Hublot, a name synonymous with innovation and boldness in the Swiss watchmaking industry, has consistently pushed the boundaries of traditional horology since its inception. The Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is another bold step for Hublot. Established in 1980 by Carlo Crocco,
Hublot quickly distinguished itself by daring to combine materials in unconventional ways. Crocco's vision was revolutionary; he introduced the world to the first natural rubber strap in the history of watchmaking, paired with a gold case. This fusion of materials was not just a design choice but a statement, a new philosophy that would come to be known as the "Art of Fusion." This approach has become the cornerstone of Hublot's identity, a guiding principle that informs every aspect of their watchmaking, from design to materials to movement technology. Hublot is always trying to push the limits of what watches can be.
The Spirit of Big Bang collection, launched in 2014, is a testament to Hublot's ongoing commitment to innovation and evolution. While the Big Bang collection, introduced in 2005, marked a significant milestone for the brand with its distinctive design and use of cutting-edge materials, the Spirit of Big Bang took this ethos a step further. This collection is characterized by its tonneau-shaped case, a departure from the round cases typically seen in Hublot's other lines. This unique shape, combined with the signature industrial aesthetic featuring exposed screws and a multi-layered construction, gives the Spirit of Big Bang a distinct, robust character. The collection embodies a spirit of adventure and a desire to explore new horological territories. Each piece within the collection is a showcase of Hublot's mastery of materials and movement technology, featuring everything from high-tech ceramics to innovative alloys like Magic Gold, and housing advanced in-house movements.
Courtesy of Hublot
The Year of the Snake edition is a celebration of the Chinese zodiac, a tradition that Hublot has honored annually since 2016. The snake, a symbol of wisdom, charm, and transformation, is brought to life in this limited edition timepiece in a manner that is both artful and unexpected. This isn't just a watch with a snake motif slapped on; it's a complete reimagining of the Spirit of Big Bang aesthetic through the lens of this symbolic animal. The design integrates the snake into every aspect of the watch, creating a cohesive and visually stunning piece that is as much a work of art as it is a precision timepiece. The intricate detailing and the seamless integration of the snake motif showcase Hublot's dedication to pushing creative boundaries and their meticulous attention to detail. This is something they have strived for every year since 2016 and is extremely apparent with the Year of the Snake watch.
The dial of the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is where the serpent truly comes alive. Hublot's signature open-worked design provides a glimpse into the intricate workings of the HUB4700 movement, creating a dynamic backdrop for the golden snake that dominates the foreground. This three-dimensional, gold-plated serpent is not merely an applique; it's a sculptural element that seems to slither around the chronograph counters. The snake's scales are meticulously engraved using advanced laser technology, capturing the light and creating a lifelike texture. The serpent's head and tail are strategically positioned, as if it's winding its way through the movement, adding a sense of depth and movement to the dial. The gold-plated snake is a stark contrast to the black movement, the gold really pops against the black ceramic and sapphire crystal dial.
Courtesy of Hublot
The 42mm tonneau case of the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is a marvel of material engineering. Crafted from microblasted and polished black ceramic, the case is both lightweight and incredibly durable. Ceramic is a material that Hublot has mastered, and its use here is a testament to their expertise. The high-tech ceramic used by Hublot is virtually scratch-proof, ensuring that the watch will maintain its pristine appearance even with daily wear. The black color of the case provides a sleek, modern backdrop that enhances the visual impact of the golden snake on the dial. The case’s finish, a combination of microblasted and polished surfaces, adds depth and dimension, catching the light in a way that highlights the watch's unique shape and design elements. The look of the snake skin scales on the black ceramic is also a great look for the watch.
The bezel of the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake continues the serpentine theme with its engraved snake scale pattern. This intricate detailing is not just a visual flourish; it's a testament to Hublot's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail. Each scale is precisely rendered, creating a texture that is both visually appealing and tactilely satisfying. The bezel is secured with Hublot's signature H-shaped screws, which are not only functional but also contribute to the watch's industrial aesthetic. This combination of intricate detailing and robust design elements creates a unique visual and tactile experience, making the watch a standout piece in any collection. The screws on the watch are black-plated titanium. The crown and pushers are also made of black-plated titanium, giving them a cohesive look with the rest of the case.
Courtesy of Hublot
The strap of the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is where the theme reaches its full expression. Made from black rubber, the strap features a unique snake scale texture that is both visually striking and incredibly comfortable to wear. Hublot's innovative embossing technique allows for the creation of a texture that mimics the look and feel of real snake skin, complete with a subtle velvet finish and a slight shimmer. This is not just a strap; it's an extension of the watch's design, a seamless continuation of the snake motif that wraps around the wrist. The use of rubber ensures that the strap is both durable and comfortable, perfect for everyday wear. It's a perfect look for the watch, it truly stands out among other Hublot straps.
The strap is equipped with Hublot's patented One-Click strap changing mechanism, a feature that allows the wearer to easily swap out straps without the need for any tools. This system is a testament to Hublot's commitment to user-friendly design, making it simple to customize the look of the watch to suit any occasion or mood. The deployant buckle clasp is made from black ceramic and black-plated titanium, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit while maintaining the watch's cohesive aesthetic. This feature adds to the overall versatility of the watch, making it a practical choice for those who value both style and functionality. The clasp also has the Hublot name engraved in the middle.
Courtesy of Hublot
Powering the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is the HUB4700 caliber, a self-winding skeleton chronograph movement that is a modern evolution of the legendary El Primero. The El Primero, introduced in 1969, was the first integrated automatic chronograph movement and is still considered one of the finest chronograph movements ever made. The HUB4700 builds on this legacy, incorporating modern innovations and advancements to create a movement that is both highly accurate and reliable. The movement features a silicon escape wheel, which reduces friction and improves efficiency, and a 50-hour power reserve, ensuring that the watch will keep running even when not worn for a couple of days. The movement is also water resistant up to 100 meters, or 10 ATM.
The HUB4700 is a high-frequency movement, operating at 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), which allows for precise measurement of elapsed time down to 1/10th of a second. This level of accuracy is a hallmark of Hublot's commitment to precision and performance. The skeletonized design of the movement is not just for show; it allows for a reduction in weight and an increase in shock resistance. The open-worked bridges and plates reveal the intricate workings of the movement, creating a dynamic visual display that is both mesmerizing and informative. The movement is visible through the sapphire crystal case back, providing a fascinating view of the intricate mechanics at work.
The sapphire crystal of the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is treated with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring optimal legibility in all lighting conditions. This attention to detail is a hallmark of Hublot's approach to watchmaking, where every element is carefully considered to enhance both form and function. The anti-reflective coating reduces glare and reflections, allowing the intricate details of the dial and the movement to be seen clearly, even in bright sunlight. This feature is particularly important for a watch with such a detailed and visually complex dial, as it ensures that the wearer can appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry of the timepiece without any distractions.
Courtesy of Hublot
The limited edition nature of the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake, with only 88 pieces available worldwide, adds to its exclusivity and desirability. Each watch is individually numbered, further enhancing its uniqueness and collectibility. This limited production run is a reflection of Hublot's dedication to creating exceptional timepieces that are not just watches but also works of art. The limited availability also makes the watch a coveted item among collectors and enthusiasts, adding to its allure and prestige. The number 88 is also significant in Chinese culture, symbolizing good luck and fortune, making this timepiece even more special for those who appreciate the symbolism and cultural significance of the Chinese zodiac.
The pricing for the Spirit of Big Bang Year of the Snake is set at $35,100 USD. This price point reflects the watch's limited edition status, the use of high-tech materials, and the intricate craftsmanship involved in its creation. It's a premium price for a premium timepiece, a watch that is designed for those who appreciate the finer things in life. Availability is limited to Hublot boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide, ensuring that the watch remains exclusive and sought after.
Case: 42 mm diameter. Microblasted and Polished Black Ceramic. Water resistant to 100m or 10 ATM. Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment. Microblasted and Polished Black Ceramic Bezel Engraved with Snake Skin Texture.
Movement: HUB4700 Self-winding Skeleton Chronograph Movement. 50 hours power reserve. Successor to the El Primero caliber. Equipped with a silicon regulating element.
Dial: Sapphire Crystal with Gold-plated Snake Applique.
Strap: Black Rubber with Snake Skin Texture. Black Ceramic and Black-plated Titanium Deployant Buckle Clasp.
Price: USD 35,100
Reference Number: 642.CI.0180.RX.CNY25
Notes: Limited edition of 88 pieces. Celebrates the Chinese New Year, specifically the Year of the Snake. Features Hublot's patented One-Click strap changing mechanism.