As most of our readers know, we rarely regurgitate press releases here on the WRB. Part of our pride on the blog is to exclusively get hands-on with the watches, often being the first to provide our opinions and recommendations on newly released models. Today’s an exception, as Hublot is doing something pretty cool with multi-color infused ceramics, a first of its kind that could potentially dictate not only the future direction of new Hublot watch releases but also the entire industry as a whole. This time of the year, between new years and the upcoming annual Watches and Wonders event is also a slow period, as we await the announcement of a slew of new watch releases. So why not take this opportunity to explore this interesting new process from Hublot.
Current Ceramics and Color
At the moment, that is before this actual announcement from Hublot, ceramics have been created in single solid colors. Just take a look at the bezels from Rolex that have been in use since about 2005, but really gained traction in about 2015 with more introductions of use on its sports models. These ceramic bezels have only ever been offered in solid colors, like their “Starbucks” green, aka Cermit, the blue on their white gold Submariner, and the iconic red/blue on their GMT Master II Pepsi that we reviewed here.
While the single solid color use generally coincides with the designs that Rolex aims to produce, one of the main reasons we’ve never seen a multi-colored cermamic bezel or case actually comes down to the manufacturing process – and the extreme difficulty to produce these multi-colored ceramic parts. Weirdly enough, each ceramic color requires a different “baking temperature” in order to have the color adhere within the ceramic at the correct color tone. So just imagine attempting to create an accurate mixed color ceramic part, sounds virtually impossible. This also brings back memories of Rolex’s GMT Master II manufacturing issues, in which at one point they were producing this model that was coming out with different hues on the bezel accidentally – some lighter and some darker than they intended to create. It now seems as though Hublot has found a solution to this and has patented the process, with their new release Big Bang Unico being the first official release using this new and revolutionary technique. This new release is also a limited edition and capped at a very small total of 20 pieces, get em’ while you can.
The Rest of the Watch
Of course this new multi-faceted approach to multi-colored ceramics is the focus of Hublot’s new Big Bang Unico, but the watch offers plenty more to indulge in for collectors and fans of the renowned Swiss brand. The way they’ve decided to go about the multi-colored ceramic is for one another inquisitive design cue, as the blotches of blue color have been creatively implemented in what appears to be “drops” or circles of blue on the bezel with an exterior cloud like gradient, appearing side by side with exposed screws.
The watch size is pretty much on trend with Hublot’s recent releases like the Classic Fusion Essential Grey, this time opting for a reasonable 42mm case size and 14.5mm thickness. The case also contrasts incredibly well with the new color implementation due to its black ceramic coating and sandblasted finish giving it a texture that is soothing to look at. Flipping the watch over reveals the chronograph flyback movement HUB1280 Unico Manufacture caliber through an exhibition window.
In usual Hublot fashion, the Big Bang Unico does not attempt to blend into the crowd with its chunky case design and oversized pushers. If you’re into Hublot’s extravaganza the dial will not disappoint you either. The minute counter on the right side of the dial is slightly oversized, almost in a “big eye” type of way, and the high polish of the hands, open work dial, and indices will be enough to keep you entertained as you enjoy your morning cappuccino.
Leave a Reply