The iconic Big Bang encased in high-tech material.
The Big Bang model first unveiled by Hublot at Basel 2005 became a symbol of the brand's reinvention following Jean-Claude Biver's arrival in 2004. Its design was so successful that the watch remained in demand for decades, and while the watch's silhouette has stayed the same, it's changed significantly on the inside.
In April 2022, the first ceramic minute repeater appeared in the Big Bang collection. There's one point that needs to be clarified to avoid arguments about who made the first full-ceramic minute repeater.
One of the many complications in Audemars Piguet's ceramic Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication was a minute repeater, but that ceramic case was paired with a black rubber strap. The Big Bang Integral Cathedral Minute Repeater is completely dominated by ceramic.
It's a full-ceramic watch: not only are both the black and white versions of the case made of ceramic, so are their bracelets.The case of the Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater measures 43 mm in diameter and 14.15 mm in height and demonstrates the level Hublot has managed to achieve in working with a material which is far from straightforward.
How is this demonstrated? First of all, Hublot can make ceramic in any tone. A quick look at the four new colors on the monochrome Big Bang Integral models unveiled at Watches and Wonders this year is all it takes to be convinced of this.
Secondly, the watchmaker can hone ceramic to any shape: check out the example of faceted architecture on the case of the Big Bang Sang Bleu II model. These competencies are brought together in the tourbillon repeater novelty: solid color, perfected facets and a striking combination of matte and polished surfaces.
The dial has been openworked in keeping with tradition. It pairs up with a transparent caseback to reveal views of the caliber MHUB8001 movement comprised of 319 components.
The tourbillon at 6 o'clock blends in with the movement's many components, which ensures an 80-hour power reserve. Interestingly, the designers have tried to preserve the minute scale around the edge, although it’s the movement that makes the rules here so the scale has been spaced out with gaps.
This is one of those cases where a deliberate rejection of strict rules is yet another plus. The two versions of the Big Bang Integral Tourbillon Cathedral Minute Repeater will be limited to 18 pieces, exclusively available for purchase on the Japanese market.