Hublot has long demonstrated that it can work with ceramic, one of the most difficult materials in the watchmaking world. With its latest Big Bang watch, the Swiss watchmaker has unveiled a new timepiece that demonstrates its mastery of ceramics.
The Hublot Big Bang Integral Ceramic Tourbillon Minute Repeater is a first-of-its-kind timepiece. According to Hublot, no cathedral minute tourbillon repeater has ever been made entirely of ceramic.
With all the delicate elements demanded of fine timepieces, ceramic, which must be fired at a high temperature to achieve a proper finish, really doesn’t want to do what you want it to do, and it’s certainly not easy to finish. Even a consistent color is difficult to achieve.
Not only are Hublot’s entirely ceramic Big Bangs perfectly color-matched, but they’re also water-resistant and produce a “pure and crystal-clear sound.” according to the company.
These Big Bangs, which are part of Hublot’s Integral Ceramic collection, are powered by a bespoke tourbillon housed inside the MHUB801 calibre and feature ceramic bezels, casebacks, and bracelets to match the case. The darker version is also the very first black Integral Ceramic ever made.
“The first ceramic minute repeater in the world, the first Integral Big Bang in black ceramic, the first with a tourbillon: Hublot is pushing the limits of fine watch making far, very far,” CEO Ricardo Guadalupe said.
While Hublot’s new Big Bang is the company’s first fully ceramic timepiece, it isn’t the world’s first entirely ceramic watch (though it may be the first all-ceramic minute repeater). Chanel, of all companies, was the first to introduce a fully ceramic J12 Series timepiece in 2000.
These Big Bangs, like Hublot’s other limited edition ceramic watches (e.g. Arturo Fuente, Yohji Yamamoto), are strictly limited, with only 36 pieces available.
