The Colorful Hublot Releases From LVMH Watch Week 2023

The Nyon brand adds several brighly colored timepieces to its lively collection, celebrating new materials and inspiring collaborations

Jorg Weppelink

January 19, 2023

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Hublot never disappoints when it comes to adding some sunshine to a gloomy January. During LMVH Watch Week 2023, the Nyon brand introduced quite a large number of new releases. Hublot showed once more that it loves creating timepieces that stand out due to the combination of colors and materials. Looking at the newly introduced timepieces, “simple” and “subdued” are not the keywords that come to mind. “Vibrant” and “colorful” are definitely more like it. And I could use a bit of color and a smile in a horribly gray Dutch January. So let’s check out the new Hublot releases from LVMH Watch Week 2023.

Whenever Hublot releases new watches, I am intrigued to discover what the brand has come up with. Usually, we get quite a few new timepieces that stand out for using interesting new materials and striking colors. As it happens, the most eye-catching Hublot release unveiled last week is also the least colorful of all. The new Hublot Classic Fusion Original is a great homage to the original watch that Carlo Crocco introduced in 1980. I wrote about the Classic Fusion Original series in a separate article, shining a light on the nine different versions that were introduced.

The Hublot Classic Fusion Original

In this follow-up article, I will focus on releases other than the Classic Fusion Original. But because it was so good, here is a quick recap of the Classic Fusion Original models. The modern version of Carlo Crocco’s classic comes in three different sizes — 42mm, 38mm, and 33mm. The three different sizes come in yellow gold, titanium, and black ceramic. The 42mm and 38mm models come with the mechanical HUB1110 caliber, based on the Sellita SW300-1. The smaller 33mm model features the brand’s HUB2913 quartz movement.

Compared to the original watch from 1980, the design has been modernized. The case is angular and feels up to date. The bezel is wider and features six screws instead of the 12 of the original model. Additionally, the hands are wider. But overall, the great design of this instantly recognizable classic remains intact and makes for a great addition to the Hublot collection. While the yellow gold versions are still the standout pieces, the titanium versions might be the winners as they are relatively affordable and look great.

The Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Yellow Neon SAXEM

On to something more colorful. A lot more colorful, I might add. Another release that stands out for its color alone is the Big Bang Tourbillon Yellow Neon SAXEM. Boy, this piece is yellow first and foremost. If you wear this watch out in public, you must certainly not be the shy type. But Hublot has always been a brand for making statements, so it perfectly fits that profile. The new Big Bang Tourbillon is made from a material called SAXEM. The abbreviation is derived from Sapphire Aluminium Oxide and Rare Earth Mineral. It is not the first time that Hublot has used this material, but up until now, the colored sapphire SAXEM pieces have always been green.

But after three years of development, Hublot has managed to come up with this neon yellow beast. It features a 44mm SAXEM case and comes on a neon yellow rubber strap. Inside the yellow transparent case, you can see the automatic HUB6035 in action. The in-house skeletonized tourbillon movement comes with a micro-rotor on the dial side and provides a 72-hour power reserve. Visually, the gears seem to be floating inside the case thanks to the three sapphire bridges. The other parts of this impressive caliber are made of titanium, and you can see them in action thanks to the unique construction of this flashy timepiece. The Big Bang Tourbillon Yellow Neon SAXEM is available for €220,000.

Hublot Big Bang Integrated Rainbow models in King Gold

If you thought the neon SAXEM Big Bang was colorful, check out the Hublot Big Bang Integrated Rainbow models. The brand released two different variants, both executed in the brand’s proprietary King Gold. The first is the Big Bang Time Only model, which comes with a 40mm case that is only 9.25mm thick. It is based on the 40mm model that was introduced a year ago (then named the Big Bang Integral).

The watch is powered by the MHUB1710 movement that was also used for the previous Time Only releases. It operates at 28,800vph and delivers 50 hours of power reserve. “Time Only” might be a bit deceiving as the watch features a date display at 6 o’clock. But that is a minor semantic detail in comparison to the colorful rainbow setting of gemstones in combination with the King Gold. After all, the latter is what you buy this €165,000 watch for.

The second of the two models is the “regular” 42mm chronograph variant of the Big Bang Integrated. It is graced with the same colorful array of gemstones in the King Gold case and integrated bracelet. The 42mm case is 13.45mm thick and houses the in-house-produced MHUB1280 Unico caliber. The movement operates at 28,800vph, provides a 72-hour power reserve, and is visible through the sapphire crystal on the front. As a result of that visibility, the dial side is busy in combination with the date window and sub-dials. But if busy is not your style, you probably won’t come near the €176,000 chronograph version of the Big Bang Integrated Rainbow.

Hublot Big Bang Unico SORAI

The new Hublot Big Bang Unico SORAI is the third timepiece made in collaboration with SORAI (Save Our Rhinos Africa India). The colorful presence of the watch is inspired by the sunset, recalling the heightened danger that rhinos face as night falls. As part of the collaboration, a portion of the proceeds from each watch will go to projects supported by SORAI. The watch comes with a 44mm gray ceramic case that is 14.5mm thick and water resistant to 100 meters.

The case features both micro-blasted and polished parts and comes with two different fabric straps. The first is a colorful camo strap in line with the colors of the sunset. The second is a gray fabric strap that gives most of the watch a nice monochromatic presence, allowing the dial to stand out with its rainbow-like array of colors. The skeletonized dial features a rhino appliqué as part of the sub-dial at 9 o’clock. Along with the SORAI logo on the sapphire case back, it’s a nice little detail hinting at the good cause that the watch supports.

You can see the automatic in-house MHUB1280 UNICO caliber through the sapphire crystal. As mentioned before with the Rainbow model, the movement operates at 28,800vph and delivers 72 hours of power reserve. The watch will be produced in a limited run of 100 pieces for €25,200 each. On the gray strap, I quite like this Big Bang Unico SORAI, I must say.

Hublot Big Bang One-Click Sapphire Diamonds

Hublot also announced a new addition to the brand’s One-Click collection targeted at women. The new One-Click Sapphire Diamonds comes with a 39mm sapphire case that is 12.55mm thick and water resistant to 100 meters. The fully transparent case features a bezel that is set with 42 diamonds, and it comes on a one-click interchangeable black rubber strap. The strap corresponds with the black visible parts of the automatic MHUB1710 caliber that was developed with Zenith. The movement operates at 28,800vph and has a 50-hour power reserve. The watch will be produced in a limited run of 200 pieces and will be available for €66,000.

Hublot Classic Fusion Gold Crystal 42mm

The Hublot Classic Fusion Gold Crystal is a recurring model series. The brand placed gold flakes delicately on the black dial for this new model. The black presence is further enhanced with the 42mm black ceramic case and the black rubber and alligator straps the watch comes with. It ensures the gold on the dial is the undisputed star of the show. Through the sapphire case back, you can view the automatic caliber HUB1110 with a 42-hour power reserve. This artistic piece is available for €22,000.

Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Tourbillon

The last two new models are fresh executions of the Hublot Spirit Of Big Bang Tourbillon. The first comes equipped with a 42mm carbon fiber case that is spiced up with blue micro-glass fibers. The color combination is continued with the black and blue lined rubber strap it comes on.

Through the sapphire crystals on both the front and the back, you have an unobstructed view of the spectacular and completely in-house MHUB6020 caliber. This manual-winding tourbillon movement offers an impressive five-day power reserve and is visually stunning. The Spirit of Big Bang Tourbillon Carbon Sky Blue is available for €105,000.

The second model is the same watch but executed with a purple sapphire case and a matching purple rubber strap. It gives the watch a completely different presence that is more in line with the neon yellow SAXEM model I discussed earlier. Other than that, it features a similar 42mm case that is slightly thicker at 15.3mm compared to 13mm thickness of the carbon fiber model. The colorful timepiece is also powered by the same in-house MHUB6020 caliber. The Spirit Of Big Bang Tourbillon Sapphire Purple is available for €215,000.

Thoughts on the new Hublot models for 2023

Overall, the new Hublot models for 2023 are in line with what we have come to know from the brand. If you are not on board with the colorful timepieces that Hublot produces, it is unlikely you will find a new one that will wow you. That said, the new Hublot Classic Fusion Original is the series that has the potential to attract people who usually would not look at Hublot. The original Classic Fusion has become an icon of the industry with its combination of materials and minimalist design. To see this design come back to life in a modern way is a smart move by Hublot.

The other new models are much more extravagant and celebrate the typical Hublot style in all its glory with new materials and colors. Additionally, the more expensive pieces offer a great view of the impressive movements that the Hublot Manufacture produces. This combination of elements, or “Art of Fusion” if you will, sets Hublot apart from many other watch brands. And I appreciate that Hublot has that unique character in today’s world of watches.

For more information, visit the official Hublot website, and let us know in the comments section which of these new releases stood out for you.