Hublot continues to challenge itself at Watches and Wonders, bringing several key projects to the battlefield. Among the most familiar and anticipated is the brand’s new interpretation of the “sapphire” masterpiece, the Purple Sapphire Big Bang. This year, Hublot officially introduces the 8th breakthrough color scheme in the series – the Purple Sapphire Big Bang Tourbillon watch.
Due to the epidemic last year, Hublot presented the “seventh color” of the Big Bang series – the orange sapphire Tourbillon Automatic watch in the form of a video live broadcast at LVMH Watch Week, but at that time, watch fans could not immediately appreciate the impact of the actual product. A year later, at this year’s return to the physical exhibition through Watches and Wonders, the brand can finally present the new breakthrough in a real and substantial way in front of (some) watch fans, which is also worth celebrating.
Starting from the first “Transparent” model, after breakthroughs in smoke black, yellow, blue, red, pink, and orange over the past 7 years, the purple brought by Hublot not only continues the brand’s watchmaking aesthetics but also inherits the craftsmanship. Using the components of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic – aluminum oxide (Al2O3) – to maintain its high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, and high hardness characteristics. In addition, the watchmaker’s processes such as crystallization, polishing, and chamfering have become more exquisite, allowing the new watch to maintain an amazing high transparency with its purple crystal color, fully revealing the mechanical structure of the watch.
In terms of specifications, the slight difference is that the case diameter has been adjusted to 44mm, while the thickness is 14.5mm; in terms of movement, Hublot has equipped the new watch with the automatic winding tourbillon movement HUB6035, which can provide a power reserve of a full three days, totaling 72 hours. Its winding system uses ceramic ball bearings instead of traditional balance wheels, and is equipped with a miniature balance wheel that can be inserted into the center of the movement. It is worth noting that this design requires exquisite and precise technical craftsmanship, as watchmakers must consider the appearance of the components in addition to clearly displaying the overall structure of the movement, increasing the challenge of production but making it quite interesting. The miniature balance wheel at 12 o’clock, along with the tourbillon in the same proportion at 6 o’clock, complement each other on the dial, creating a harmonious and balanced aesthetic.
In terms of design, from the watch case, bezel to the case back are all made of polished purple sapphire, while the strap and buckle are transparent purple rubber, paired with the patented “one-button” quick strap change function; the watch is equipped with a hollow sandblasted dial, the tourbillon frame at 6 o’clock can automatically start within one minute, and the hands and hour markers coated with luminous material make the hollow dial clearer and easier to read. Due to the high transparency of the watch, the 26 jewels and components in the movement structure can also be perfectly displayed under the dial.
As a Hublot’s annual release, the new purple Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic is also limited to 50 pieces; in terms of price, according to the brand’s information, the watch is priced at HKD $1,509,000. Interested watch fans, don’t miss out.
資料及圖片來源：HUBLOT
