The light-hearted magic of the Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Full Blue Sapphire
Fergus NashHublot dominate the sapphire-case game to the extent that other brands barely even attempt to match them. Previous years have seen the Big Bang in orange, pink, yellow, green, and even wine red, with no signs of the momentum slowing down. It has proven Hublot’s humility in approaching something as high-end as a tourbillon watch with a light-hearted, playful attitude, while simultaneously showing off their manufacturing prowess. Now, Hublot have unveiled the Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Blue Sapphire that almost brings out a mouthwatering desperation for candy or evokes a customised Nintendo Gamecube controller.
The technical aspects of the watch are just as impressive as the visual ones, with a suspended skeletonised movement that reveals its automatic micro-rotor at 12 o’clock to mirror the tourbillon cage at 6. That calibre HUB6035 has a 72 hour power reserve similar to the Unico, although with a slower frequency of 3Hz.
The solid sapphire case is 43mm in diameter, giving a lot of heft on the wrist thanks to the density of the material. With both the case and the bracelet hewn from the second-hardest material on Earth, the impeccable finishing is almost a surreal experience to view.
Although you might not be getting this watch wet thanks to a 30m water resistance, Hublot’s sapphire watches are definitely some of the most fun summer statement pieces available, however the Full Blue Sapphire plays particularly well with its versatility. Besides a completely clear version which may be a little bit too transparent, the deep blue could theoretically match an outfit with a bit more cohesion than any of the other vivid colours.
Pricing is definitely worth talking about, as any watch that commands over half a million dollars will be grabbing attention anywhere it travels. The A$734,000 price tag may be enough to tempt thrill-seeking collectors in its own way, but if you can see past the glamour then it does make quite a legitimate case for its technical value.
| Brand | Hublot |
| Model | Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Blue Sapphire |
| Reference Number |
455.JL.0120.JL
|
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) |
| Case Material | Blue sapphire |
| Water Resistance | 30 metres |
| Crystal(s) | AR-coated sapphire |
| Dial | Sapphire |
| Strap | Blue sapphire crystal, titanium deployant buckle |
| Movement | HUB6035, in-house, micro-rotor automatic |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, tourbillon |
| Availability | Limited to 10 pieces |
| Price | A$792,000, US$527,000 |