Sameera Gamage 
Hublot’s latest Square Bang isn’t just bold in shape, it’s revolutionary in substance. With a lightweight 3D carbon case and a skeletonised tourbillon movement, this timepiece blends cutting-edge engineering with Hublot’s signature unapologetic design.
Hublot first launched the Square Bang Collection in 2022 as a brand new, bold interpretation of their most iconic line: the Big Bang. As expected, the Square Bang took all the signature elements of the original Big Bang collection and integrated them into a contemporary square case design. While Hublot has done plenty of other case shapes, this was the brand’s first step into the world of square design. And while there are many signature square case timepeices on the watch market currently, Hublot stands out proudly for its unique take that appeals to those who love the technical side of watches.
From the outset, when the Square Bang was introduced in 2022, the brand unveiled the models with chronograph complications and skeletonised dials that showcased the intricate display of the movement sitting underneath. This is, offcourse, a signature design of the Big Bang collection, where the fusion of art and engineering elevates this timepiece into a bold expression of haute horlogerie.
Prior to the Hublot Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve 3D Carbon release, Hublot only offered the Square Bang with the chronograph complication, and in various precious metals, ceramics and even sapphire. Now, the brand is offering the coveted tourbillon complication alongside the carbon fibre material, which has been re-engineered to provide a better visual aesthetic. This marks a new chapter for the Square Bang, blending technical prestige with an ultra-modern design language. It’s a bold evolution that shows us what the Square Bang can truly be.
Case Design
The Hublot Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve 3D Carbon’s 42.5 mm x 12.3 mm case is the same size as the previous models in the Square Bang collection, with a slightly smaller thickness. However, the water resistance is now reduced to only 30m, compared to steel and ceramic editions’ 100m water resistance. As mentioned earlier, the case is crafted from 3D carbon, a cutting-edge composite material that pushes far beyond traditional carbon fibre.
Unlike standard carbon fibre, which is typically layered flat and then resin-pressed, 3D carbon involves a “volumetric weaving process” which creates a three-dimensional matrix that is not only incredibly lightweight and durable, but also visually beautiful. While the case’s structural integrity is enhanced, the visual aspect is most noticeable. With traditional carbon fibre, each case design would be unique due to the structure of the fibres being finished differently and in random patterns. Now, with 3D Carbon, Hublot have been able to negate this to create a more structured pattern that is visually captivating to the eye. By re-engineering carbon this way, Hublot demonstrates its mastery in fusing avant-garde materials with horological innovation.
Dial Design
Keeping in line with the Square Bang’s signature skeletonised dial, the Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve 3D Carbon showcases its intricate mechanics front and centre, revealing the movement’s architectural depth and the hypnotic rotation of the tourbillon in full view.
A detail that greatly changes the dial aesthetics from the previous Square Bang models is that Hublot has designed a completely new movement for the Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve 3D Carbon, with a square-shaped base architecture rather than the traditional circular ones. This means that the movement architecture itself is redesigned, extending out to the four corners of the dial. The framework that holds the key components of the movement together has also been redesigned to keep it as simple and aesthetically pleasing as possible.
Hublot has thoughtfully designed the movement’s architecture to mirror the case itself, with structural bridges arranged in a square formation: a subtle yet clever nod to the Square Bang’s distinctive geometry. These bridges hold the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, the 4-day power reserve indicator at 9 o’clock, and the mainspring barrel at 12 o’clock. One detail that I also particularly like is the hour and minute hands, along with the indices, being done in a different colour/material to the movement, while also being filled with Superlumi-Nova. This helps to read the time, especially against the blacked bridges of the movement.
Movement
Powering the Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve 3D Carbon is the in-house manual-wound Calibre MHUB6023 movement. From the get-go, we can see that this new movement has been designed for visual impact and mechanical performance. The movement is fully openworked, which means that light can flood through the dial and caseback, showing the movement’s full structure. The manual wound Calibre MHUB6023 operates at a frequency of 3Hz (21,600 VpH) while offering a staggering 4-day power reserve thanks to the large single barrel visible at 12 o’clock.
With the impressive tourbillon at 6 o’clock, rotating once per minute, and the geometry-conscious design that mimics the square silhouette of the case, the movement is not only technically advanced but also visually stunning, fitting in perfectly with the identity of the Square Bang collection.
Initial Thoughts
This latest Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve 3D Carbon is more than just a new chapter for Hublot; it’s a clear statement of intent. The timepiece perfectly represents Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” philosophy, combining cutting-edge materials, bold design, and high horology into a single statement piece. While square cases are a relatively new venture for the brand, it’s clear that they will not succumb to going down the traditional watchmaking route, and I for one am here for that!
With its ultra-light yet structurally complex 3D carbon case, bold square profile, and open-worked tourbillon movement, this timepiece reiterates Hublot’s boundary-pushing philosophy. It’s a celebration of geometry, engineering, and bold watchmaking that solidifies the Square Bang as more than just an innovation for innovation’s sake. It is a serious contender in the world of contemporary high-end horology!
Specification: Hublot Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve 3D Carbon (805.QD.0170.RX)
- Dimensions: 42mm X 12.3mm thick
- Case Material: 3D Carbon Fibre
- Dial: Sapphire crystal dial that showcases the HUB6023 movement
- Water Resistance: 30m (3 Bar)
- Movement: Manual-wound MHUB6023 Calibre
- Movement Power reserve: 4-Days (96 hours) operating at 3Hz (21,600 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire with Anti-reflective Treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: Black Ceramic and Black-plated Titanium Deployant Buckle Clasp
