Hublot Delivers An Array Of New Releases — The All-New Square Bang, The Big Bang Integral In Colorful Ceramic, And More
With the dust having settled after the first four days of Watches & Wonders 2022, we can see clearly see the impressive number of new releases from all the different brands. Hublot, of course, also brought the heat with an array of new model variations and an entirely new line. As usual, the brand does not shy away from loud colors and cutting-edge materials for its Big Bang collection. On top of that, Hublot introduces the new Square Bang with a familiar but new shape for the brand. Finally, there are some remarkable one-offs that combine materials, colors, and watchmaking magic. So let’s find out more about the new Hublot releases.
The great thing about seeing all the new Hublot releases is that you know people will talk about them. This year is no different, as the brand has plenty of new watches to share with us. The most talked-about for this year is, without a doubt, the new Hublot Square Bang collection. But there is plenty more that is worth discussing, so allow us to run you through all the different new Hublot releases.
Hublot Square Bang Collection
We have to start off with the new Hublot Square Bang collection. This new line of five different Square Bang Unico timepieces introduces a new shape for the brand. We all know the round-shaped Big Bang and Classic Fusion, as well as the tonneau-shaped Spirit of Big Bang as the main collections for the brand. With the introduction of the Square Bang, Hublot now brings a third main shape to its lineup. In all honesty, at first glance, there is a definite resemblance to the iconic Cartier Santos. It’s something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by other watch fans either.
But looking at the watches in a bit more detail, you quickly find out that they are very much Hublot timepieces. The materials, the executions, and overall style ensure that the new Square Bang Unico models fit in Hublot’s lineup perfectly. So let’s discuss some specs. The watches feature a modular three-part 42mm square case that is 14.5mm thick and water-resistant to 100 meters. Hublot introduces five different pieces in this line, of which four are regular models and one is a limited edition. The regular models are the full titanium, titanium and black ceramic, King Gold and ceramic, and full King Gold models. The Square Bang “All Black” is executed in full black ceramic and is limited to 250 pieces.
Minimalist sapphire dials for a view of the movement
All the watches feature a predominantly satin-finished case with some polished parts for some nice contrast. They also each come with a black rubber strap that can easily be installed thanks to the One-Click strap changing system. The Square Bang Unico models feature transparent sapphire dials that give you a view of the movement inside the case. The dial design consists of just the necessary elements to display all the different functions. As you can see, there is a square minute track on the outside of the dial with bigger hour markers filled with lume just like the hour and minute hands. The small seconds indicator is placed at 9 o’clock and the 60-minute counter at 3 o’clock with the date integrated into the sub-dial.
The Hublot caliber HUB1280 UNICO
If you turn the watch around, you get an even better look at the in-house-produced caliber HUB1280 Unico. This self-winding flyback chronograph movement consists of 354 parts and operates at 28,800vph. It has 43 jewels and delivers 72 hours of power reserve. It’s the same movement that also powers the Big Bang Unico and Big Bang Integral models. For the Square Bang “All Black”, Hublot executed the movement in black to ensure that the watch is truly stealthy.
The five different models come at different price points. The full titanium model will be available for €22,700, the titanium and ceramic model will be €23,800, the King Gold and ceramic model will be €39,400, and the King Gold model will be €42,500. Furthermore, the limited-edition Square Bang “All Black” will be produced in a run of 250 pieces and will retail for €25,900.
First thoughts on the Square Bang Unico models
First and foremost, the new Square Bang Unico offerings are easily recognizable as true Hublot watches. Sure, we might see initial inspiration from other brands, but putting these watches next to the other Hublot models, they fit in perfectly. When it comes to my personal favorites, the King Gold model stands out. As some of you might know, I think the combination of black and gold is hard to beat, and the Square Bang in King Gold shows that perfectly. Overall, square and rectangular watches have seen a rise in popularity, especially with all the attention that Cartier has been getting. Thus, this new Square Bang line might be a very good move for Hublot.
Hublot Big Bang Integral Ceramic
The next big introduction is the Hublot Big Bang Integral Ceramic. The Big Bang Integral was introduced in 2020, and now Hublot has decided to release the watch in four different ceramic colors. They will be limited to just 250 pieces each, and seeing these new colors, I have no doubt that they will sell out quickly. Among them is my favorite Hublot introduction of this year’s Watches & Wonders, so let’s find out more.
The new models follow the proven concept of the 42mm Big Bang Integral. Over time, we have seen different executions of the model in blue, black, gray, and white ceramic, as well as titanium, yellow gold, and King Gold. With these new releases, Hublot adds four different ceramic colors — Jungle Green, Blue Indigo, Sand Beige, and Sky Blue.
The familiar Big Bang Integral details
Following the existing design of the Big Bang Integral, these watches feature a 42mm ceramic case that is 13.45mm thick. All the models come with a matching ceramic integrated bracelet with a titanium butterfly clasp. The watches are mainly satin-finished with some polished accents for extra contrast. I personally love seeing satin-finished ceramic watches, as polished ceramic can often come across as rather plasticky. As you can see, the two shades of blue differ greatly and also do not come close to the darker blue ceramic color that is already part of the current collection.
Hublot equipped the watches with the in-house HUB1280 Unico, which is the same movement that I just discussed for the Square Bang. Therefore, the automatic flyback chronograph caliber features the same operation frequency of 28,800vph and has 72 hours of power reserve. All four watches will be limited to 250 pieces each and will be available for €23,800.
First thoughts on the Big Bang Integral Ceramic models
I love seeing these new additions to the Big Bang Integral collection, specifically the Sand Beige model. I have a tremendous soft spot for desert-inspired ceramic watches. IWC’s Mojave Desert models are another great example of that. This specific Big Bang Integral reminds me once more that I love that specific color for ceramic pieces, and I can’t wait to take this version of the Big Bang Integral for a spin. I would love to find out whether the beige ceramic Big Bang Integral is actually as good as it looks. To me, the images look promising.
The bicolor Hublot Big Bang Integral
We’re staying with the Big Bang Integral for a bit. The ceramic models are not the only new Big Bang Integral introductions for this year. Hublot has also released two new bicolor versions of the 42mm Big Bang Integral. The first is executed in titanium and black ceramic and the second model comes in King Gold and black ceramic. As you can see, the bracelet is made of a combination of materials with ceramic used for the center links. Additionally, both models feature black ceramic bezels.
As a result of the mix of materials, both watches get a distinctly different presence compared to the full titanium and King Gold models. Inside the cases, you once again have the in-house HUB1280 Unico movement that I discussed previously. The Big Bang Integral Titanium Ceramic will be available for €23,800, while the King Gold Ceramic model will be available for €44,500. Both models are nice additions to the lineup, but with other more appealing executions available, these two would not be my picks, in all honesty. Nevertheless, these two models do embody Hublot’s philosophy of “the art of fusion” perfectly.
Hublot Big Bang Spirit Of Big Bang Introductions
Lastly, I want to briefly touch upon a couple of new additions to the Spirit Of Big Bang lineup. The first is the colorful Spirit Of Big Bang Tourbillon Orange Sapphire. This extravagant orange timepiece immediately catches your eye. Honestly, this is what I love about Hublot. The brand is not afraid to create wild timepieces that bring a smile to my face. The 42mm case of this watch is made of polished orange sapphire crystal. Just seeing the intricate details makes you realize the work and craftsmanship that go into producing this case. The watch comes with a transparent orange rubber strap to round out the all-orange look perfectly.
Despite its fun character, the watch comes with a very impressive movement inside. The in-house-developed caliber HUB6020 is a true technical tour de force. The manual-winding skeletonized tourbillon movement was specifically developed for the barrel-shaped case. It has an impressive five-day power reserve and features an off-center dial that displays hours and minutes at 3 o’clock. The tourbillon cage is visible at 6 o’clock, and a power reserve indicator sits at 8 o’clock. It’s a joy to see this remarkable caliber in action. This special orange sapphire version of the Spirit Of Big Bang Tourbillon looks like it was made for the Dutch. Now it’s just a matter of getting the €182,000 that I need in order to buy it!
Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon Green
The last watch I would like to touch upon is part of the same collection. The Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon Green is essentially a different execution of the orange timepiece I just discussed. The biggest difference is that this version comes with a very special case made of carbon fiber with green micro-glass fibers. As you can see, the end result almost looks like a military-camo-style case. To add even more color, the watch comes with a bright green and black rubber strap with a black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant clasp.
As a result of the carbon fiber case, the watch is incredibly light. If you turn it around, you will see the same in-house developed caliber HUB6020 that powers the orange sapphire model. The dial side also features the same off-center display with hours and minutes at 3 o’clock, the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, and an indicator for the five-day power reserve at 8 o’clock. The biggest difference is that the off-center dial and power reserve indicator are executed in solid green. The watch will be available for €99,000. It’s a great option for those who love Richard Mille but want something else.
First impressions on the new Hublot releases
I have a tremendous soft spot for Hublot, and the brand is always good for some controversial releases. The new Square Bang collection will definitely have purists talking. But then again, seeing the watches still makes me feel like they are very much Hublot models. But we will find out what you have to say about it. Additionally, I always love Hublot’s colorful timepieces, and they never fail to bring smile to my face. This year, Hublot once again delivered the smiles with the release of the Big Bang Integral in beige and the bright orange sapphire Spirit Of Big Bang Tourbillon. But make no mistake, they are at least as interesting technically as they are aesthetically. Both in terms of materials and movements, Hublot has created remarkable pieces in recent years. I’m glad to see that 2022 was no different.
For more information, visit the official Hublot website.
