Hublot has released two new Big Bang Unico Winter Editions, but we think these are perfect for our summer. Here’s why…
Australia is called the land down under, and when it comes to watches, being on the other side of the world, we’re also back-to-front. Our winter is Europe and North America’s summer, and their summer is our winter. So when watch brands release seasonal editions, like the increasingly popular summer editions, they do tend to fall flat here, as we are not really having fun in the sun. Of course, when summer rolls around, they become popular.
Today, Hublot has released two new Big Bang Unico models that have been designed for winter, and are dubbed as such, the Winter Editions: A Big Bang Unico Winter Sapphire and a Big Bang Unico Winter Titanium Ceramic. Both are complete with the frosty colours that depict a Northern Hemisphere winter – light blues, whites and of course, clear sapphire. But, I feel these are perfect for our summer! Wait, hear me out…
Summer is all about fresh, light, bright and vibrant in my opinion. With watches, this is the same. For me, my perfect summer watch needs to be light and bright. Whites, light blues, or maybe some pops of colour. The new Big Bang Winter Editions have just this. The light blue dials on each can be both icey, or summer fresh, especially with the white rhodium-plated numerals, hands and indices.
The Winter Sapphire is crisp and clear, like ice, or in Australia, maybe the clear waters off the coast of one of our islands. The Winter Titanium and Ceramic has an even fresher look with the white ceramic bezel, white mid case and the microblasted titanium mixed with the blue and white dial elements.
Ok, so there are a few elements that have been done that make these winter editions outside of the frosted blue dials and white ceramic bezel on the titanium model. The caseback has been adorned by a snowflake rotor in each, which is a nice touch. It does hide the HUB1280 Flyback Chronograph movement, however, but does give it that wintery feel Hubot is going for here.
The other element that is less summery is the strap. Made from a combination of white rubber for the lining, and on the outer, white calfskin that is stitched with white and blue stitching does make this feel like you are in a Nordic country somewhere. Additionally, there is a blue calfskin version to alter the look, too. But thanks to Hublot’s One Click system, swapping this out for a white or light blue rubber strap is easy, and would look beach-ready for us here in Australia. In winter, swap it back!
Each piece is limited. The Winter Sapphire is limited to just 30 pieces, and the Winter Titanium and Ceramic model is limited to 200 pieces globally. Yes, people will complain that it is yet another Hublot limited edition, but personally, I like the fact that you’re not buying a watch that 10,000 other people have.
Initial Thoughts
I won’t shy away from the fact that I do like Hublot. They make some amazing watches, and when I saw this release come through my email, it was hard for me not to call the boutique and ask them to put one away for me. However, I’m trying my best not to spend money currently, and wouldn’t be the most popular person at home if I did that. So for now, I’m admiring from a distance.
Personal opinion and subjectivity aside, I’m sure that this colourway in both pieces will be something that collectors will seek. Ice blue dials are always popular, and from what Hublot tells me, the sapphire pieces are in the same category, as collectors who have the means love these, due to their look, and the fact that they are not made in huge quantities. If you want a summer watch in the Southern Hemisphere, or a winter watch in the Northern, these should be on the consideration list.
As I’ve said before, the Unico HUB1280 calibre is one of the best there is, developed by Christophe Lyner and the team at Hublot, back in 2009 as the first generation HUB1242. The Unico 2, or HUB1280, improved on this with the introduction of the flyback chronograph, and now it is arguably one of the best on the market today. Go try it, you’ll see.
References: Hublot Big Bang Unico Winter 441.JX.429B.VR – Sapphire / 441.NH.429B.VR – Titanium & ceramic
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 42mm x 14.5mm thick each
- Case Material: Microblasted titanium or polished sapphire crystal
- Dial: Sky blue dial with rhodium-plated hands and indices.
- Water Resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
- Movement: Automatic Calibre HUB1280 flyback chronograph
- Power Reserve: Approx. 72 hours operating at 4Hz (28,800 VpH)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment
- Bracelet/Strap: White rubber and calfskin strap with blue stitching, with additional white rubber and blue calfskin strap.