourbillon barrette.

To enhance the visual impact of the green SAXEM case, the movement – visible through the open dial – is finished in black tones. This creates a striking contrast that not only highlights the intricate mechanics, but also improves overall legibility. The Big Bang’s signature alternating Arabic numerals and baton markers are rendered in bright green paint with Super-LumiNova, ensuring excellent readability in all lighting conditions. The hands are similarly treated, maintaining the watch’s green theme while prioritizing functionality.

Powering this timepiece is Hublot’s Manufacture Automatic Tourbillon Caliber MHUB6035. It is developed and manufactured entirely in-house and features a contemporary architecture with a 22K gold micro-rotor positioned on the dial side, offering a unique visual element while ensuring efficient winding. The movement boasts a power reserve of at least 72 hours, achieved through smooth and efficient winding facilitated by ceramic ball bearings. The movement features a blend of sandblasted and meticulously hand finished elements, complemented by polished beveling and sunray brushing.

The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is limited to just 18 pieces. The watch is complemented with a transparent green rubber strap that matches the case, secured by a black folding clasp. This combination of high- tech materials and traditional watchmaking techniques results in a timepiece that is both futuristic and classically elegant.

Tech Specs

Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green Saxem

Movement: Self-winding Manufacture Automatic Tourbillon Caliber MHUB6035; 72-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes and 60-second tourbillon Case 44mm × 14.4mm; polished green SAXEM; water resistant to 30m
Dial: Smoked black sapphire; applied Arabic numerals and hour markers with luminescent coating
Strap: Black lined rubber with black ceramic and black-plated titanium folding clasp; additional green transparent lined rubber, and black Velcro fabric with ceramic sport buckle
Price: USD 231,000
Availability: Limited edition of 18 pieces

Spirit of Big Bang Collection: A Colorful Revolution

Hublot has taken a bold step forward with its Spirit of Big Bang Collection, introducing a trio of timepieces that showcases the brand’s expertise in colored ceramics. The Spirit of Big Bang Collection has always been known for its distinctive barrel-shaped case, a departure from Hublot’s signature round designs. Now, for the first time, this iconic silhouette is adorned in vibrant hues that were previously exclusive to the round Big Bang models.

The new releases feature cases and bezels crafted in three eye-catching colors: Dark Green, Sky Blue and Sand Beige. These colorful additions to the Spirit of Big Bang line are not just about aesthetics. They represent Hublot’s continuous innovation in materials science, particularly in the development of ceramic for watchmaking. The brand’s success in achieving such vibrant and uniform colors in a material as demanding as ceramic underscores its advanced technical proficiency.

The colored ceramic employed in these timepieces provides numerous advantages, extending beyond its visual appeal. It is hypoallergenic, lightweight and possesses a high resistance to scratches, rendering these watches not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. The openworked dials offer a glimpse into the movement, providing transparency in both design and function.

The dials feature hour markers, chronograph counters and hands that match the tone of each colored ceramic case. This attention to detail extends to the straps, which are made of black rubber with a colored central inlay that perfectly complements the case color.

At the heart of these new models beats the Hublot automatic skeleton chronograph Caliber HUB4700. This movement is a modern interpretation of the legendary El Primero, widely regarded as one of the first Swiss high- frequency integrated chronograph calibers ever created. Visible through both the open dial and sapphire display back, this movement incorporates several technical advancements compared to its 1969 predecessor, including a low-friction silicon escape wheel.

Each of the new Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph models is limited to 200 pieces.

Tech Specs

Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Chronograph

Movement: Self-winding skeleton chronograph Caliber HUB4700; 50-hour power reserve
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date and chronograph
Case: 42mm × 14.1mm; microblasted and polished dark green, sky blue or beige ceramic; water resistant to 100m Dial Sapphire; applied hour markers in matching colors
Strap: Black and dark green, sky blue or beige structured rubber with color-coordinated ceramic clasp
Price: USD 27,400
Availability: Limited edition of 200 pieces