By: Roger Ruegger
Following the Big Bang’s 20th anniversary, Hublot now presents the Big Bang Reloaded at Watches and Wonders, an evolution of the open-worked Big Bang Unico.
In this revamped version, the Unico chronograph caliber takes center stage, with the dial-side column wheel and integrated flyback architecture designed to be more visible than ever. Julien Tornare, CEO of Hublot: “The Big Bang Reloaded is a masterful statement. It embodies Hublot’s growth as a Manufacture and the evolution of the Big Bang collection and the Unico caliber over time. Hublot introduced the Big Bang Original featuring the Unico caliber earlier this year, inspired by the 2005 original model with a closed dial, yet reimagined and powered from now on by the Unico manufacture caliber. That was a turning point: our in-house caliber now drives the entire Big Bang collection. The next step for us was clear: to re-engineer the open-worked Big Bang Unico itself, now more expressive and rebuilt from the inside out”.
The latest version of the Unico caliber (HUB 1280 with 72-hour power reserve) features five patented elements: backlash-compensating oscillating clutch, an anti-shaking chronograph hand system, a “zero friction” ratchet wheel blocker, a watch rate fine-adjustment system and highly shock-resistant time-setting. The new dial design aims to amplify the caliber’s features: The color-highlighted column wheel at 6 o’clock and the dual oscillating clutch at 8 o’clock are clearly visible, the chronograph counter at 3 o’clock has been redesigned, the date repositioned between 4 and 5 o’clock and the flyback function reinforced with color details.
The 44-mm case features a two-part bezel, and each watch comes with two straps: one in fabric-inspired rubber with H-pattern stitching and the other in classic black rubber, both secured by a folding clasp and using the brand’s patented One Click system.
The collection starts with seven versions, the Magic Gold model (Ref. 421.MX.1133.NR.RLD) retails for CHF 36,900 / €43,600 / $44,500, the All Black edition (Ref. 421.CX.1140.NR.RLD) for CHF 20,900 / €24,700 / $25,200, same with the blue (Ref. 421.EX.5129.NR.RLD) and dark green (Ref. 421.GM.1149.NR.RLD) ceramic models. The Big Bang Reloaded Titanium with ceramic bezel (Ref. 421.NM.1123.NR.RLD) retails for CHF 19,900 / €23,500 / $24,000.
The Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt (Ref. 421.CQ.1140.NR.USB26) and Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé (Ref. 421.HX.2019.NR.MBP26) are both limited to 200 pieces and retail for CHF 24,900 / €29,400 / $ 30,000 each. The Usein Bolt edition comes with a lightning bolt-shaped chronograph second hand, while the polished 18K yellow gold bezel bears his mantra: “Anything is Possible, Don’t Think Limits.” On the case-back, suspended between two sapphire crystals inside a lightning bolt, lies authentic soil from Bolt’s childhood training ground in Jamaica, the one that shaped the fastest man alive. The bezel of the Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé is engraved at 6 o’clock with the inscription “Trust Yourself”. The King Gold-toned number 10 is a nod to his squad number, player identity and overall lucky number, the case combines polished 18K King Gold and microblasted white ceramic.
Dimensions: ⌀ 44 mm / thickness 14.50 mm
Case: Magic Gold and/or Titanium, Ceramic
Water Resistance: 100 m
Movement: HUB 1280 UNICO Manufacture with 72 hours of power reserve
Strap: rubber and fabric straps
Warranty: 60 months (plus 60 after registration)
Price: from CHF 19,900 / €23,500 / $24,000
A week before the official launch, Swatch has finally confirmed that the third collaboration is going to be with Audemars...
Read More
Switzerland - most likely the only country you'll find a drive-thru for watches.
Read More
