Hublot, a name synonymous with horological audacity and a penchant for pushing boundaries, has once again set the world of watchmaking abuzz. This time, it's not just about groundbreaking materials or complex mechanics; it's about the fusion of artistry and timekeeping, a testament to Hublot's 'Art of Fusion' philosophy. The brand's ongoing collaboration with the visionary tattoo artist, Maxime Plescia-Büchi, has yielded two exceptional timepieces: the
Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu Blue Ceramic and its counterpart, the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu King Gold Blue.
Before diving deep into these horological masterpieces, it's essential to understand the roots of this extraordinary collaboration. The Sang Bleu project, conceived by Plescia-Büchi, transcends the realm of tattoo artistry. It's a multidisciplinary creative studio that explores the intersection of art, design, and culture. The partnership with Hublot, initiated in 2016, was a natural progression for both entities, driven by a shared passion for innovation and a desire to challenge conventional norms.
Courtesy of Hublot
Hublot, founded in 1980, burst onto the watchmaking scene with a disruptive idea: combining precious metals with unconventional materials like rubber. This daring approach, dubbed the 'Art of Fusion,' challenged the traditional codes of luxury watchmaking and set Hublot apart. The brand's iconic Big Bang collection, launched in 2005, solidified its reputation as a pioneer, featuring a distinctive porthole-shaped case and a bold fusion of materials. Hublot's collaborations with artists, athletes, and designers further cemented its status as a trendsetter, blurring the lines between horology and popular culture.
The Spirit of Big Bang collection, introduced in 2014, reinterprets Hublot's signature design codes in a tonneau-shaped case. This distinctive silhouette, a departure from the traditional round case, offers a unique canvas for creative expression. The collection has embraced a variety of materials and complications, showcasing Hublot's technical prowess and its unwavering commitment to innovation. The Sang Bleu editions within the Spirit of Big Bang collection, with their distinctive geometric aesthetics and intricate dial designs, exemplify Hublot's ability to blend artistry with watchmaking expertise.
Maxime Plescia-Büchi, a renowned tattoo artist and the founder of Sang Bleu, is celebrated for his intricate geometric designs and his ability to transform the human body into a living canvas. His work transcends the boundaries of traditional tattoo art, drawing inspiration from various disciplines, including architecture, typography, and sacred geometry. Plescia-Büchi's collaboration with Hublot is a testament to his creative versatility and his ability to translate his artistic vision into different mediums.
The Sang Bleu philosophy is rooted in the exploration of geometric forms and their symbolic meanings. The designs, characterized by sharp angles, precise lines, and intricate patterns, evoke a sense of order and harmony. Plescia-Büchi's artistic vision seamlessly integrates with Hublot's watchmaking expertise, resulting in timepieces that are both visually striking and technically sophisticated. The Sang Bleu editions embody the essence of the 'Art of Fusion,' showcasing the harmonious blend of art and horology.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu Blue Ceramic is a testament to Hublot's mastery of materials and its dedication to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. The watch's 42mm case, crafted from satin-finished and polished blue ceramic, is a marvel of engineering. Ceramic, a high-tech material known for its scratch resistance and durability, is notoriously difficult to work with. Hublot's expertise in ceramic processing is evident in the flawless execution of the case, which features intricate geometric patterns inspired by Plescia-Büchi's Sang Bleu designs.
The sapphire crystal dial offers a glimpse into the watch's intricate skeletonized movement, the HUB4700. This self-winding chronograph caliber, a descendant of the legendary El Primero movement, beats at a high frequency of 5 Hz, ensuring exceptional precision and accuracy. The movement's skeletonized architecture, adorned with geometric patterns echoing the case design, showcases the mechanical beauty of the watch. The blue accents on the dial and the black and blue rubber strap complement the blue ceramic case, creating a cohesive and visually striking aesthetic.
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu King Gold Blue is a testament to Hublot's mastery of precious metals and its ability to create timepieces that exude both luxury and artistry. The watch's 42mm case, crafted from Hublot's proprietary King Gold alloy, is a masterpiece of craftsmanship. King Gold, a unique blend of gold and platinum, boasts a warmer hue than traditional 18K gold and exceptional durability. The case's satin-finished and polished surfaces, adorned with intricate geometric patterns, showcase the meticulous attention to detail that defines Hublot's watchmaking.
Courtesy of Hublot
The sapphire crystal dial, like its ceramic counterpart, reveals the watch's skeletonized HUB4700 movement, a marvel of mechanical engineering. The movement's intricate architecture, adorned with geometric patterns inspired by Plescia-Büchi's Sang Bleu designs, complements the case's aesthetic. The blue accents on the dial and the black and blue rubber strap create a harmonious contrast with the King Gold case, resulting in a timepiece that is both visually captivating and technically sophisticated.
The visual language of the Sang Bleu editions is a testament to Plescia-Büchi's artistic ingenuity. The geometric patterns adorning the case, bezel, and dial are not mere decorative elements; they're a reflection of the Sang Bleu philosophy, a celebration of geometric forms and their symbolic resonance. The sharp angles, precise lines, and intricate patterns create a visual symphony that is both captivating and thought-provoking.
The sapphire crystal dial, a window into the watch's mechanical soul, reveals the intricate skeletonized movement. The HUB4700 caliber, a marvel of engineering, beats at a high frequency of 5 Hz, ensuring exceptional accuracy. The movement's architecture, adorned with geometric patterns echoing the case design, creates a visual harmony that is both aesthetically pleasing and technically impressive. The blue accents on the dial and the black and blue rubber strap complement the overall design, creating a cohesive and visually striking aesthetic.
Courtesy of Hublot
Hublot's prowess in material innovation is on full display in the Sang Bleu editions. The blue ceramic variant is a testament to the brand's expertise in working with this challenging material. Ceramic, known for its scratch resistance and durability, is notoriously difficult to machine and polish. Hublot's mastery of ceramic processing is evident in the flawless execution of the case, which features intricate geometric patterns that would be impossible to achieve with traditional watchmaking materials.
The King Gold variant, on the other hand, showcases Hublot's expertise in precious metal alloys. King Gold, a proprietary blend of gold and platinum, boasts a warmer hue than traditional 18K gold and exceptional durability. The case's satin-finished and polished surfaces, adorned with intricate geometric patterns, are a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that defines Hublot's watchmaking.
At the heart of both Sang Bleu editions beats the HUB4700 movement, a self-winding chronograph caliber that traces its lineage to the legendary El Primero movement. This high-performance movement, beating at a frequency of 5 Hz, ensures exceptional accuracy and precision. The skeletonized architecture, adorned with geometric patterns inspired by Plescia-Büchi's Sang Bleu designs, adds a layer of visual complexity to the watch. The movement's technical prowess, combined with its aesthetic appeal, makes it a fitting centerpiece for these exceptional timepieces.
Courtesy of Hublot
Adding to their allure, both the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu Blue Ceramic and the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu King Gold Blue are limited editions. The blue ceramic variant is limited to 200 pieces, while the King Gold edition is even more exclusive, with only 100 pieces available worldwide. This limited availability, coupled with their unique design and technical sophistication, makes these watches highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts.
The Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu Blue Ceramic is priced at USD 31,800, while the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu King Gold Blue commands a premium price of USD 52,600. These price points reflect the watches' exceptional craftsmanship, innovative materials, and limited availability. For those seeking a unique and distinctive timepiece that embodies the fusion of art and horology, the Sang Bleu editions offer a compelling value proposition.