Fergus Nash
Hublot’s bold designs aren't exactly known for their versatility, but I think a lot of people could be surprised by just how much their style is actually capable of achieving. The Spirit of Big Bang isn't just a catchy title for Hublot's tonneau-shaped case design, but rather an example of how the industrial feel and legacy of the original Big Bang can be adapted into any package. It's a promise of disruption to any norm, challenging the meaning of luxury and breaking technical barriers along the way. Recently, Hublot have used the Spirit of Big Bang to create the new Yellow Magic and two diamond-studded dainty pieces.Spirit of Big Bang Yellow MagicWhen thinking of an over-the-top luxury watch, the mind tends to go towards visions of outlandish gold cases swimming in diamonds all over the dial. But cranking up the opulence doesn't always need to be so gaudy. Hublot's Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Magic is definitely loud, but its bright yellow ceramic case feels more like a punch of character rather than a sign of aposematism. If anything, it's a testament to Hublot's technical mastery of ceramic as a material, because it's incredibly difficult to produce most colours and especially bright ones. The process involves a perfect balance of pigments and sintering, where the ceramic is heated to just below its melting point, and if not done right will result in a blotchy or unstable product.BrandHublotModelSpirit of Big Bang Yellow MagicCase Dimensions42mmCase MaterialYellow ceramicWater Resistance100 metresCrystal(s)SapphireDialSapphire, skeletonisedLug WidthIntegratedStrapRubberMovementHUB4700, El Primero 400 basePower Reserve50 hoursFunctionsChronograph, hours, minutes, seconds, dateAvailabilityNowPriceA$48,300Spirit of Big Bang DiamondsSophistication and elegance are achievable by the Spirit of Big Bang also, with two 32mm editions showcasing how refined the tonneau shape can be regardless of its sporty twists. The black dial version with a stainless steel case is quite versatile, while the King Gold and white dial reference hosts a bit more glamour.The diamond-set bezel caves in a little bit to the opulent side of things, but doesn't go too far as to feel impossibly luxurious.BrandHublotModelSpirit of Big Bang DiamondsCase Dimensions32mmCase MaterialStainless steel 18k King goldWater Resistance100 metresCrystal(s)SapphireDialWhite, blackLug WidthIntegratedStrapRubberMovementHUB1120, Sellita SW1000 basePower Reserve40 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, dateAvailabilityNowPriceA$21,900 – A$48,300
01.06.23