HANDS-ON: The Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent Blue

Andy Green

Blue has definitely been one of the big trends for 2015, and this Hublot has to be the bluest watch we’ve seen all year.

Late in 2014, Hublot announced a partnership with Italian eyewear designers Italia Independent, famous for their cutting-edge designs and being the first to use carbon fibre in eyewear. The meeting of these two unconventional and disruptive brands resulted in the Big Bang Unico Italia Independent Blue, which was released at Baselworld earlier this year.

As you’d expect from Hublot, this collab extended beyond a simple co-branding exercise and they took the opportunity to incorporate an entirely new case material called Texalium. At first glance you’d be forgiven for mistaking it for some sort of blue carbon fibre but the truth is a little more complex.

Texalium is a unique composite material with an ultra-thin aluminium coating, but the real beauty is the potential for customisation – it can be treated and finished in various colours, whilst remaining just as lightweight as carbon fibre. It also has a slightly larger weave than carbon fibre; meaning in the right lighting, the blue appears to burst from the watch.

Housed within the big 45mm case, the open dial of the Italia Independent proudly displays Hublot’s in-house HUB 1242 UNICO movement, a column wheel chronograph that took them four years to perfect. Finished in a reserved grey, the movement balances out the boldness of the watch nicely, contrasting well with the electric blue dial details.

The denim strap, accentuated with silver studs, is a clear indication that Hublot and Italia Independent are out to challenge perceptions of luxury, and live up to Hublot’s philosophy of fusion.

Simply put, it’s stunning, and almost shockingly bright, so if you’re after something sombre and safe, keep walking. This watch is best suited to the fashion forward crowd, guys who play by their own rules and are looking to make a statement. Expect to see a few on the wrists of dapper sartorialists at the next Pitti Uomo – matched to their pocket squares, naturally.

Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent Blue Australian pricing

The Unico Italia Independent Blue has an RRP of $31,200 and is limited to 500 pieces. It also comes with a matching pair of Texalium Italia Independent sunglasses.

Images by Kristian Dowling/Time+Tide Images.