The New Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Impact

The Spirit of Big Bang collection was introduced as Hublot’s first major new case shape under Jean-Claude Biver. As its name suggests, the collection captured the “spirit” of the Big Bang but replaced the octagonal case with a more complex tonneau-shaped case with lateral rubber bumpers and openworked dials. The latest Spirit of Big Bang Moonphase Impact borrows the striking interlocking diamond setting of the Big Bang Impact Bang of 2016, but, for the first time in the brand’s history, sets diamonds directly into sapphire. Presented in three variants, the moon phase complication and big date take a back seat.

All three models share 42mm tonneau-shaped cases with varying thicknesses and the signature H-shaped screws in the bezel. They are all paired with rubber straps with titanium deployant clasps and are powered by the automatic HUB1770 skeletonised calibre with a 4Hz frequency and a power reserve of 50 hours, driving the moon phase display at 6 o’clock and the big date at 1 o’clock.

Each model has a distinct personality. The most surprising one is the Sapphire Jewellery version, covered with shards of fancy-cut diamonds scattered across the bezel and dial (fancy-cut diamonds are simply diamonds that aren’t round, with countless facets that sparkle like a disco ball). Marking the first time Hublot sets diamonds into a sapphire crystal case, the bezel features 54 fancy-cut diamonds set inside polished gold channels and inserted into laser-machined mounts in the sapphire. The haphazard arrangement, suggesting the shards flying after a big impact, is continued with 91 fancy-cut diamonds on the dial, practically eclipsing the big date and moon phase. However, the hour, minute, and small seconds hands have a strip of lume to help tell the time. This model is limited to 20 pieces and retails for CHF 450,000 / EUR 532,000.

The second reference also comes in a sapphire crystal case, but instead of diamonds, features sharp shards filled with crystallised osmium alternating with rhodium-plated ones. Considered the rarest metal on Earth, osmium is denser, harder and heavier than platinum and has a natural bluish radiance. Developed with Swiss scientists in Valais, the crystallisation process stabilises osmium and unlocks its cosmic sparkle. This model is a limited edition of 30 pieces and retails for CHF 95,000 / EUR 112,200.

Celebrating 20 years of Hublot’s All Black invisible visibility concept, the third reference comes in a black ceramic case with a black ceramic bezel and dial. Taking the impact motif one step further, the black ceramic bezel and the dial seem to have been smashed into smithereens. The fragmented black ceramic bezel is engraved, while the dial features black-plated and polished appliques and black hands with black Super-LumiNova. Limited to 100 pieces, it retails for CHF 28,000 / EUR 33,100. More information at hublot.com.