Hublot's new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is a watch that boldly pushes the boundaries of material science and horological engineering. This limited-edition timepiece is a vibrant display of Hublot's dedication to pioneering new materials in the watchmaking world. With its striking emerald-green hue, the watch is a true statement piece, demanding attention and admiration.
Founded in 1980,
Hublot quickly made a name for itself by challenging traditional watchmaking norms. The brand's first creation, combining a gold case with a rubber strap inspired by a ship's porthole, gave birth to the "Art of Fusion" philosophy. This concept of blending tradition with innovation, and craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, became Hublot's signature. The introduction of the Big Bang collection in 2005 further solidified this identity, showcasing Hublot's expertise in developing advanced materials like carbon, titanium, ceramic, and sapphire to their technical limits.
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The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is a continuation of this legacy. It represents a significant achievement in material science, utilizing a material called SAXEM (Sapphire Aluminium oXide and rare Earth Mineral) for the watch case. This material was originally developed for use in satellite technology, and Hublot is the first and only watch brand to incorporate it into a timepiece. While sharing some similarities with sapphire, such as hardness and transparency, SAXEM offers a more intense and luminous color, reminiscent of a precious gemstone.
The 44mm case of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is a marvel of engineering. Polished to a brilliant sheen, the green SAXEM material is truly eye-catching. Its translucent nature allows for a clear view of the intricate mechanics within, a feature that watch enthusiasts will surely appreciate. The bezel, also crafted from polished green SAXEM, complements the case perfectly. The watch is water-resistant up to 30 meters, a testament to its robust construction despite its delicate appearance. The crystal is made of sapphire with an anti-reflective treatment, ensuring excellent legibility under any lighting condition. The smoked black sapphire crystal dial enhances the watch's modern aesthetic while providing a contrasting backdrop for the movement and hands.
Courtesy of Hublot
The heart of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is the HUB6035 Manufacture Automatic Tourbillon Movement. This in-house developed caliber is a masterpiece of watchmaking, featuring an automatic winding system with ball bearings that provides a generous 72-hour power reserve. The movement's innovative design includes a micro-rotor positioned on the dial side and three sapphire bridges, adding to the watch's visual appeal and technical sophistication. The unique layout emphasizes the tourbillon, a complication that enhances accuracy by counteracting the effects of gravity on the watch's regulating organ.
One of the most striking visual elements of the watch is the placement of the micro-rotor at the 12 o'clock position, a contemporary architectural choice that adds a dynamic visual element to the dial. This is balanced by the 60-second tourbillon carriage at 6 o'clock, creating a harmonious symmetry. The movement's openness is further accentuated by three functional sapphire elements used for the barrel bridge, automatic winding gears bridge, and tourbillon barrette. This design choice not only enhances the watch's aesthetic appeal but also showcases Hublot's mastery of sapphire crystal in watchmaking. The dial is specially tinted in a darker hue for this model, providing a striking contrast with the vibrant green case and the luminous green Super-LumiNova paint on the hands and markers.
Courtesy of Hublot
Visually, the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is a captivating timepiece. The green SAXEM case glows with an inner light, giving the watch a futuristic, almost ethereal quality. The contrast between the transparent green and the black elements of the movement and dial is striking. The dial features the Big Bang's signature alternating Arabic numerals and baton markers, coated with bright green Super-LumiNova for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions. The hands are also treated with the same luminous paint, ensuring that time can be easily read at a glance. The crown, finished in black, matches the overall color scheme and provides a comfortable grip for winding and setting the watch.
The movement itself is a work of art, visible through the open dial. The black-finished components provide a stark contrast to the green SAXEM case and the gold micro-rotor. The combination of sandblasted and hand-decorated elements, along with polished beveling and sunray-brushing, elevates this watch to a true piece of haute horlogerie. The tourbillon, a complex and visually mesmerizing mechanism, is prominently displayed at 6 o'clock, its constant rotation a reminder of the intricate mechanics at play.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM comes with a black lined rubber strap, offering a comfortable and sporty option for everyday wear. Additionally, it includes a green transparent lined rubber strap and a black Velcro fastener fabric strap, providing versatility in style. The clasp options are equally impressive, with a black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant buckle clasp for the rubber straps and a microblasted black ceramic sport buckle for the Velcro strap. These thoughtful details ensure that the watch can be adapted to suit various occasions and preferences.
Hublot's approach to watchmaking, characterized by a willingness to experiment with new materials and push the boundaries of design, is evident in the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM. The use of SAXEM, a material borrowed from the aerospace industry, highlights Hublot's commitment to innovation. By combining this cutting-edge material with a complex tourbillon movement and a striking design, Hublot has created a watch that is both a technical marvel and a visual spectacle.
Courtesy of Hublot
Hublot's dedication to pushing boundaries extends beyond materials and into the realm of design and partnerships. The brand's philosophy of "Be First, Unique and Different" is reflected in its diverse collections, including the Classic Fusion, Shaped Collection (Spirit of Big Bang, Square Bang), and Manufacture Pieces. Each collection showcases unique designs and high levels of craftsmanship, incorporating materials like Magic Gold, brightly-colored ceramics, and sapphires. Hublot's manufacture movements, such as the Unico chronograph, Meca-10, and high complication movements like the Tourbillon and Cathedral Minute Repeater, demonstrate the brand's technical prowess.
The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM, with its limited production run of only 18 pieces, is a testament to Hublot's exclusivity and commitment to crafting exceptional timepieces. This watch is not merely a time-telling device; it's a statement of individuality, a showcase of technical expertise, and a celebration of innovative design. The pricing of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is set at USD 231,000, reflecting its exclusivity, the use of advanced materials, and the complexity of its movement.
Case: 44mm diameter. Polished Green SAXEM. Water resistant to 30m or 3 ATM. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment.
Movement: HUB6035 Manufacture Automatic Tourbillon Movement. 72 hours power reserve. Features a micro-rotor on the dial side and three sapphire bridges.
Dial: Smoked Black Sapphire Crystal.
Strap: Black Lined Rubber. Additional Strap: Green Transparent Lined Rubber and Black Velcro Fastener Fabric. Black Ceramic and Black-plated Titanium Deployant Buckle Clasp (for rubber strap). Microblasted Black Ceramic Sport Buckle (for velcro strap).
Price: USD 231,000
Reference Number: 429.JG.0110.RT
Notes: Limited edition of 18 pieces. Features SAXEM, a material originally conceived for satellite technology, offering more luminous and chromatic possibilities than sapphire.