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Hublot brings two global sporting icons into the Big Bang Reloaded universe with limited editions dedicated to Usain Bolt and Kylian Mbappé. Built on the same bold foundation, each model tells a very different story through colour, materials, and personal design details.

Hublot has given its iconic Big Bang collection a refresh this year by introducing updates to the core lineup, including slight tweaks to the openworked dial, new colour options, and a healthy dose of the brand’s “Art of Fusion” philosophy through the use of various materials.

This latest evolution is certainly a welcome addition to Hublot’s catalogue, building on the Big Bang’s legacy over the years while presenting a more contemporary aesthetic. But what if Hublot wanted to push the Big Bang Reloaded collection just that little bit further?

This is exactly what the brand has done, with the release of two new Big Bang Reloaded Limited Edition timepieces, created in close collaboration with global sporting icons, Usain Bolt and Kylian Mbappé. This is not the first time that Hublot has created a timepiece with Usain Bolt, with the partnership between the two creating a beautiful gold rendition of the Big Bang in the past.

Now, however, both ambassadors are stepping into the next generation with two stunning Big Bang Reloaded models, both sharing the same bold 44mm case design and HUB1280 Unico flyback chronograph movement. While they share the base design of the Big Bang Reloaded collection, their aesthetic codes of the timepieces are anything but the same.

Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt – A Manifesto In Motion

Hublot sets the pace of the Big Bang Reloaded limited edition models with the 200-piece Usain Bolt, a bespoke signature timepiece created for the fastest man on Earth. This timepiece has been developed in close collaboration with the man himself, and with a partnership spanning over 15 years, it is more than just a watch. The timepiece beautifully encapsulates Usain’s story, from the Jamaican soil that forged his speed to the gold-engraved mantra on its bezel: “Anything is Possible, Don’t Think Limits.” This is a watch that celebrates more than just Usain Bolt himself, but rather the mindset that made him.

The case of the Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt is made from several different materials, which allows it to take on a more stealth approach, while some elements contrast and stand out beautifully. The case itself is made of satin-finished and polished black ceramic material, with the chronograph pushers and crown following suit.

Where things get interesting, however, is the bezel. The construction is nothing new to Hublot; however, its execution in this timepiece is what makes it eye-catching. Firstly, the surface of the bezel is made from frosted carbon, while the signature H-screws of the Big Bang collection are made from 18K yellow gold. Set against the frosted carbon background, these gold accents stand out brilliantly.

Another unique layer to the bezel is its side profile. Again crafted in 18k Yellow Gold, with a polished finish that plays with light in a visually aesthetic manner, the side also features the inscription “Anything Is Possible, Don’t Think Limits”. I personally love this touch of inspiration on the bezel, as it makes it feel more personal rather than just another collaboration. While you usually see these inscriptions on the case back, placing it on the bezel gives the message far more presence, ensuring it becomes part of the watch’s overall identity rather than a hidden detail.

While the bezel features Bolt’s personal anecdotes, the dial rewrites time in Bolt’s codes. The reworked dial of the Big Bang Reloaded models now shows more of the exceptional Unico 2 flyback chronograph calibre underneath, with cutaways showing the column wheel in full view. They are highlighted by a yellow gold coloured screw, which can be seen at the 6 o’clock position. At 8 o’clock, the dual-oscillating clutch can also be seen prominently. Each of these components is also labelled so as not to confuse what each mechanism is.

One cool feature on the dial is the hour indices, in particular between 6 and 8 o’clock. The numerals read 6-5-8, which, when the watch is read from a “flipped” perspective, reads as 9-5-8, a reference to Usain Bolt’s incredible 100m world record run of 9.58 set in 2009. The chronograph second hand also has a lightning bolt design, echoing the athlete’s emblematic pose. The dial also features green accents on the ‘60 Flyback’ text and elements of the 60-minute chronograph counter, which, when paired with the yellow gold details, reflect Usain Bolt’s Jamaican colours and further reinforce the personal nature of the design.

Hublot has really gone the extra distance with this collaborative timepiece. As the brand states, “On the case-back, suspended between two sapphire crystals inside a lightning bolt, lies authentic soil from Bolt’s childhood training ground in Jamaica, the one that shaped the fastest man alive. Encapsulated and compressed within sapphire, it anchors the watch where his destiny began“.

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“Working on this watch with Hublot allowed me to rewind and replay my race journey, every second, every stride, every finish line. To do it with a partner who’s been with me since 2010, even after I hung up my spikes, makes it more than a watch. It conveys meanings and beliefs such as trusting yourself, sprinting beyond limits, and pushing every boundary. The lightning-bolt hand? My pose. A green and yellow pulse with Jamaica in my heart. The soil in the case-back? The ground that made me. Wear it, own it, and make your own history. Time waits for no one, but you can beat it!”
Usain Bolt – Hublot Ambassador since 2010.

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Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé – Unstoppable Ambition

Then, on the other hand, we have the Big Bang Reloaded edition dedicated to the famous footballer Kylian Mbappé,. Unlike Usain Bolt, this is the first timepiece that Hublot and Mbappé, have worked on together, making for a truly memorable moment and special timepiece. And just like the Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt, this 200-limited edition timepiece is simply more than just a watch, and quite frankly, the polar opposite of the superstar Jamaican athlete.

The Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé, features the same base characteristics as per the core collection. It is crafted in a beautiful 44mm polished and microblasted white ceramic case, with elements crafted from Hublot’s proprietary 18K King Gold material. The H-screws on the bezel and the quick-change strap mechanism are made from 18K King Gold. The white ceramic case, combined with the 18K King Gold, makes for a colour combination that is certainly pleasing to the eyes!

And just like Usain Bolt’s edition above, Mbappé’s timepiece gets its own words of wisdom as well. His mantra, rather simple, “Trust Yourself,” is inscribed on the side profile of the bezel, which is also executed in 18K King Gold. This mantra has helped him in life and in business. He plays by a rule that has shaped his journey from prodigy to global icon, inspiring a generation to believe, act decisively, and never doubt.

Just like the case, the dial design has more inspired “elements” from the footballing icon. The most noticeable is the 10 o’clock hour indices, which have been done in King Gold tone, standing out nicely from the other white luminescent indices. The constant seconds hand, the hour and minute hands, along with the oscillating clutch and H-screw column wheel, all get the King Gold treatment, which helps tie the entire design together while reinforcing the luxurious contrast between the white ceramic, matte anthracite ruthenium-plated dial and warm metallic accents.

The yellow and King Gold-toned elements on the dial also appear to serve as subtle nods to Mbappé’s record-breaking career milestones and his electrifying presence on the pitch.

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“Working on this watch with Hublot gave me the chance to reflect on my journey, every match, every goal, every big moment. Building it with a partner who has believed in me since 2018 makes it even more special. This is more than a watch. It carries a message I live by: trust yourself, take your chance, create your own path. The number 10 is my lucky number, my identity on the pitch. The white and gold symbolize clarity and ambition. And with ‘Trust Yourself’ engraved at 6 o’clock, this piece is a reminder of how I’ve always played, with confidence, freedom, and passion. It’s about chasing dreams, pushing limits and inspiring the next generation to believe in themselves and pursue success with heart. That’s the power of dreams. That’s what drives me”.
Kylian Mbappé – Hublot Ambassador

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An Exceptional Chronograph Caliber

What started in 2010 as the Unico movement, Hublot’s first calibre that was designed, developed, and manufactured completely in-house, it quickly became one of the best chronograph movements on the market. What made the Unico special was its integrated flyback chronograph, front-facing column wheel, and silicone escapement, giving the movement genuine credibility. The openworked construction of the movement enhanced the wearing experience as well.

Over the years, the Unico movement has evolved, and at Watches & Wonders 2026, we are presented with the newest generation. The HUB 1280 UNICO Manufacture movement features an integrated flyback chronograph precise to 1/8th of a second for instant reset and restart, an accuracy of -2/+4 seconds per day, and a 72-hour power reserve. Hublot also states that “the caliber also holds five patented innovations, covering: a backlash-compensating oscillating clutch, an anti-shaking chronograph hand system, a ‘zero friction’ ratchet wheel blocker, a watch rate fine-adjustment system, and highly shock resistant time-setting. all rigorously tested through Hublot’s Chronofiable® protocol to ensure optimal performance, reliability, and precision”.

Initial Thoughts

What Hublot has done well with these two Big Bang models is use the same strong foundation of the new Reloaded core collection, then give each timepiece its own clear identity that is relevant to each of the sporting superstars, through the use of colour, materials, and personal storytelling.

The Usain Bolt edition leans into boldness and energy, with its black ceramic, frosted carbon, and yellow gold construction delivering a far more aggressive look, while the Jamaican-inspired accents and personal bezel engraving make it feel deeply tied to the sprint legend. What I also love about this timepiece is that Hublot is going the extra distance with “authentic soil from Bolt’s childhood training ground in Jamaica“, being displayed on the case back.

The Kylian Mbappé version, on the other hand, takes a more refined and contemporary approach, with white ceramic and King Gold creating a cleaner, more luxurious aesthetic that still carries plenty of sporting attitude. While the Usain Bolt edition delivers a bit more personal timepiece, I do favour this Kylian Mbappé edition for its use of colour. The combination of white ceramic, King Gold, and subtle yellow accents gives the watch a fresher, more bold aesthetic, while still retaining the signature character that defines the Big Bang collection.

If you are looking at these from a collection point of view, both offer something distinct: Bolt’s model brings that bold, statement-making presence, while Mbappé’s piece feels like the more versatile luxury-sport addition.

Reference: Hublot Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt (421.CQ.1140.NR.USB26)

Specifications:

Australian Retail Price: AUD $44,000

Availability: Limited to 200 pieces. Available through Hublot boutiques, or please head online to Hublot.com.au

Reference: Hublot Big Bang Reloaded Kylian Mbappé (421.HX.2019.NR.MBP26)

Specifications:

Australian Retail Price: AUD $44,000

Availability: Limited to 200 pieces. Available through Hublot boutiques, or please head online to Hublot.com.au