Three cool things about the Hublot Square Bang Ceramic and Sapphire
Borna BošnjakDespite all the weird and wonderful shapes that Hublot has moulded their designs into, it’s strange that the brand didn’t offer a square watch until the 2022 edition of Watches & Wonders. One of Hublot’s headliners of the fair, the Square Bang saw the usual sporty melange of ceramic and titanium that Hublot is so well-known for. Not ones to rest on their laurels in terms of material variety, Hublot went guns-blazing for Watches & Wonders 2023, introducing three new highly scratch-resistant versions of the Square Bang, courtesy of full ceramic and sapphire cases. Here are three cool things you should know about this trio.
As much on show as possible
In order to take away as little as possible from the exposed mainplate of the Unico movement, Hublot uses a complex sapphire construction for the dial, allowing the indices and sub-registers to seemingly float above the movement. This helps the otherwise busy dial feel a little more airy, giving some breathing room to the two asymmetrical sub-dials, one of which hides a date cut-out.
The black and white ceramic models get a little more contrast, courtesy of the smoked sapphire crystal plates used for the 60-minute totaliser, running seconds and minute track.
Different materials, same aversion to scratches
Whether ceramic or full sapphire, the new Square Bang models are made of materials well-known for their scratch-resistance. The White Ceramic and Black Magic models sport microblasted and polished surfaces, with the case construction best shown off in the white variant. The multi-part case sees a black ceramic portion sandwiched between white ceramic components, with functional H-head screws on the bezel that have now become synonymous with Hublot.
Though it doesn’t show off its intricacy quite as well, the sapphire case is surely the more complex one to produce. Its multiple parts are held together by titanium screws, and despite its imposing design and 42mm x 42mm proportions, the translucent material helps reduce visual bulk dramatically.
Dial-side chronograph display
Finally, what better way to show off a manufacture chronograph calibre than house it in a fully transparent case? Holding the Square Bang Sapphire up to the light, the movement is seemingly suspended in mid-air, it’s quite the sight. The MHUB1280, or Unico 2, calibre is very minimally decorated, with media-blasted surfaces covering most of it, interrupted by only the faintest highlights of solarised wheels and polished screw heads.
Though unassuming in its decoration, the Unico 2 does have two party tricks. The first is in its operation, as it is also a flyback chronograph, allowing you to reset and continue timing without having to stop the movement. The other is visible dial-side, as the column wheel nestles in next to the 6 o’clock marker, rather than its more usual position around the back of the movement.
Hublot Square Bang Unico White Ceramic, Black Magic and Sapphire pricing and availability
The Square Bang Unico White Ceramic, Black Magic, and Sapphire are available now from Hublot. Prices: A$39,500 (ceramic), A$143,000 (sapphire)
| Brand | Hublot |
| Model | Square Bang Unico White Ceramic Square Bang Unico Black Magic Square Bang Unico Sapphire |
| Reference Number | 821.HX.0170.RX 821.CI.0170.RX 821.JX.0120.RT |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm (W) x 12mm (T) |
| Case Material | Microblasted and polished ceramic Polished sapphire crystal |
| Water Resistance | 50 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire with AR coating front and back |
| Dial | Sapphire |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Structured rubber with one-click system, titanium deployant clasp |
| Movement | MHUB1280 Unico 2, in-house automatic chronograph |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronograph |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$39,500 (ceramic) A$143,000 (sapphire) |