Hublot masters the creation and machining of sapphires with new exclusive shades
With the new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire, Hublot has once again achieved a world first by adding a completely new colour to its palette of throughtinted sapphires
OVER THE YEARS, Hublot has mastered the creation and machining of sapphires with exclusive shades for its see-through watch cases - black, yellow, blue, red. Today, the master of the “Art of Fusion” achieves a world first with its latest sapphire design, the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic, thanks to its vibrant, new colour - orange.
Achieved through the incorporation of titanium and chromium in a skilful manufacturing process, this surprising and dynamic colour is a breath of fresh air for haute horlogerie, and is in perfect harmony with Hublot’s culture of excellence. The fascination of the translucent bezel and case in finely polished orange sapphire is enhanced by the technical tone of the six H-shape titanium screws that characterise the iconic Big Bang design.
Hublot illustrates its unrivalled watchmaking expertise ‒ and its mastery of the tourbillon, which has been constantly developed since 2007 ‒ by accommodating an entirely new tourbillon movement at the
heart of the orange sapphire, completely designed and produced by the brand. Unlike traditional tourbillon movements, equipped with manual winding, thZiesniethxcDefpy t2i1oUnrabalncJaulnigblere makes a name for itself thanks to its selfwinding system ensuring a minimum power reserve of three days (72 hours) ‒ a very noticeable improvement for the wearer. It is equipped with ceramic ball bearings and the latest Hublot technical advances in its winding system.
The manufacture has also reasserted its uniqueness by reconstructing the movement in its entirety in order to make the micro-rotor visible from the dial side. This innovative layout not only represents an additional technical challenge for the designers, but also breathes new life in aesthetic terms, by strengthening the spectacular appearance of the dial and its very contemporary design. The perpetual movements of the micro-rotor set at 12 o’clock echo the rotation of the tourbillon, its regulating organ, positioned in perfect symmetry at 6 o’clock. The grey 22-carat gold micro-rotor is set off by exquisite decoration (bevelling, sunray-brushing and sand-blasting), as well as by signature Hublot openwork in the precious metal.
In its quest for transparency, Hublot has incorporated more sapphire in the movement itself. The manufacture calibre on the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire is equipped for the first time with three sapphire bridges ‒ a barrel bridge, an automatic bridge and a tourbillon barrette. The lightweight effect of the skeleton work is accentuated by heavily open-worked and sandblasted platinum. The tourbillon cage at six o’clock, revolving on its axis every minute to compensate for the pull of the earth on the movement’s direction, is distinctive for its pure geometry affording a glimpse into the mechanical heart of the model.
The legibility of the open dial is enhanced by hands and indices with a luminescent coating. The transparent orange rubber strap with a lined relief ‒ with a patented express One Click interchange ability system and titanium deployant buckle ‒ completes the cutting-edge look of this limited edition release of 50 pieces.
“In line with its winning spirit, Hublot has produced a new exceptional innovation by unveiling the world’s very first case in orange sapphire. Our manufacture has also reaffirmed its watchmaking expertise by unveiling a new automatic tourbillon calibre, entirely designed and manufactured in-house, and on which the spectacular visible dial side architecture underscores the innovative design of the watch. The “Art of Fusion” in all its glory according to Hublot,” said Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot CEO.
TEXALIUM & BLACK CERAMIC VERSIONS
For those wanting technical style and audacity in other futuristic materials, Hublot is offering the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic in a limited edition of 100 pieces with a case and bezel in Texalium, an exclusive lightweight and ergonomic material that combines carbon fibre and aluminium. The brand also reaffirms its unique mastery of high-tech ceramic in a Black Magic 100-piece limited edition made from black ceramic. So many feats at the limits of possibility.