Hublot has announced its latest limited edition, The Big Bang Unico Sailing Team, made in collaboration with world class Swiss sailor Alan Roura. The 42mm automatic chronograph is constructed of a shimmering, black carbon fiber, mirroring the construction of the Hublot Sailing Team IMOCA monohull sailing yacht. But that is not where the similarities end.

Throughout the watch, which is powered by the HUB1280 Unico Manufacture movement and features a 72 hour power reserve, are subtle references and nods to the proud vessel. Yellow accents punctuate the watch on both the 3 o’clock sub register, as well as along the 60 second timing track and the chronograph hand. This color scheme, also found on the IMOCA, is a subtle nod to the seminal Hublot Classic Original, which combined yellow gold with a rubber strap for the first time. Looking closer still at the 9 o’clock sub register reveals a tiny Swiss flag, in honor of Roura’s origins, as well as the number flown on his sails, “SUI 7”.

The watch will be produced in just 100 examples and comes equipped with either a black fabric strap with a ceramic sport buckle, or a contrasting yellow rubber strap. While maintaining the Big Bang’s unflinching aesthetic, combining luxury with undeniable sportiness, this latest release continues Hublot’s pursuit of extreme sports and world class performance.

Hublot has partnered with Roura since 2022, creating the Hublot Sailing Team. Roura is the skipper of the IMOCA, a sailing monohull yacht which is entirely operated by the power of the wind, reaching peaks speeds by lifting the up out of the water and skidding along on extended carbon fiber foils. With Roura at the helm, the aim is to conquer the world’s most difficult sailing race – the Vendée Globe. Started in 1989, the Vendée Globe is a non-stop, solo race around the world. Since its inception, only 114 sailors have ever completed the race, wherein they receive no assistance from support crews.

Roura has spent almost his entire life sailing. In 2016 at the age of just 23, he became the youngest skipper in the history of the Vendée Globe to compete or finish the race. In 2019, he competed in his second, setting a speed record for a North Atlantic crossing, ultimately finishing 17th (a huge achievement in and of itself). For 2024, from November to March, he will compete in his 3rd Vendée Globe, more determined than ever to win the notorious and grueling race. Only this time, he’ll have his own limited edition Hublot Big Bang Unico along for the ride.

Needless to say, we feel pretty good about his chances.

Tech Specs:

Movement: HUB1280 Unico Manufacture, Self-Winding Chronograph Movement
Functions: Minutes, Hours, Chronograph function
Case: 42 mm Carbon Fiber case with exhibition case back, water resistant to 100 m
Dial: Matte Black Skeletonized Dial with luminous hours
Strap: Black Fabric with Velcro and Black Ceramic Sport Buckle, Black and Yellow Lined Rubber Strap Black ceramic and Black-plated Titane Deployant Buckle Clasp
Pricing and Availability: USD 25,200, Limited to 100 Pieces