Hublot introduces 3 new editions of their bold and sporty Big Bang Ferrari Unico

Pairing up what is certainly the most emblematic sports-car manufacture, Ferrari, with what might be the most hyped watch brand, Hublot, and you have as a result a strong, flamboyant bond. Since 2011, these two brands joined forces to create watches that are in the vein of the philosophy of both the car brand and the watch brand: strong, bold, highly masculine and, using Ferrari’s expertise, innovative and performant. For 2016, based Ferrari’s latest models and technologies, Hublot introduces 3 new editions of their bold and sporty Big Bang Ferrari Unico.

It’s not the first time we introduce to you watches showing a collaboration between Hublot and Ferrari. Robin did for instance a review of the Big Bang Ferrari Speciale Unico Ceramic and he later took an overall look at the partnership between these two brands in a recent article. What we can immediately spot when looking at the Hublot / Ferrari watches is how the timepieces can integrate easily elements of these sports car in the case, the movement, the materials or the dial. In fact, we always told you, connections between cars and watches are obvious, wether we talk typology of collectors, mechanics, technologies or design inspirations. And this is not about to change with the 2016 Editions of the Big Bang Ferrari Unico.

The new Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico watches take inspiration from recent cars unveiled by the Italian manufacturer, using innovative shapes and volumes, and, as always, top-notched technologies and materials. All of these can be found in the new timepieces. While keeping the overall look of the traditional Big Bang design, Hublot did an update, modernizing the design. Three editions of the Big Bang Ferrari Unico will be available: 402.NX.0123.WR (titanium), 402.OX.0138.WR (King gold) and 402.QU.0113.WR (Carbon). Besides the materials used and the color codes, the rest is equal.

All of these Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico watches are based on a large and bold case of 45mm. The overall shape is retained (a combination of a sharp barrel with a round dial and bezel), however the contours of the bezel have been redesigned with countersunk notches for the 6 screws – a more ergonomic form that protects the screws. The case still alternates between polished and brushed surfaces, at least on the King gold and titanium versions. The “kind of” brushed pattern seen on the black edition is actually obtained from a uni-directional carbon fiber and not from a surface treatment (a material reminiscent of sports and racing cars).

The profile of the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico watches also shows an evolution of style, compared to previous watches from the brand, with more rounded shapes but a more complex overall design. On the crown side (with a properly oversized crown), the case middle features a red line detail, recalling the iconic groove to the rear of the LaFerrari model. The elongated push-buttons are fixed to a rotating staff like the pedals on a car. Still, the case retains the iconic sandwich-like case construction of Hublot, mixing materials like gold, titanium or black ceramic. These watches are secured to the wrist with an easy-interchageabale strap, made from black alcantara on black rubber (or in black Schedoni leather), with red over-stitching in the style of Ferrari upholstery.

The dial of the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico watches are strong references to Ferrari dashboards, with for instance the minute counter and date window at 3 designed like a car tachometer and style of the date inspired by a Ferrari speed dial. At 9, the running second is shaped like an air-extractor. Both the hands and the indexes have been redesigned, with bolder and more legible hands and hour indexes that are now positioned in line with the indices, and which seem to float above the dial. The Prancing Horse logo (Ferrari’s emblem) is placed at 6, just over the column-wheel that actuates the chronograph.

Mechanically, these Hublot Big Bang Ferrari are relying on the in-house developed and manufactured Unico Calibre, a modern an integrated automatic chronograph movement. it integrates a flyback chronograph with column wheel positioned on the dial side. This semi-skeletonized movement shows an entirely black PVD, matte finish for the plates and bridges, contrasting with the silver wheels and pinions. Winding is done via a oscillating weight shaped like the iconic star spoke design of the Ferrari wheel rims and providing 72 hours of power reserve.

The Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico watches are all limited editions:

• Titanium – 402.NX.0123.WR – 1000 pieces limited edition – Price: US$26,200
• Carbon Fiber – 402.QU.0113.WR – 500 pieces limited edition – Price: US$28,300
• King Gold – 402.OX.0138.WR – 500 pieces limited edition –  Price: US$42,000

Technical specifications of the Hublot Big Bang Ferrari Unico

• Case: 45mm diameter – titanium, King Gold or carbon – sapphire crystal with antireflective treatment, sapphire case-back – 100m water resistance
• Movement: Unico Calibre, in-house – automatic – 72h power reserve – 28’800 vibrations/h – hours, minutes and small seconds – flyback chronograph – date
• Strap: rubber with black alcantara – Satin-finished Titanium (Titanium) or black PVD Titanium and King Gold (King Gold) or black PVD Titanium and mat carbon (Carbon) folding clasp
• www.hublot.com