One new piece that should cause enthusiasts to ponder the wearing possibilities is this Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire — a watch to have both a virtually scratch-proof sapphire crystal case and a matching integrated sapphire crystal bracelet. This clear spectacle will be paired with an in-house-made Hublot tourbillon-based movement.
While the first luxury watches to introduce a sapphire crystal watch case came with a price of around $1,000,000, Hublot took the lead for introducing this incredible material (which has been used for watch crystals fronts since the 1980s) to watch cases priced more within what most high-end luxury timepiece consumers typically spend. Watch reviewed a different sapphire Hublot watch here with the Big Bang UNICO Magic Sapphire. Hublot has not only featured clear synthetic sapphire but also colored sapphire crystal, which adds a new fashion dimension to the theme. That said, the “purist” clear sapphire crystal has a distinctive appeal that is all its own.
From afar, and especially in pictures, the feel and aesthetic qualities of sapphire crystal watches are extremely challenging to appreciate. Sapphire crystal feels very different to the touch due to its warmth and smoothness, not to mention the entirely new dimension of aesthetics, opening entirely new possibilities for the appreciation of the engineering and artisanship that goes into such an ultra-high-end horological creation.
This particular Hublot Big Bang is based on the Big Bang Integral, which Watch debuted in steel back in early 2020. It was an evolution of the Big Bang and includes a new integrated bracelet. Hublot then followed up with a ceramic version of the Big Bang Integral here. Now, we see the introduction of not only a tourbillon-based Big Bang Integral, but the entire case and bracelet are crafted from sapphire crystal.
Hublot’s goal was to create as transparent a watch case and bracelet design as possible. At this time, it is not possible to entirely remove all the non-sapphire parts since the bracelet needs metal components to hold the links together, and the case requires structural components such as gaskets to ensure water resistance. The end result is a spectacular look into the construction of a luxury watch, and Hublot states that its goal is increasingly to create a visual experience where the dial and movement appear to be floating in space just above the wrist.
Inside the watch is the in-house-made Hublot caliber HUB6035 micro-rotor-based automatic movement. The 243-component mechanism is designed to be as open-worked and transparent as possible, with a symmetrical design that includes a flying tourbillon as well as a front-mounted platinum micro-rotor that sits atop the mainspring barrel. The movement displays just the time and operates at 3Hz (21,600 vph) with a power reserve of 72 hours. Despite the clear and skeletonized look of the dial, the time can be easily read via the prominent Big Bang-style hands and applied hour markers.
The sheer technical challenge of making a full sapphire crystal watch is enough of an intellectual component to attract a lot of discussion, while the distinctive wearing experience of a timepiece like this is sure to romance more than a few wearers. This particular Full Sapphire watch is a limited edition of just 30 pieces. The price for the Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Full Sapphire watch
While crafted not from sapphire crystal, but from 18k white gold and 484 baguette-cut diamonds, the Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon High Jewellery is another extraordinarily spectacular timepiece – marking the 30th unique piece of High Jewellery creations for Hublot over the last 14 years. As Ricardo Guadalupe, Hublot’s CEO explains: “Our primary goal: to surpass all our limits, to challenge ourselves to go beyond our initial expertise of watchmaking and to achieve the exceptional with watches that are entirely set with precious stones and smash all the records in terms of working hours, the number of carats, the combination of types of setting, and selling point. In so doing, our watchmaking know-how – in terms of mechanisms and complications – and our identity – the fusion of materials – remain essential. Hundreds of hours are spent on preparation – from the design, with regard to setting the precious stones, to searching for and cutting the stones, and to the setting itself – because setting a watch like the Big Bang Integral Tourbillon High Jewellery is a true technical and aesthetic achievement.”
This truly outstanding piece of haute joaillerie features a fully diamond-set case, bezel, crown and crown guard, as well as 18k white gold bracelet — a worthy heir to the tradition of extraordinary Hublot High Jewellery creations that begun in 2007 with the Hublot One Million. The price for the made to order Hublot Big Bang Integral Tourbillon High Jewellery.
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