ublot loves to surprise, invent, innovate. We always expect more from the manufacture, in every possible domain: from the sapphire case, to the movement, complications and design, and, of course, the universe of its ambassadors. Only this time, with the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold, Hublot has returned to basics.

It all starts with the Big Bang, today instantly recognisable in the world of watchmaking. The iconic 44 mm case, the “sandwich” construction, large pushers, bezel with 6 visible, unaligned, functional screws, case and pusher guard, skeleton dial and interchangeable rubber strap which uses the brand’s own One Click system. The aesthetic is powerful, modern, disruptive. The dial features the full complement of Big Bang signatures: Arabic numerals and skeleton Big Bang hands, beneath which lies the manufacture chronograph movement, the self-winding UNICO 2.

Then, there is the exterior. Hublot has skilfully transformed this, raising it to the ranks of a true complication: stronger, more brilliant, more innovative. Always first, unique and different: Magic Gold is the embodiment of this philosophy. The unique alloy has been sublimed in this limited edition of 200 pieces, where the Magic Gold is featured on both the case and bezel. Its hues are echoed on the indices, counters and hands, in satin-finished and microblasted 3N gold. The contrast with the rest of the components of the case is all the more powerful: the titanium pushers, guards, and screws and the rubber strap are all in the deepest black.

The contrast will stay eternal. Why? Because that is how Magic Gold was designed to be. It is exclusive to Hublot. Unveiled in 2011, it is a true fusion of 24-carat gold – the ultimate noble and natural material – with the most high-tech mastery of ceramic. The result is 18K gold that is patented, unalterable and scratchproof. To give an idea of its hardness, traditional gold has a rating of 400 Vickers. Hardened steel, 600 Vickers. Magic Gold, 1000 Vickers. By injecting liquid gold into the cold-pressed boron carbide components at very high pressure, Hublot has managed to create a completely unique material, composed of gold and ceramic, that can only be scratched by diamond.

Technical accomplishment also lies at the heart of the watch, with the Big Bang Unico Full Magic Gold being driven by the new UNICO 2 manufacture movement (HUB 1280). Thinner, more precise and more innovative than the UNICO 1, its successor offers a power reserve of 72 hours and a 2-year warranty, extended to 3 years when registering for an Hublotista account.

The subject of several patent applications, the UNICO 2 boasts a gentler and quieter winding system. Its chronograph does not jump at the start, and it no longer quivers, thanks to a brand-new clutch mechanism. The UNICO 2 also offers better resistance to shocks. Furthermore, it has retained all of the aesthetic characteristics from its predecessor that are so loved by collectors – the highly technical and illustrative open worked design, and the signature “H” for Hublot. This results in a movement which requires less maintenance, and offers more operational efficiency following services, ultimately benefiting the customer.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

DIAL

• Matt black skeleton

CASE

• Polished Magic Gold
• Diameter: 44 mm
• Thickness: 14.5 mm
• Water Resistant: 10 ATM / 100 M

MOVEMENT

• HUB1280 Unico 2
• Manufacture, self- winding chronograph
• Frequency: 4 Hz (28’800 A/H)
• Power reserve: 72 hours
• Number of components: 354
• Jewels: 43

CASE BACK

• Microblasted black ceramic

STRAP AND BUCKLE

• Black structured lined rubber
• Black ceramic and black-plated titanium deployant buckle

BEZEL

• Polished Magic Gold