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A new watch shape takes form at Hublot
Hublot unveils its interpretation of the square watch, inspired by Maison's iconic big bang, adding a new pillar, 'the shaped collection' to sit alongside the spirit of the big bang
Is there anything that has not been explored in watchmaking? This is the question that Hublot's R&D department asks itself every day. When you have created the most resistant materials, set up the craziest of partnerships and developed extraordinary complications, the answer is often very simple in the shape. Hublot currently masters three: a round watch, a barrel-shaped watch, and the MPs, those 'master pieces' that have broken free from all conventions.
Today, a fourth shape has been created: the square. Its geometry bewitched Hublot because of the challenges it sets. First, is the movement. Since every calibre has the wheel as its basic component, it, therefore, needs a round movement. If you are to place a round movement harmoniously in a square case, this requires a very specific style. This is why most watchmakers hide their movement, to give the illusion of using a shaped movement or because they have failed to find a consistent aesthetic style.
"The square watch is a very specific object that most watchmakers dare not tackle. This is a divisive, disruptive, and unconventional shape that no one has known how to rework for decades: it was just waiting for us. Hublot decided to get to grips with the shape to explore its power and create a unique timepiece. Like any Hublot, the Square Bang Unico has no equivalent," said Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot.
Hublot decided to take a radically different direction: the watchmaker hides nothing of its own, in-house Unico movement, the pride of the Nyon watchmakers and the beating heart of most of its designs for over 10 years. The chronograph has a column wheel visible at 6 o'clock, while its bicompax display dispenses with a dial to reveal its secret inner workings.
The second challenge was the modular construction of the case, designed in line with the DNA of the brand, with a central housing dressed with an upper and lower plate to enable a myriad of combinations and transformations. But this time, it is square and therefore much more difficult to make water resistant. Hublot pulls off the challenge with guaranteed water resistance to 100 metres. The size of the case is also an important factor to ensure this model is perfectly ergonomic, providing comfort on the wrist very similar to that of the 42 mm Big Bang. Its pedigree from the brand's icon can be seen in countless details.
First of all, there is the sandwich construction of its dial, which gives it different levels of depth and a highly architectural feel. As with the big bang, the square bang Unico's dial uses sapphire to give a clear view of the Unico movement and also reuses the same hands.
Next, we find the six (functional) screws on the bezel, placed at the same places as on the Big Bang. On either side of the Square Bang, you find the 'ears' from the Big Bang's case, giving balance to the design while protecting the case. The two screws are fastened in the middle of the strap as an attachment in addition to the big bang's well-liked one-click mechanism and its textured rubber. Finally, the square bang uses the same materials as its predecessor, including titanium, ceramic and king gold, not to mention the famous 'all black' finish.
Lastly, a new strap decorated with 'chocolate squares' further emphasises the square bang’s identity. Thanks to its interchangeable (One Click) system you can change the look of your watch in one click with an impressive range of rubber, alligator and soon soft-touch leather straps.
Five 42 mm models are already available. The first three are in solid titanium, black ceramic or king gold. The last two blend titanium or king gold with a black ceramic bezel. Each model comes with a black rubber strap and a folding clasp in the same material as the case. These original designs beat to the rhythm of the HUB1280 Unico manufacture movement, a 354-component automatic chronograph, set at 4 Hz (28,800 vib/h).
As is customary at Hublot, the finishing is uncompromising and has a very modern feel: polished and sandblasted screws, over-moulded rubber crown, push-pieces decorated with rubber 'chocolate squares', polished satin bottom and rhodium-plated or 5N gold-plated hands, depending on the model. The crown comes in over-moulded rubber. The textured pattern of the strap was created especially for the square bang. It includes four rows (like the four sides of the case) of raised squares (like the bezel on the case).
All black: the collector edition limited to 250 copies
If you had to choose just one, it would be this one: the 'Square Bang Unico All Black'. Like all the all blacks, only 250 pieces will be made it will be the only limited edition of the square bang Unico collection.
More than 15 years after its invention, the all-black livery once again proves its versatility and power. This is showcased in its new incarnation as Square Bang Unico. Whether it is the case, bezel, push-pieces, strap, plate or hour markers: black is present on all the surfaces while polished or satin-finishes alternate to reveal subtle shades, which are for the owner's eyes only. Ceramic and titanium meet, harmonise and merge. A rare design for collectors who prefer to take the path less travelled. Exclusive Hublot Boutiques at the Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi are selling the new model.
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