HANDS-ON: The Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent ‘Camo Green’ – camouflage that stands out

Felix Scholz

Following on from last year’s collaboration with Italia Independent’s Lapo Elkann, Hublot has released three new Big Bangs in partnership with the edgy Italian outfitter.

Once again Texalium and carbon fibre are the materials of choice for the case. What’s new however is the range of colours on offer. Blue features again, albeit in a more toned down look than last year’s take, but there are also black and green options. The watches have a distinctly camouflaged feel about them – even if there’s little risk of these 45mm watches with myriad gold details ever getting lost – either on the wrist or in the wild.

While each colourway has its merits, our personal pick is the green version. It sits somewhere between the boldness of the blue and the seriousness of the black It’s also a natural fit with the camouflage motif. How Hublot has managed to integrate the woodland camo onto the case is quite ingenious. A translucent layer of camouflage-printed silk is applied over the Texalium, and this overlayed pattern allows the texture and colour of the cutting-edge material to shine through. It’s Hublot doing what they do best – combining unusual materials to great effect. A poet might call it ‘the art of fusion’.

The watch uses Hublot’s ‘One Click’ strap change system, and comes with two straps (pictured with the stylish chino option). It is powered by the HUB 1242 movement visible through the sapphire caseback. Oh, and the watch also comes with a matching pair of Italia Independent sunnies. Naturally.

You might notice that the running seconds at nine is shaped to resemble a peace sign – this is because, even though Hublot and Italia Independent are using a military motif via the camo, they want to make it clear that they’re all about love not war.

The Hublot Big Bang Unico Italia Independent ‘Camo Green’ Australian pricing and availability

This ‘Green Camo’ Big Bang is limited to 250 pieces and has an RRP of $37,800.