Hublot Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire

Hublot, the Swiss watchmaker known for its bold designs and innovative use of materials, has once again pushed the boundaries of haute horology with the Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire. This limited-edition timepiece isn't just about keeping perfect time; it's a statement piece, a fusion of cutting-edge technology and audacious aesthetics. But to truly appreciate the Pink Sapphire, we need to delve into the fascinating history of Hublot and the Big Bang collection it belongs to.

Hublot's story began in 1980, when Carlo Crocco set out to create a watch that defied convention. He envisioned a timepiece that blended the timeless quality of a classic watch with the bold innovation of modern design. The name Hublot itself is a testament to this fusion, combining the French words for "porthole" (hublot) and "pocket" (montre). The result was the now-iconic Hublot Classic, a luxurious gold watch fashioned with a black rubber strap – a material unheard of in the world of high-end watches at the time. This seemingly simple combination was a masterstroke, disrupting the industry and establishing Hublot's reputation as the "Art of Fusion."



Fast forward to 2005, and Hublot unveiled the Big Bang, a revolutionary timepiece that embodied the brand's core philosophy. The Big Bang took the watch world by storm with its audacious design. Its large 44mm case, a significant departure from the smaller sizes that dominated the market, housed a complex chronograph movement. The bold use of screws on the bezel, a signature Hublot design element, further accentuated the watch's unconventional look. The Big Bang wasn't just about looks, though. Hublot equipped it with a manufacture movement, the HUB1240, showcasing their commitment to technical excellence. The Big Bang became a runaway success, catapulting Hublot to new heights of popularity.

Over the years, the Big Bang has evolved into a vast collection, encompassing a variety of complications, materials, and styles. However, it has remained true to its core principles of bold design, technical innovation, and the "Art of Fusion" that is Hublot's hallmark.

Which brings us to the Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire. This newest iteration of the Big Bang takes the collection to a whole new level. The watch's most striking feature is, of course, the 42mm case. Crafted from translucent pink sapphire, it pushes the boundaries of what's possible in watchmaking. Sapphire is an incredibly hard and scratch-resistant material, making it a perfect choice for a watch case. But working with sapphire is notoriously difficult. Hublot's engineers and chemists have spent years perfecting the process of creating large, flawless sapphire crystals. The Pink Sapphire's case is a testament to their expertise. The translucent pink hue is unlike anything seen before in a Hublot watch, and it gives the watch an almost ethereal quality. To a watch collector, this use of pink sapphire is a horological marvel, a glimpse into the future of watchmaking materials.



But the Pink Sapphire isn't just a technological marvel; it's also a feast for the eyes. The translucent case offers a tantalizing glimpse into the heart of the watch, the HUB1280 Unico manufacture chronograph movement. This complex mechanism, with its intricate gears and oscillating balance wheel, is a marvel of engineering in its own right. The open-worked dial, crafted from polished transparent composite resin, further accentuates the view of the movement. The watch hands and hour markers are likely made from a luminous material, based on the description, ensuring legibility even in low-light conditions.

We'll delve deeper into the technical aspects of the Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire in the next part of this article. For now, let's just say that the movement is every bit as impressive as the case. It's a perfect example of Hublot's commitment to both innovation and tradition.

The Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire is a limited edition of only 100 pieces. This exclusivity adds to the watch's allure, making it a true collector's item. The price tag, which is likely in the six-figure range, reflects the watch's rarity and technical complexity.

At the heart of the Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire beats the in-house HUB1280 Unico manufacture movement. This self-winding chronograph movement is a testament to Hublot's dedication to horological innovation. Unlike traditional chronograph movements, which often utilize modular construction, the Unico features a fully integrated design, where the chronograph mechanism is seamlessly incorporated into the base movement. This results in a more streamlined and efficient architecture.



The first notable feature of the Unico movement is its column wheel, visible from the dial side. Column wheels are considered the hallmark of high-end chronographs, as they provide a smoother and more precise operation compared to the more common cam-actuated mechanisms. Additionally, the Unico boasts a flyback chronograph function. This allows the wearer to instantly reset and restart the chronograph timer with a single press of a button– a feature particularly useful for pilots and anyone who needs to quickly time successive events.

The Unico's generous 72-hour power reserve is another impressive feat in chronograph design. This extended autonomy allows the wearer to take off the watch for a few days without worrying about it stopping. The movement is finished to an exacting standard, with meticulous attention to detail evident in the polished bridges, chamfered edges, and circular graining. The open-worked dial provides an unobstructed view of this stunning piece of mechanical art.

Beyond the Unico movement lies the watch's pièce de résistance: the translucent pink sapphire case. Sapphire, second only to diamond in hardness, is an exceptionally difficult material to work with. Cutting, shaping, and polishing sapphire demands specialized techniques and state-of-the-art machinery. Hublot's expertise in mastering this challenging material is a testament to the brand's commitment to cutting-edge innovation.



The process of creating a sapphire case is both complex and time-consuming. Sapphire crystals are grown from aluminum oxide in a high-temperature furnace over several weeks. These crystals are then meticulously sliced, shaped, and polished to precise dimensions using diamond-tipped tools. The pink hue of the sapphire is achieved by adding trace elements of chromium during the growth process. The resulting case is incredibly durable and scratch-resistant, with a unique color that will retain its brilliance for years to come.

The transparency of the case transforms the Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire into a horological wonder. With the movement fully visible, the wearer is treated to a captivating display of mechanical precision. The watch becomes a kinetic sculpture on the wrist, an ever-changing spectacle of gears, levers, and springs working in harmony.

The meticulous attention to detail extends beyond the movement and case to the watch's finishing and embellishments. Let's examine the watch together and imagine how a collector would see it. The polished pink sapphire bezel is secured to the case using Hublot's signature H-shaped screws, giving the watch an industrial flair. The screws are likely made from a material like titanium, ensuring strength and corrosion resistance. The strap, crafted from a pink transparent, structured, and lined rubber, complements the color of the case while providing exceptional wearability and comfort. Hublot's logo, an oversized "H", may be discreetly etched near the base of the lugs, adding a subtle touch of branding. Finally, the deployment clasp—made of a lightweight material like pink aluminum or titanium—secures the watch firmly and comfortably on the wrist.

The Hublot Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire is a watch that transcends mere timekeeping. It's a testament to the art of watchmaking, a symbol of technical prowess and groundbreaking innovation. With a limited production of only 100 pieces, it possesses an inherent exclusivity that adds to its allure. The Pink Sapphire is destined for the wrists of discerning collectors and those who appreciate avant-garde design.



But what's it like to actually wear a watch like this? It's a statement piece, no doubt. Its boldness commands attention, and it's sure to initiate conversations. The weight of the sapphire case may feel unusual to someone more accustomed to traditional stainless steel or gold watches, but it's a reassuring weight that speaks to the quality of its construction. The rubber strap, a signature element of the Big Bang collection, would be both comfortable and durable.

The Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire isn't for everyone. Its audacious design and substantial price tag cater to a niche clientele. But for the person who craves individuality and appreciates the cutting edge of horological innovation, it's a truly compelling timepiece. It's a watch that embodies Hublot's philosophy of the "Art of Fusion," blending high-tech materials, bold design, and unwavering dedication to excellence.