BY HARLAN CHAPMAN-GREEN
Rather unfortunately, we’ve already done our Top 5 Summer Watches P2 article, so it’s too late for Hublot’s summertime sunshine Big Bang Unico Summer to be included in that list. Nevertheless, Hublot has released a new light blue limited edition piece to mark the coming of warm days and barbecues, so it’s only fair that we take a look.
The watch is very similar in appearance to the standard Hublot Big Bang Unico; that is to say, it’s a handsome piece. Thoroughly masculine but equally comfortable with its appearance. The chunky proportions and sharp lines & angles are muted by the lightness of the colour of the anodised aluminium and titanium case, which has been given a secret treatment to provide it with that turquoise colour. It’s also been applied to the crown and pushers, and Hublot says it provides increased protection from scratches, useful considering aluminium is quite susceptible to them over time.
The case dimensions haven’t changed. It measures 42mm x 14.5mm, making it quite a wearable watch, Hublot’s sportier offerings tend to be a little overzealous in the sizing department, so it’s nice to see something with proportions suitable for the average buyer. The dial is well laid out with a simple running seconds counter at 9 O’clock and a 60 minute counter/date combination at 3 O’clock. The bright turquoise skeleton dial should make it reasonably readable on the wrist against the exposed movement below, and you can even see the column wheel of the movement.
Speaking of the movement, the HUB1280 calibre within this watch is an automatically-wound piece with a 4Hz beat rate, 72-hour power reserve and flyback function for its chronograph. This means you can reset the chronograph while it is still running.
It also comes with Hublot’s “One-Click” quick strap change system, allowing you to go between the fabric and Velcro strap and the rubber strap easily. Hublot is only making 200 of these, and they are limited to Hublot’s boutiques in Ibiza, Mykonos, Forte dei Marmi, Bodrum, Saint-Tropez, Monaco and Capri. It’s also available online from their e-commerce system for a price of $20,900.
