Welcome to the captivating world of the
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon—a timepiece that transcends the boundaries of watchmaking to become a work of art. In this two-part exploration, we will delve into the rich history of Hublot, the essence of the Spirit of Big Bang collection, and offer a glimpse into the mesmerizing details of this exceptional watch.
Hublot, the Swiss luxury watchmaker, has a history deeply rooted in innovation and boldness. Founded in 1980 by Carlo Crocco, Hublot introduced the world to its iconic fusion concept—a harmonious blend of precious materials and rubber. This audacious move challenged the traditional norms of watchmaking and set the stage for Hublot's ascent in the horological world.
Courtesy of Hublot
The name "Hublot" itself means "porthole" in French, symbolizing the brand's commitment to merging different worlds. Hublot watches are known for their distinctive and avant-garde designs, incorporating unconventional materials like ceramic, titanium, and even meteorite.
In 2004, Hublot experienced a resurgence under the leadership of Jean-Claude Biver, who injected fresh energy and creativity into the brand. One of the most significant milestones during this period was the launch of the Big Bang collection, which catapulted Hublot to international acclaim. The Big Bang was a fusion of materials, colors, and styles, pushing the boundaries of traditional watch design.
Hublot's relentless pursuit of innovation continued with the introduction of the Spirit of Big Bang collection. This collection retained the essence of the Big Bang while offering a new dimension of creativity and craftsmanship. The Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon is a shining example of this evolution.
The Spirit of Big Bang collection pays homage to the iconic Big Bang while exploring new avenues of design and aesthetics. It embodies the spirit of innovation and creativity that defines Hublot. Let's uncover what makes this collection unique:
Courtesy of Hublot
Distinctive Barrel-Shaped Case: The most noticeable feature of the Spirit of Big Bang collection is its barrel-shaped case, a departure from the traditional round or square cases. This shape not only adds a bold and contemporary edge but also showcases Hublot's dedication to pushing design boundaries.
Materials and Fusion: Hublot's commitment to fusion is ever-present in this collection. The combination of materials like titanium, ceramic, and rubber creates a harmonious blend of strength, lightness, and durability. This fusion extends to the dial designs, where artistic craftsmanship meets cutting-edge technology.
Artistic Collaboration: Hublot's collaborations with artists, such as Chen Man and Chen Fen Wan, bring a unique artistic dimension to the Spirit of Big Bang watches. These partnerships result in dials that are true works of art, showcasing intricate details and 3D effects inspired by the artists' creations.
Courtesy of Hublot
In-House Movements: Underneath the artistic exterior, the Spirit of Big Bang watches house high-quality in-house movements, ensuring precision and reliability. The HUB1710 self-winding movement, with a power reserve of 50 hours, powers these timepieces.
The Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon is a visual symphony, a testament to Hublot's commitment to pushing the boundaries of design. Its 42mm satin-finished and polished titanium case exudes strength and resilience while maintaining a feather-light feel on the wrist. This choice of material ensures that the watch is not only robust but also comfortable for daily wear.
What truly sets this watch apart is the intricate dragon scale decoration on the black rubber strap. The dragon, a symbol of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture, adorns the strap with a level of detail that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It's a fitting tribute to the Year of the Dragon and showcases Hublot's dedication to artistry.
The dial of the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon is a masterpiece that blurs the line between horology and art. It's a multi-level dial with a 3D effect, inspired by the works of artist Chen Fen Wan. The dragon motif continues its reign on the dial, with a dragon-shaped applique taking center stage.
Courtesy of Hublot
The multi-layered design adds depth and dimension to the dial, creating a visual feast for the eyes. The dragon's scales, rendered with precision, provide a tactile experience that connects the wearer with the watch's artistic soul. It's a dial that tells a story—one of craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural significance.
The hands, indices, and Arabic numerals on the dial are all meticulously crafted and applied. Their polished surfaces contrast beautifully with the dragon's textured scales, ensuring excellent legibility. The date window at 3 o'clock adds practicality to the watch, making it suitable for daily wear.
Beneath the artistic exterior lies the heart of the Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon—the HUB1710 self-winding movement. This in-house caliber beats at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 alternations/hour) and provides the watch with a robust 50-hour power reserve. Despite the automatic winding system, the movement maintains a slim profile, a testament to Hublot's engineering prowess.
The presence of the sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment ensures that the movement is on display for all to admire. It's a testament to Hublot's transparency in watchmaking—allowing enthusiasts to peek into the intricate mechanics that power this timepiece.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Spirit of Big Bang Titanium Dragon is more than just a watch; it's a limited edition masterpiece. With only 88 pieces available worldwide, it's a testament to exclusivity and craftsmanship. Each watch is a work of art in itself, meticulously crafted and assembled to meet Hublot's exacting standards.
The attention to detail extends to the additional strap included with the watch—a grey fabric strap with Velcro and a black ceramic buckle. It offers versatility and allows the wearer to switch between the dragon scale rubber strap and the fabric strap, adapting to different occasions and moods.