hublot spirit big bang blue 42mm closeup

SPIRIT OF BIG BANG BLUE

BLUE INTENSITY

While summer is in full swing in the northern hemisphere, Hublot has released a shaped watch all dressed in blue, with a dial revealing the workings of its complex mechanism. This limited edition of 100 pieces is available only from the brand’s stores.

While its name could belong to a jazz ensemble, the Spirit of Big Bang Blue is in fact a watchmaking ode to the seafaring world in an oceanic colour. The deep blue results from the skills of the Hublot workshops, where the ceramic technique has been in use for over ten years now, along with the skills needed to colour ceramics – a material that is much appreciated for its strong resistance to the ravages of time (scratches and rust, among others) and for its lightness.

hublot spirit big bang blue 42mm closeupEven though the Spirit of Big Bang Blue is not strictly speaking a diver’s watch, its robust case does guarantee water-tightness down to 100m – enough to enjoy most water sports with perfect peace of mind. The tonneau-shaped watch is 42mm wide and topped with a bezel featuring six titanium “H“ screws, and is also made of microblasted and polished ceramic for a matt effect. Two pushbuttons with a titanium crown and two case-sides made of white composite resin round off the watch. A rectangular cut-out section sealed with sapphire glass on the back of the case reveals part of the calibre HUB4700. The self-winding mechanical movement drives the hour, calendar and chronograph functions and runs at 36,000 vibrations an hour (5Hz), providing 50 hours of power reserve.

The dial unveils the metallic lace of the cogs in the rest of this powerful mechanism. Visual landmarks are shown with touches of blue: the rings around the running seconds (at 9 o’clock) and the chronograph totalisers (at 3 and 6 o’clock), plus the date-counter frame (at 4.30). In the centre, two stick-shaped hands display the hours and minutes above facetted and bevelled hour markers.

This Hublot watch is worn with a blue alligator leather strap, lined with white rubber and equipped with a titanium folding clasp.

Price: 24,000 CHF www.hublot.com

By Sharmila Bertin