VIDEO: Hublot’s colourful Spirit of Big Bang 32 and Yellow Magic
Fergus NashHublot’s bold designs aren’t exactly known for their versatility, but I think a lot of people could be surprised by just how much their style is actually capable of achieving. The Spirit of Big Bang isn’t just a catchy title for Hublot’s tonneau-shaped case design, but rather an example of how the industrial feel and legacy of the original Big Bang can be adapted into any package. It’s a promise of disruption to any norm, challenging the meaning of luxury and breaking technical barriers along the way. Recently, Hublot have used the Spirit of Big Bang to create the new Yellow Magic and two diamond-studded dainty pieces.
Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Magic
When thinking of an over-the-top luxury watch, the mind tends to go towards visions of outlandish gold cases swimming in diamonds all over the dial. But cranking up the opulence doesn’t always need to be so gaudy. Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Magic is definitely loud, but its bright yellow ceramic case feels more like a punch of character rather than a sign of aposematism. If anything, it’s a testament to Hublot’s technical mastery of ceramic as a material, because it’s incredibly difficult to produce most colours and especially bright ones. The process involves a perfect balance of pigments and sintering, where the ceramic is heated to just below its melting point, and if not done right will result in a blotchy or unstable product.
| Brand | Hublot |
| Model | Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Magic |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm |
| Case Material | Yellow ceramic |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | Sapphire, skeletonised |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Rubber |
| Movement | HUB4700, El Primero 400 base |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours |
| Functions | Chronograph, hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$48,300 |
Spirit of Big Bang Diamonds
Sophistication and elegance are achievable by the Spirit of Big Bang also, with two 32mm editions showcasing how refined the tonneau shape can be regardless of its sporty twists. The black dial version with a stainless steel case is quite versatile, while the King Gold and white dial reference hosts a bit more glamour.
The diamond-set bezel caves in a little bit to the opulent side of things, but doesn’t go too far as to feel impossibly luxurious.
| Brand | Hublot |
| Model | Spirit of Big Bang Diamonds |
| Case Dimensions | 32mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel 18k King gold |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Dial | White, black |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Rubber |
| Movement | HUB1120, Sellita SW1000 base |
| Power Reserve | 40 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$21,900 – A$48,300 |