INTRODUCING: The Hublot Square Bang In Magic Gold

Hublot aims to cast a spell over the attendees of Watches and Wonders with a duo of limited-edition releases.

Never a stranger to the outlandish and spectacular, Hublot’s new drop reiterates what the now 44-year-old company does best – as if we ever forgot! Hublot first stepped into the square watch market with the 2022 release of the Square Bang Unico collection. Despite the many challenges associated with the creation of a square watch, the Nyon-based company has since established its debutante as a sought-after timepiece.

For last year’s Watches and Wonders, they refused to slow down their improvements to the collection with the release of three new references for the burgeoning staple of the Hublot lineup. This year, Hublot’s voyage into unknown horological territories continues with two more new references, but this time around, they look to make an even bigger bang – pun fully intended.

In a collection first, Hublot has elected to release two limited-edition references encased in their proprietary 18k Magic Gold alloy. First unveiled by the brand in 2011, it is the perfect fusion between nobility and cutting-edge technology, infusing 24k gold with the properties of high-tech ceramic. The result? An 18k gold case that is light, unalterable, and most importantly: scratchproof. Scratchproof gold, an impossibility to many, had never existed before. But Hublot – being the master of material innovations – decided to invent it.

The Magic Gold material, already existing in both the Big Bang Unico and Spirit Of collections, allows the decadence of gold to shine through without any compromise of weight, size, or water resistance, resulting in the ultimate 100m water-resistant sports watch. These new Square Bangs are no exception; Despite their menacing stature of 42mm diameter x 15mm thickness, the Magic Gold makes it wearable for just about anybody – provided you have the wrist to handle it. If full gold isn’t your style, worry not, as Hublot has also included a reference with a ceramic case and a Magic Gold bezel for a more subdued look.

While Hublot’s exploration of case materials is storied and epic, what seems to slip below most of the watch community’s radar is the brand’s equal commitment to technical wizardry and innovative craftsmanship. The Square Bang Unico’s case also comes with the patented ‘one-click’ strap change technology, enabling the user to switch between a myriad of Hublot straps with a single click, eliminating the hassle of spring bar tools and other frivolous methods of strap changing.

Additionally, the HUB1280 movement, despite remaining relatively unchanged for these releases, still packs a punch. Included with the in-house movement is not only a 4Hz beat rate and a 72 power reserve but also a sleek skeletonised dial with a bicompax flyback chronograph – all in a square package.

Final Thoughts

I’ve always been a fan of the weird and wacky of the watch world, so I adore the watches that don’t conform to the often traditionalist standards of the watch world. Hublot, although considerably out of my price range, is a brand that often inspires me through its trailblazing ethos. I anticipate that the debut of these two new Square Bang Unico references is bound to evoke those same emotions in the watch community. 

Here Hublot not only capitalises on their mastery over Magic Gold and ceramic but allows their craftsmanship and technical chops to shine still, as seen through their ‘one-click’ cases and in-house HUB1280 movement. Though it can be hard to grasp through photos alone, Hublot’s watches do not make sense until you wear them. While I doubt I’ll be able to get my hands on one of these before they sell out, I’m certain that Hublot isn’t resting on their laurels, and I suspect they’re already planning their next extravagant move – even amid the Watches and Wonders festivities.

References: Full Magic Gold (821.MX.0130.RX), Ceramic Magic Gold (821.CM.0130.RX)

Specification:

• Case: 42mm diameter x 14.7mm thickness
• Case Material: Polished 18k Magic Gold (Full Magic Gold), Black Ceramic with Polished 18k Magic Gold Bezel (Ceramic Magic Gold)
• Dial: Sapphire Crystal
• Crystal: Crystal Sapphire with Anti-reflective treatment
• Water resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
• Movement: Automatic MHUB1280 UNICO 2 Manufacture Self-winding Chronograph Flyback Movement
• Beat Rate: 4Hz/28,800bph
• Power reserve: 72 hours
• Bracelet/Strap: Black Structured Rubber Straps, Black Ceramic and Black-plated Titanium Deployant Buckle Clasp

Australian Recommended Retail Price: $63,800 AUD (821.MX.0130.RX) and $47,400 AUD (821.CM.0130.RX)

Availability: Available now through Hublot boutiques, authorised dealers and online at Hublot.com.au