Hublot Big Bang Mint Green Ceramic

Hublot continues its exploration into the vibrant possibilities of high-tech materials with the introduction of two striking timepieces clad in a novel shade: Mint Green ceramic. This refreshing color joins the brand's expanding palette, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to material innovation and aesthetic distinction. The new hue debuts on two established platforms within the Hublot collection: the mechanically focused Big Bang Unico 42mm and the versatile Big Bang One Click 33mm, offering distinct expressions of this cool, contemporary colorway.

The story of Hublot is relatively young in the grand scheme of Swiss watchmaking, yet its impact has been significant. Founded in 1980, the brand immediately challenged convention by pairing a precious gold case with a casual rubber strap—an unprecedented combination at the time. This act established the core principle that would define Hublot: "The Art of Fusion." This philosophy centers on combining seemingly disparate materials, marrying tradition with innovation, and exploring new technological frontiers in case materials and movement design.



This foundational concept reached a new Zenith in 2005 with the launch of the Big Bang. Characterized by its bold size, distinctive porthole-shaped bezel secured by visible H-screws, and innovative sandwich case construction, the Big Bang quickly became a modern icon. It embodied the Art of Fusion, blending materials like ceramic, carbon fiber, titanium, and gold with rubber and intricate mechanical movements. The model received immediate acclaim, including the Best Design award at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève that same year, cementing its status and Hublot’s disruptive approach.

Central to Hublot's identity is its mastery over materials, particularly high-tech ceramic. The brand views materials not just as protective shells for movements but as integral components of the overall design language. Hublot utilizes a ceramic derived from zirconium powder, sintered at extremely high temperatures to achieve exceptional hardness and durability. This process results in a material that is virtually scratch-proof (second only to diamond in hardness) and highly resistant to wear and fading, ensuring the watch maintains its appearance over time.

While black and white ceramics are relatively common in watchmaking, Hublot has pushed the boundaries by developing vividly colored ceramics, a significant technical challenge. Achieving consistent, vibrant hues requires precise control over the sintering process and pigment composition. The introduction of Mint Green represents another step in this ongoing quest, showcasing the brand's unique capabilities in material science and production. This dedication allows Hublot to offer watches that stand out not only for their design and mechanics but also for their unique material expressions.

The specific Mint Green ceramic developed by Hublot presents a distinct pastel shade. It’s a bright, cool tone characterized by a subtle hint of blue, differentiating it from more traditional greens. This color evokes feelings of freshness, peace, and tranquility, drawing parallels to natural palettes. Chosen for its contemporary appeal and popularity, particularly in spring fashion, mint green offers a light, calming presence that complements a variety of styles and colors, making it surprisingly versatile.



This new ceramic color finds its first expression in the Big Bang Unico Mint Green Ceramic, reference 441.GS.5221.RX. This model utilizes the more compact 42mm iteration of the Big Bang Unico case, offering a bold presence suitable for a range of wrist sizes. The case construction follows the iconic Big Bang multi-layer design, allowing for interplay between different finishes and forms, although here, the primary material takes center stage.

The case and bezel of the 42mm model are crafted entirely from the polished Mint Green ceramic. The polished finish gives the material a bright sheen, enhancing the cool tones of the mint green. The signature bezel features the six H-shaped screws, here rendered in contrasting titanium, adding a technical touch that anchors the design to the Big Bang lineage. The combination of the unique color and the polished finish creates a visually striking, almost luminous effect on the wrist.

Water resistance for the Big Bang Unico Mint Green Ceramic is rated at 100 meters (or 10 ATM), making it suitable for swimming and surface water activities, aligning with the robust, sporty nature often associated with the Big Bang line. Protecting the dial is a sapphire crystal treated with an anti-reflective coating, ensuring clear visibility of the complex dial and movement beneath, minimizing glare in various lighting conditions.

The dial itself is a key feature of the Big Bang Unico. Presented in a Mint Green skeleton format, it offers a view directly into the intricate workings of the movement below. The indices and hands are finished to complement the mint green theme, ensuring aesthetic coherence. This open-worked design is a hallmark of the Unico models, emphasizing the mechanical nature of the watch and Hublot's "Art of Fusion" by merging external design with internal architecture.



Powering this model is the HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture movement. This is an in-house, self-winding chronograph caliber developed and produced entirely by Hublot. It represents a significant achievement for the brand, designed to be distinct and technically advanced. The movement features a flyback function, allowing the chronograph to be reset and restarted with a single pusher press, and incorporates a column wheel mechanism, often preferred by enthusiasts for its crisp pusher feel and operational precision.

Notably, the column wheel and double coupling system are visible from the dial side, adding visual interest to the skeletonized display. Hublot emphasizes that the construction of this 354-component movement was simplified where possible to enhance its overall reliability and robustness, key considerations for a modern sports watch. The HUB1280 provides a substantial power reserve of approximately 72 hours, meaning the watch can run for three full days off the wrist without needing to be wound.

Completing the Big Bang Unico Mint Green Ceramic is a strap crafted from Mint Green lined rubber. Rubber straps have been part of Hublot's DNA since its inception, valued for their comfort, durability, and sporty aesthetic. The lining enhances wearing comfort, and the color perfectly matches the ceramic case, creating a unified look. The strap is secured by a deployant buckle clasp made from titanium, chosen for its lightweight and hypoallergenic properties. An integrated quick strap-change system allows the owner to easily swap straps without tools, adding versatility.

Alongside the Unico, Hublot introduces the Big Bang One Click Mint Green Ceramic Diamonds, reference 485.GS.5271.RX.1204. This model offers a different interpretation of the Mint Green ceramic within a smaller, 33mm case diameter. This size makes it particularly suitable for smaller wrists and marks the first time the Big Bang One Click 33mm has been offered in a ceramic case material, expanding the options within this popular line.

The case of the 33mm model is also crafted from polished Mint Green ceramic, sharing the same vibrant, cool hue as its larger counterpart. However, a key point of distinction is its bezel. Instead of matching ceramic, the One Click features a polished stainless steel bezel, creating a distinct material contrast. This bezel is further enhanced by being set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.76 carats, adding a touch of brilliance and luxury to the design.



Unlike the skeletonized dial of the Unico, the Big Bang One Click 33mm features a solid dial finished in a shiny Mint Green lacquer. This provides a cleaner, more direct expression of the color, allowing the applied numerals and indices, along with the diamond-set bezel, to stand out clearly. The hands are polished and typically feature luminescent material for readability in low light. The overall effect is chic and vibrant, blending the sporty ceramic case with refined dial elements and diamond accents.

The movement inside the 33mm model is the HUB1120, a self-winding caliber. While not the flagship UNICO chronograph, it is a reliable workhorse movement providing hours, minutes, seconds, and date functions. It operates at a standard frequency and offers a power reserve of approximately 40 hours. This choice aligns with the watch's positioning as a versatile daily wear piece rather than a complicated chronograph. Hublot's broader movement strategy, encompassing calibers like the Meca-10 and various tourbillons, underscores their commitment to in-house capabilities across different watch categories.

Similar to the Unico, the One Click 33mm maintains a water resistance of 100 meters, ensuring practicality for everyday wear and light water exposure. It also features a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment for optimal dial clarity. The "One Click" name refers to the patented quick strap-change system integrated into the case lugs, allowing for effortless strap changes. This system enhances the model's versatility, enabling wearers to easily adapt the watch's look.

The strap provided is a Mint Green lined rubber strap, mirroring the color of the case for a cohesive appearance. The lining ensures comfort against the skin. This model utilizes a deployant buckle clasp made from stainless steel, matching the material of the bezel and providing a secure closure. The combination of the bright ceramic, sparkling diamonds, and matching rubber strap creates a fresh and fashionable statement piece.



Together, the Big Bang Unico 42mm and Big Bang One Click 33mm in Mint Green ceramic demonstrate the adaptability of both the color and the Big Bang design. They cater to different preferences – one appealing to those who appreciate visible mechanics and a bolder size, the other offering a more compact profile with added embellishment. Yet, both share the innovative spirit of Hublot through the use of advanced colored ceramic and the iconic Big Bang architecture.

The Big Bang Unico Mint Green Ceramic (42mm, Ref. 441.GS.5221.RX) is priced at $24,100 USD. The Big Bang One Click Mint Green Ceramic Diamonds (33mm, Ref. 485.GS.5271.RX.1204) carries a price of $17,500 USD. Both models are available through Hublot's global network of boutiques and authorized retail partners for a limited period, offering a unique opportunity to acquire a piece showcasing Hublot's mastery of colored ceramic.

Big Bang Unico Mint Green Ceramic 42MM

Case: 42 mm Polished Mint Green ceramic case; Polished Mint Green ceramic bezel; Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment; 100m (10 ATM) water resistance.

Movement: HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture Self-winding Chronograph Flyback Movement with Column Wheel; Approx. 72 Hours power reserve; 354 components.

Dial: Mint Green Skeleton dial; Visible column wheel.

Strap: Mint Green Lined Rubber Straps; Titanium Deployant Buckle Clasp; Integrated quick strap-change system.

Price: USD 24,100

Reference Number: 441.GS.5221.RX

Notes: Features Hublot's in-house UNICO flyback chronograph movement. Case and bezel crafted from novel polished mint green high-tech ceramic. Seasonal, limited-time availability.



Watch 2: Big Bang One Click Mint Green Ceramic Diamonds 33MM

Case: 33 mm Polished Mint Green ceramic case; Polished Stainless Steel bezel set with 36 Diamonds (0.76ct); Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment; 100m (10 ATM) water resistance.

Movement: HUB1120 Self-winding Movement; 40 Hours power reserve.

Dial: Shiny Mint Green solid dial.

Strap: Mint Green Lined Rubber Straps; Stainless Steel Deployant Buckle Clasp; "One Click" quick strap-change system.

Price: USD 17,500

Reference Number: 485.GS.5271.RX.1204

Notes: First Big Bang One Click 33mm model crafted in ceramic. Features contrasting diamond-set steel bezel. Seasonal, limited-time availability.