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.
The Square Case
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 Sapphire Crystal Dial
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 Movement of The Hublot Square Bang
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.
Rubber Strap With Interchangeable System
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.
Price & Availability of The Hublot Square Bang
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.
Swisswatches recently headed over to Hamburg in order to see and celebrate the official launch of Tudor’s second ever mono-brand boutique. Our editor Catherine Bishop reports back on what the space has to offer Tudor clients from far and wide. When one hears Tudor, one thinks of David Beckham, the All Blacks, and of course…
The Breitling Superocean Heritage '57 Outerknown is the third watch to emerge from the horology house's collaboration with sustainable clothing brand Outerknown. The bronze-colored dial and Outerknown NATO bracelet aim to evoke the chilled lifestyle of the surfing scene in Southern California and Hawaii in the 1950s and 60s. The new Breitling Superocean Heritage '57…
The ‘First Omega in Space’ returns to the collection. This watch, one of the most sought-after timepieces from Omega, is a true icon. It now appears in a modern version with an updated movement and Co-Axial Master Chronometer certification. The famous timepiece, originally marked with reference number CK 2998, first appeared in 1959. It belongs…
Collective Horology and Zenith have unveiled the Defy Skyline C.X Edition, a limited edition watch that reinterprets the Defy Skyline with a focus on industrial design. This marks Collective Horology's tenth project to be done in collaboration with another watch brand, and showcases a unique aesthetic and functional features. With a limited run of 200…
A. Lange & Söhne reissues the LANGEMATIK PERPETUAL on the occasion of its 20th birthday. For the first time, the watch combined a perpetual calendar with the Lange big date and also integrated a zero-setting mechanism. The new LANGEMATIK PERPETUAL appears in a case of either white or red gold and carries a blue dial.…
Porsche Design has unveiled the Chronograph 911 Turbo 50 Years, a limited-edition timepiece that honors the legendary 911 Turbo. This chronograph, limited to 1,974 units, embodies the performance and design ethos of the iconic sports car. Exclusively available to the owners of the Porsche 911 Turbo 50 Years special model, the watch is a testament…
Blancpain is presenting a new model in the Bathyscaphe collection. The new Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Sedna combines a blue dial and bezel with a Sedna gold case for the first time. It comes with a choice of a blue NATO textile strap or a blue canvas strap. The Bathyscaphe (pronounced: "Batiskaf", a type of…
The Swiss watch company Oris pairs up with the independent Japanese brand Momotaro Jeans. From this collaboration, a special steel and bronze version of the Oris Divers Sixty-Five emerged, with an indigo blue Momotaro denim strap with two white ‘battle stripes’, the denim manufacture’s signature. Named after a Japanese folklore hero, Momotaro was launched in…
At the Salon Internacional Alta Relojería in Mexico, Panerai has unveiled a new version of the Luminor Quaranta. The Panerai Luminor Quaranta Carbotech PAM01526 will be presented to the public for the first time, showcasing a smaller case and a bold design with attractive materials. Case The case of the Panerai Luminor Quaranta Carbotech PAM01526…
On the occasion of the tenth anniversary of Akrivia, the atelier is presenting the Rexhep Rexhepi Chronomètre Contemporain II, a successor to the successful timekeeper. The RRCC02 remains true to the neo-classical concept, but offers some improvements in the details. It also comes with a completely new, but familiar, movement that now offers jumping seconds.…
Audemars Piguet is launching three new diving watches in stainless steel. The three Royal Oak Offshore Diver watches in khaki, blue or grey have a diameter of 42 mm and withstand water pressure up to 300 m. The watches are powered by the 4308 calibre with a 60-hour power reserve. Furthermore, AP are equipping the…
Breitling celebrates American automotive culture with the Top Time Classic Cars Capsule collection. For this purpose, the Swiss company is presenting three chronographs, each inspired by a classic racing car from the 1960s. They appear with eye-catching dials that are intended to capture the feeling of freedom and joy of life that emanates from the…
IWC Schaffhausen has unveiled a new version of the Portugieser Automatic 40, with an aesthetic that is both modern and classic. The first Portugieser Automatic 40 was added to the collection in 2020 and brings back a puristic design of the original Portugieser from the late 1930s. However, the movement of the latest model has…