The New Hublot Big Bang Unico Saxem Green

In recent years, using coloured cases and transparency has become a prevalent trend in the luxury watch industry. However, Hublot stands out as the undisputed leader when creating an entire timepiece in vivid colours and transparent materials. One striking example is the lemon-yellow Big Bang Tourbillon Neon Yellow, unveiled by Hublot in 2023. This exceptional timepiece was crafted using a material developed by Hublot’s R&D department, known as SAXEM – Sapphire Aluminium Oxide and Rare Earth Mineral – produced by blending aluminium oxide, the fundamental component of sapphire, with rare-earth elements such as thulium, holmium, and chromium. This material debuted in 2019 and the latest addition to the series is this Big Bang Unico Saxem Green. 

The polished sapphire case of the Big Bang Unico Saxem Green has a 42mm diameter and a thickness of 14.5mm, featuring an exhibition caseback and bezel crafted from this innovative and durable material. Complementing the overall green-and-black aesthetic, the signature H-shaped screws are made from black-plated titanium, while the crown and chronograph pushers are finished in black PVD. The watch looks substantial – it’s named Big Bang for a reason – yet it exudes a comfortable and wearable feel once secured on the wrist with a rubber strap.

The brand informs that the deep green and somewhat transparent Saxem material rivals the finest emeralds, displaying a brilliance akin to that of a diamond and surpassing a standard sapphire. An intriguing and noticeable quality of Saxem is its seeming ability to maintain uniform colour from all angles, creating a captivating interplay of light on the case. One can only imagine the dazzling spectacle that unfolds when this timepiece is exposed to bright sunlight.

Both sapphire crystals, front and back, receive an anti-reflective coating. The skeletonized aesthetic of the dial imparts a modern and technical flair, offering exceptional visibility of the movement. The dial, or rather what’s left of it, is made from a polished black transparent resin and, like many skeletonized watches, has the issue of compromised legibility. Nevertheless, the case-matching green hands, indices, minutes track, and registers provide sufficient contrast, ensuring readability. The layout conforms with other Big Bang Unico models. A discreet aperture that subtly displays the current date is positioned at 3 o’clock within the 60-minute chronograph counter. While the entire date disc is visible, the grey numerals within the designated frame may require a moment’s attention to comprehend fully. The running seconds are positioned at 9 o’clock, with the central seconds hand dedicated to the chronograph complication. Green luminous material applied to the hands and markers enhances visibility during nighttime hours.

Powering the Big Bang Unico Saxem Green is the MHUB1280 (Unico 2) self-winding chronograph flyback movement, distinguished by a visible column wheel at 6 o’clock adorned with Hublot’s signature H; strangely, it doesn’t carry the green hue, which would have added fun. For enthusiasts fascinated by gears and wheels, the dial side offers a view of numerous movement parts. Keep an eye out for the seconds clutch wheel featuring 60 elastic blades, or observe the tilting motion of the clutch wheel during the start-stop action of the chronograph, revealing its distinctive function.

Introduced in 2018 as an upgrade to the original Unico launched in 2010, the MHUB1280 showcases a tungsten rotor visible through the transparent caseback. This movement boasts a 72-hour power reserve, operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations/hour, and, for this edition, is impeccably finished in black PVD.

The new Hublot Big Bang Unico Saxem Green has a transparent green rubber structured lined strap, secured by a titanium buckle deployant clasp. If one wants to switch the strap for a different colour, it must be compatible with the Hublot-patented “One Click” system. This bold new model is limited to 100 pieces, priced at CHF 110,000 or EUR 121,000. For more details, please visit www.hublot.com.