Hublot, a renowned name in luxury watchmaking, has unveiled its latest collection, the Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Impact. This series builds upon the established "Spirit of Big Bang" lineage, known for its distinctive tonneau-shaped cases and openworked dials, first introduced under Jean-Claude Biver's leadership. The new Impact collection takes inspiration from the 2016 Big Bang Impact Bang, incorporating an intricate interlocking diamond setting. However, in a significant brand first, these new models feature diamonds meticulously set directly into sapphire crystal, marking a pioneering achievement in watch design. The collection comprises three distinct variations, each presenting the moon phase complication and a large date display, albeit subtly integrated into their visually striking designs.
Hublot's Dazzling Innovations: Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Impact Series
The three models in the Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Impact collection share common foundational elements, including their sophisticated 42mm tonneau-shaped cases, which vary in thickness, and the characteristic H-shaped screws adorning the bezel. Each timepiece is secured with a rubber strap featuring a titanium deployant clasp, ensuring both comfort and durability. Powering these remarkable watches is the automatic HUB1770 skeletonized caliber, operating at a frequency of 4Hz and offering a substantial 50-hour power reserve. This movement drives the prominent moon phase indicator positioned at 6 o'clock and a large date display located at 1 o'clock.
Among the trio, the Sapphire Jewellery version stands out with its audacious design. It is adorned with an array of fancy-cut diamonds, scattered across both the bezel and the dial, creating a mesmerizing, shard-like effect reminiscent of a grand impact. This model represents a historic moment for Hublot, being the first time the brand has embedded diamonds directly into a sapphire crystal case. The bezel alone boasts 54 fancy-cut diamonds, set within polished gold channels and precisely inserted into laser-machined sapphire mounts. The dial continues this fragmented aesthetic with 91 additional fancy-cut diamonds, which, despite their brilliance, do not entirely overshadow the big date and moon phase displays. Practicality is maintained through luminescent hour, minute, and small seconds hands. This exclusive edition is limited to just 20 pieces, with a retail price of CHF 450,000 / EUR 532,000.
The second variant also features a sapphire crystal case but diverges from its diamond-studded counterpart by incorporating sharp shards filled with crystallized osmium, alternating with rhodium-plated elements. Osmium, known as the Earth's rarest metal, is denser, harder, and heavier than platinum, and possesses a unique bluish luminosity. Hublot collaborated with Swiss scientists in Valais to develop a crystallization process that stabilizes osmium, enhancing its cosmic sparkle. This edition is limited to 30 pieces and is priced at CHF 95,000 / EUR 112,200.
Completing the collection, the third reference pays homage to Hublot's 20-year legacy of the "All Black" concept, renowned for its "invisible visibility." Encased in black ceramic with a matching black ceramic bezel and dial, this model intensifies the "impact" theme. The fragmented black ceramic bezel is meticulously engraved, while the dial showcases polished, black-plated shard appliques and black hands equipped with black Super-LumiNova for enhanced readability. Limited to 100 pieces, this model is available for CHF 28,000 / EUR 33,100.
Reflecting on Hublot's Daring Horological Vision
Hublot's Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Impact collection is more than just a series of timepieces; it is a bold statement on the intersection of luxury, innovation, and artistic expression in watchmaking. The brand's decision to directly embed diamonds into sapphire crystal is a testament to its relentless pursuit of pushing material boundaries and crafting visually arresting designs. The integration of rare materials like crystallized osmium further solidifies Hublot's position at the forefront of avant-garde horology. This collection challenges traditional notions of watch design, offering a fresh perspective on how precious materials and complex mechanics can converge to create wearable art. It inspires a renewed appreciation for meticulous craftsmanship and daring innovation, suggesting that the future of luxury watchmaking lies in the audacious exploration of new aesthetics and technological frontiers. The collection serves as a reminder that true luxury often resides in the unexpected and the groundbreaking.