Hublot has once again achieved a world-first with their release of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire. Hublot has previously made sapphire cases in different colours which include transparent, black, yellow, blue, and red. The new orange colour in sapphire isn’t the only latest feat for the Swiss brand with this watch, however, as the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire now carries an entirely new tourbillon movement.
Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” motto is expressed in its entirety when it comes to sapphire cased timepieces. Using the latest cutting edge materials, Hublot can create sapphire cases and dials in novel colours, and use it as a transparent setting for their sophisticated timepieces. Some of the watches that are made from sapphire in Hublot’s collection include Big Bang Unico Sapphire (transparent), All Black Sapphire, Big Bang Unico Red, and Blue Sapphire, and the most recent Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Sapphire.
Initial Thoughts:
The use of orange colour in a sapphire casing seems refreshing as this colour is used very little within the watch industry. The 45mm case with the translucent bezel still features the six H-shape titanium screws, which is iconic to the Big Bang design. Much of the dial is quite transparent too, with quite a few open gaps on the 8,2, and 4 o’clock positions. This is due to the architecture of the movement being re-arranged, which, now gives all the attention to the tourbillon and the micro-rotor.
Hublot has designed the architecture of the movement this way so that as they state, the “perpetual movements of the micro-rotor set at 12 o’clock echo the rotation of the tourbillon, its regulating organ, positioned in perfect symmetry at 6 o’clock.” The micro-rotor is made from grey 22-carat gold, which has intricate decorations that include bevelling, sunray-brushing, and sandblasting, as well as Hublot’s signature openwork on the precious metal.
The movement itself is the MHUB6035 Manufacture Automatic Tourbillon movement. This new movement is equipped with a self-winding mechanism, which in itself is quite rare for a tourbillon. Another first for Hublot is the fact that this movement carries three sapphire bridges; a barrel bridge, an automatic bridge, and a tourbillon barrette. Coming with a frequency of 3Hz, and a total number of components of just 243, Hublot’s latest movement can produce a power reserve of approximately 72 hours!
With the release of Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire, it sees Hublot push the boundaries of sapphire watchmaking with this exceptional innovation. The only downside to all of this is is that it’s only a limited release with only 50 pieces being sold worldwide. Hublot CEO, Ricardo Guadalupe, sums up this latest creation nicely by saying that “In line with its winning spirit, Hublot has produced a new exceptional innovation by unveiling the world’s very first case in orange sapphire. Our manufacture has also reaffirmed its watchmaking expertise by unveiling a new automatic tourbillon calibre, entirely designed and manufactured in-house, and on which the spectacular visible dial side architecture underscores the innovative design of the watch. The “Art of Fusion” in all its glory according to Hublot.”
Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire Specification:
Model Reference: 419.JO.0120.RT
Case Dimensions: 45mm and 15.3mm in Thickness
Dial: Skeletonised Case material: Polished Orange Sapphire Crystal
Case-back: See-through case back with sapphire crystal
Movement: MHUB6035 Manufacture Automatic
Power Reserve: Minimum 72 Hours
Functions: Hours, minutes and tourbillon at 6 o’clock
Strap: Transparent Orange Structured, Lined Rubber Straps and Titanium Deployant Buckle Clasp
