For 2016, Hublot has created 500 Big Bang Unico Sapphire models cut straight from sapphire, without losing sapphire’s unique and rare character.
Sapphire, an extremely difficult material to machine has until now been reserved for one-of-a-kindpieces or very private collections. After its ambitious MP05 “LaFerrari” Sapphire project, Hublot is capitalising on the challenge that it has just met and asserting its expertise in sapphire cutting by interpreting it in a series of 500 pieces. This is a first. Sapphire had never previously been cut “on such a large scale”.
It is a collection of absolute transparency that consecrates the acclaimed architecture of the Big Bang model and the performances of the brand’s Unico movement.
The case middle, bezel and back of the Big Bang Unico Sapphire are cut from blocks of sapphire, a material which is almost as hard and scratch-resistant as diamond. Hublot has called on the expertise of a Swiss specialist as part of an exclusive partnership to develop the unique material. Only a few pieces forming the spine of the watch are made from titanium: the screws, the crown, which is over-molded with silicon, and the deployant buckle. Its skeleton dial, made from transparent resin, reveals all the gears of the proprietary Unico HUB1242 movement and its finishes.
Complementing its ethereal silhouette, its strap, transparent is invisible so that the skin can be seen through it. Available as a 500-piece limited edition, the Big Bang Unico Sapphire is water-resistant to 50 metres.
Technical details
Model: BIG BANG UNICO SAPPHIRE
Reference: 411.JX.4802.RT – Limited to 500 pieces
Case
Diameter 45mm, made from polished sapphire crystal
Bezel: Polished sapphire crystal; 6 H-shaped Titanium screws, countersunk, polished & locked
Crystal: Sapphire with interior/exterior anti-reflective coating and Hublot logo
Bezel Lugs: Polished transparent composite resin
Crown: Transparent silicone and satin-finished Titanium
Push-pieces: Satin-finished Titanium
Case-back: Polished sapphire crystal
Water resistance: 5 ATM, i.e. approx. 50 metres
Dial
Polished transparent composite resin skeleton dial
Appliques & Hands: White Luminescent
Movement
HUB 1242 UNICO movement with black PVD treatment, developed and manufactured in-house by Hublot Automatic flyback chronograph with column wheel and double clutch visible on the dial side
Date: Window at 3 o’clock
Power reserve: Approximately 72 hours
Strap
Transparent structured lined strap
Clasp: Titanium deployant buckle
