Hublot Big Bang Unico Ice Bang

Hublot, the renowned Swiss watchmaker, has unveiled a new addition to its Big Bang family: the Big Bang Unico Ice Bang. This limited-edition timepiece embodies the brand's signature "Art of Fusion" philosophy, blending cutting-edge materials with a bold and contemporary design. In this first part of a two-part series, we will delve into the history of Hublot and explore the innovative spirit that continues to drive the brand forward. We will also take a closer look at the design elements of the Big Bang Unico Ice Bang, saving the technical details for the second part.

Hublot's story began in 1980, when visionary watchmaker Carlo Crocco set out to challenge the status quo. His audacious concept? Fusing the precious metal of gold with the unexpected modernity of a black rubber strap. This groundbreaking combination, showcased in Hublot's first-ever timepiece, defied tradition and redefined luxury. It was the birth of the "Art of Fusion," a principle that would become the cornerstone of Hublot's identity.



The Art of Fusion is more than just a clever marketing slogan. It represents Hublot's unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing the unexpected. The brand consistently seeks to meld tradition with cutting-edge materials and technologies, resulting in truly unique and conversation-starting watches. This philosophy has fueled Hublot's numerous achievements, including the creation of its own manufacture movements and the pioneering use of materials like ceramic, sapphire, and Texalium™.

In 2005, Hublot unveiled the Big Bang, a watch that perfectly encapsulated the Art of Fusion. The Big Bang's bold design, featuring a large case and prominent screws, stood out from the more conservative styles that dominated the watch industry at the time. The Big Bang also showcased Hublot's technical prowess, with intricate complications and a variety of innovative materials. The Big Bang was a resounding success, solidifying Hublot's position as a major player in the world of luxury watches.

Now, almost two decades later, Hublot continues to redefine the Big Bang with the introduction of the Big Bang Unico Ice Bang. From the image we can see the watch features a micro-blasted and polished black ceramic case. This high-tech material is not only incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, but it also boasts a deep, rich black color that exudes sophistication. The case is contrasted by a striking bezel crafted from satin-finished and polished tungsten. The juxtaposition of these two materials perfectly embodies the Art of Fusion, creating a visually arresting and undeniably unique timepiece.



The dial of the Big Bang Unico Ice Bang is a symphony of black and white. The matte black dial provides a perfect backdrop for the silver-colored hour markers and hands, ensuring optimal legibility. A closer look reveals the intricate workings of the HUB1280 Manufacture caliber, a self-winding chronograph movement with a 72-hour power reserve, through the sapphire crystal with its anti-reflective coating. This glimpse into the heart of the watch adds another layer of intrigue to the timepiece.

The Big Bang Unico Ice Bang comes with two interchangeable straps, giving the wearer the option to personalize the watch to suit their style and occasion. The first strap is crafted from black fabric with Velcro® for a sporty look, while the second strap is made from black lined rubber, offering a more classic aesthetic. Both straps are secured with Hublot's patented One Click system, making it easy to swap them out without any tools.

At the core of the Big Bang Unico Ice Bang lies the HUB1280 Unico Manufacture movement. This self-winding chronograph movement is a testament to Hublot's watchmaking prowess, a complex tapestry of over 350 components working in harmony. Its flyback chronograph function allows the wearer to reset the chronograph without stopping it – a feature that's not only technically impressive but also incredibly useful for timing consecutive events on the fly.



One of the HUB1280's highlights is the column wheel mechanism, prominently visible through the watch's transparent dial. Traditional chronograph mechanisms are operated by a cam; a column wheel, on the other hand, is a far more complex and prestigious mechanism. Its intricate design and smooth operation make it a visual treat for horological enthusiasts.

The HUB1280 also flaunts an impressive 72-hour power reserve. This means that, when fully wound, the watch can run for three full days without needing to be reset – a definite boon for those who lead busy lives and may not wear the watch every day.

Beyond the HUB1280 movement, the Big Bang Unico Ice Bang embodies Hublot's unrelenting commitment to cutting-edge materials. The watch's case is crafted from micro-blasted and polished black ceramic. This high-tech material is prized for its exceptional scratch resistance and lightweight properties. Unlike traditional metals like steel, ceramic won't dent or scratch easily and feels exceptionally smooth on the wrist, ensuring maximum comfort.

The watch's bezel is forged from tungsten, a metal renowned for its hardness and high density. Polished to a gleaming finish, it complements the case while adding extra durability in a high-wear area. These materials may be modern innovations, but they are built to stand the test of time, making the Big Bang Unico Ice Bang a long-lasting investment piece.



The Big Bang Unico Ice Bang isn't just a visually striking watch; it's also a highly functional timepiece. The chronograph function, operated by the two pushers on the side of the case, allows for precise timing of events up to 12 hours. The date window, tucked discreetly into the seconds sub-dial at 3 o'clock, adds an everyday practicality to the watch.

With its 100-meter water resistance rating, the Big Bang Unico Ice Bang is suitable for swimming and snorkeling. However, it's important to remember it's not a dive watch. If you plan on more than casual water activities, it's definitely a good idea to check out dive-specific offerings within the Hublot collection or from other brands.

Hublot's patented One Click strap system makes its appearance in the Ice Bang, giving wearers the ability to change between the two provided straps in a matter of seconds. The sporty Velcro® strap is perfect for active pursuits, while the classic rubber strap, secured by a titanium deployant clasp, adds a touch of refinement suitable for formal occasions.

The Big Bang Unico Ice Bang's 42mm case diameter strikes a perfect balance between presence and wearability. It's bolder than a traditional dress watch but maintains a profile that wears comfortably on most wrists. The watch's dark color scheme and use of cutting-edge materials give it a distinctly modern and sporty aura.

On the wrist, the watch exudes a sense of confident refinement. Its bold design makes a statement without being overly gaudy, and its high-tech materials feel both luxurious and practical. The Big Bang Unico Ice Bang is a watch for those who appreciate the artistry of watchmaking and aren't afraid to stand out from the crowd.



With its fusion of cutting-edge materials, a high-performance movement, and a dynamic design, the Hublot Big Bang Unico Ice Bang perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Hublot. It's a testament to the brand's unwavering commitment to innovation, technical prowess, and their daring to be different.

This exclusive limited-edition timepiece, limited to only 100 pieces, is a must-have for any serious watch collector. It embodies Hublot's history, passion for bold design, and unwavering commitment to creating timepieces that redefine the very essence of luxury watchmaking.