The Hublot Square Bang is a reinterpretation of the Big Bang, housed in a square case. This novelty marks the first time the Manufacture has ventured into making a square case. At the same time, however, it is expanding the Shaped collection, whose only piece to date has been a tonneau watch. A total of five versions of the Hublot Square Bang are available, made either of titanium, King Gold or, as a limited edition, black ceramic. Despite the angular case, the round in-house calibre 1280 drives the watches.
After Hublot has already presented a tonneau interpretation of the Big Bang, another new shape is now following. The square shape is difficult to implement, however, as any mechanical timepiece using cog wheels is based on a round geometry. Here, however, Hublot packs the characteristic Big Bang DNA into an angular case while ensuring ergonomics with the 43 mm diameter. In addition, the case also has the six functional screws on the bezel that are found in the same place on the round Big Bang.
In total, the Manufacture is presenting five variants of the Hublot Square Bang. There are two titanium cases, distinguished by their optional black ceramic bezel. There are also two watches made of the in-house King Gold alloy. Here, too, there is either a solid bezel or a polished ceramic bezel. Last but not least, the house presents the ALL BLACK, a limited edition in satin-finished black ceramic.
On the side of the Hublot Square Bang lie the push-pieces and the crown, which are lined with rubber. On both sides are “ears” that provide symmetry and protect the case. In addition, the movement is visible through the case back on all variants. Another challenge of the angular shape is the water resistance, which Hublot nevertheless guarantees up to 100 metres.
The dial is made of sapphire crystal and reveals the inner workings of the Hublot Square Bang. On the glass are faceted indices that indicate the time together with the broad main hands. Depending on the case material, these appear either rhodium-plated or gold-plated. For better readability, however, they are all filled with luminous material. There is also a printed minute track on a ring on the periphery. Elsewhere, the bicompax display divides into a small seconds at 9 o’clock and a 60-minute counter at 3 o’clock. A date window is also included, with its number disc visibly winding around the centre.
The well-known calibre 1280, which improved upon the original UNICO calibre, powers the watch. However, the 1280 (UNICO 2) is round and therefore lies in a mould that holds the movement in place. The mechanism on top of the in-house base consists of 354 components and 42 jewels. It offers automatic winding and a power reserve of 72 hours. The chronograph integrates both a column wheel and a horizontal double clutch. Both mechanisms are placed on the dial side to be admired by the wearer. In addition, the timepiece offers a flyback function.
The five models all come with the same black rubber strap. Its “chocolate square” design is reminiscent of the shape of the watch case. Depending on the case material, a folding clasp made of ceramic, titanium or King Gold secures the strap on the wrist. The Hublot Square Bang also features the One-Click system, which allows the wearer to change the strap quickly and easily. As an alternative to the rubber strap, Hublot sells a choice of rubber, alligator or leather straps.
The five variants of the Hublot Square Bang Unico are available now. The UNICO Titanium 42 mm costs 22,700 euros. With a ceramic bezel, it costs 23,800 euros. If it is to be a case of King Gold, 42,500 euros are due. Here, the optional ceramic bezel reduces the price to 39,400 euros. Finally, the limited edition of 250 pieces: the Square Bang UNICO ALL BLACK costs 25,900 euros.
