Watches & Wonders 2026: Hublot Big Bang Reloaded: Usain Bolt und Kylian Mbappé Limited Editions

When Hublot develops watches in collaboration with its brand ambassadors, the result is rarely just a special edition bearing a celebrity’s signature. Rather than simply placing a famous name on the dial, Hublot draws on specific elements from the athletes’ histories and translates these into materials, colours and details. This is precisely what is evident in two new limited-edition models which, whilst sharing the same technical basis at first glance, could hardly be more different in their message: the Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt and the Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé. As far as complications are concerned, both special editions are flyback chronographs, equipped with Hublot’s renowned in-house Unico calibre and limited to 200 pieces each.

A touch of Jamaica, a touch of legend and a good dose of Usain

That is precisely why it is worth taking a closer look at both watches. For Hublot tells two very different stories on the same platform: on the one hand, the focus is on themes such as tradition, heritage and records; on the other, it is all about self-confidence, ambition and the present.

The Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt is entirely tailored to the symbolism of the world’s fastest man: the 44-millimetre case, crafted from black ceramic and carbon, is accentuated by yellow gold details, whilst green and yellow accents deliberately reference the colours of the Jamaican flag. The Big Bang Reloaded becomes particularly interesting when Hublot takes personalisation to the finest detail: if you mentally rotate the watch, the numerals between 6 and 8 o’clock form a “958” – a direct reference to Bolt’s world record time of 9.58 seconds over 100 metres set in 2009. In keeping with this theme, the chronograph hand is shaped like a lightning bolt, and the case back even features a visible integration of original soil from his training ground in Jamaica. Added to this is the engraving of his motto “Anything is Possible, Don’t Think Limits” on the bezel.

The Big Bang Reloaded does not adopt a neutral stance, but takes a very clear position. Hublot translates Bolt’s career, his background and his public image into a design that aims for immediate impact. It is bold, yet executed with precision from start to finish, and is characterised by a remarkable attention to detail. The Bolt Edition captivates with striking symbols, strong contrasts and a design that clearly conveys its message. Even the two interchangeable straps – a yellow gold Velcro strap and a black, yellow and green camouflage rubber strap – are part of this clear statement.

Not a defensive game, not even in its design

The Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé takes a completely different approach. It too has a diameter of 44 millimetres, but the choice of materials – polished white ceramic and 18-carat King Gold – conveys a completely different impression: the watch appears brighter, more striking and more modern. Whilst the Bolt model tells a story of tradition and records, the Mbappé model focuses on the mental aspect. Accordingly, the bezel bears the engraving “Trust Yourself” at 6 o’clock – the maxim that Hublot presents as the core of its sporting and public identity. Added to this is the gold-coloured number 10, which simultaneously refers to his shirt number, his identity and his lucky number. The skeletonised dial in anthracite-coloured ruthenium with white accents gives the watch a clean, technical look.

This is where the difference between the two watches is most evident. The Bolt Edition draws on history, symbolism and references to a career that is already taking shape. The Mbappé Edition, on the other hand, focuses on presence, pace and a distinctly forward-looking image. As with the Bolt Edition, the interchangeable straps are part of the message here too: a gold-coloured Velcro strap and a black-and-white rubber strap featuring the KM logo consistently carry forward the idea of self-realisation, with Mbappé serving as a role model.

Technically speaking, however, the basis of both models remains identical. Both watches are powered by the HUB1280 Unico, Hublot’s in-house automatic movement featuring a flyback chronograph, a gear train visible from the dial side, and a power reserve of 72 hours. Hublot places particular emphasis on highlighting the architecture of the Unico and the visibility of key functional components such as the gear train, clutch and flyback elements. This is crucial, for despite all the staged symbolism and personal allusions, it lends both editions the necessary horological substance. Thus, the Big Bang once again proves itself to be Hublot’s platform for maximum impact – without the technology becoming a mere afterthought.

hublot.com