WATCHES & WONDERS: Hublot hit a purple patch and release a brand new case shape
Fergus NashEditor’s Note: Watches & Wonders means a bombardment of fresh releases, so we’re offering a quick overview of each brand’s new novelties – touching on each new reference or collection and their headlining points. Stay tuned throughout the week for deeper coverage, some of which will include live pics and our hands-on perspective. But for now let’s run through each of the new watches – here are the Hublot novelties of Watches & Wonders 2022.
Hublot Square Bang
Square watches tend to draw cult status faster than most, with the inherently edgy look being so instantly recognisable on anybody’s wrist. Examples like the TAG Heuer Monaco and Cartier Santos frequently jump to mind as the most popular examples, but Hublot are aiming to get their name in there amongst those giants with the Hublot Square Bang.
This is a massive step for Hublot. Releasing a new case shape is quite a rare move even from the most contemporary watch brands. Hublot themselves are habitual in releasing old watches in new colours, and while that certainly serves its purpose, a totally original design is really what captures the imaginations of watch fans. Although Hublot state that their Square Bang watch is totally unique, we have to admit there are definitely hints of the old Cartier Santos 100 XL — one of the sportiest interpretations of that range — within the case. That’s especially true of that wide flat bezel which is thankfully not made of rubber like the Cartier.
The Hublot character is definitely rampant in this model though, from the now-iconic One Click buttons to change straps with ease and the open-plan skeletonised Unico movement forming the dial. The automatic chronograph, 4Hz beat rate and 72 hour power reserve remains, ensuring a luxury experience in terms of performance. The Square Bang measures at 43mm across which isn’t too big for a square profile with short lugs, and the thickness is a predictably chunky 14.5mm that also won’t break your wrist.
Available in five different references with three separate materials, the four standard models are presented in either polished titanium or Hublot’s proprietary King Gold with your choice of a metal or black ceramic bezel. The fifth reference is the Hublot Square Bang All Black — an elusive limited edition of just 250 pieces, and is entirely murdered out with brushed black ceramic that exudes tactical stealth.
| Case Material | Titanium, King Gold, Ceramic |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm x 14.5 mm |
| Water-Resistance | 100m |
| Dial | Skeleton Unico in silver and black |
| Straps | Black waffle rubber |
| Movement | Unico Manufacture |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Complications | Hours, minutes, seconds, chronograph, date |
| Price | Not yet available |
Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Purple Sapphire
Hublot dominate the sapphire-case game to the extent that other brands barely even attempt to match them, constantly finding new avenues to innovate and create. Last year saw the Big Bang Tourbillon Orange Sapphire which looked like it could have been a forgotten flavour of Jolly Rancher, and I do mean that as a genuine compliment. It proved 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. For Watches & Wonders, Hublot have unveiled the Big Bang Tourbillon Purple Sapphire that feels more like a glowing block of mystical energy straight out of a Marvel blockbuster.
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 44mm in diameter and 14.5mm thick, giving a lot of heft on the wrist thanks to the density of the material but lessened because of the jelly-like rubber strap. The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire is limited to 50 pieces of summer fun.
| Case Material | Sapphire |
| Case Dimensions | 44mm x 14.5 mm |
| Water-Resistance | 300m |
| Dial | Skeleton |
| Straps | Purple striped rubber |
| Movement | HUB6035 |
| Power Reserve | 72 hours |
| Complications | Hours, minutes, tourbillon |
| Price | Not yet available |