30 March 2022

A new frontier is reached in the art of sapphire

Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire

Those who may have thought that the Orange Sapphire version of the previous Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic was a defining culmination were mistaken. Innovation is not a destination, it’s a path, a perpetual quest. And above all, a state of mind: a state of mind that has been driving Hublot for over 40 years.

With the new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire, the Nyon watchmaker unveils an exclusive version of synthetic sapphire, a world first, and a completely new colour in the field of fine watchmaking: translucent purple.

“Continuity, perseverance. Innovation is not about launching isolated products, but rather being able to sustain a range over the long term with a consistent level of quality, while continuing to explore new frontiers. This is what we have been doing since 2016 with the first Big Bangs in a sapphire case. This Purple Sapphire version is the latest chapter and is once again a world first!”

RICARDO GUADALUPE

HUBLOT CEO

More than just a colour, this new version is nothing but revelatory. It reveals a watchmaker tirelessly pursuing its Research & Development which has made it one of the leading and most disruptive watch brands of the new millennium. Each new colour is the result of a very subtle alchemy in order to combine a powerful, expressive and precise shade, which is at the same time translucent and perfectly homogeneous within the mass of a highly-complex case. This new purple tint is a composite made of Al₂O₃ (aluminium oxyde) and chrome.

It also reveals a vision, a spark: one in which the doors of tomorrow's watchmaking techniques are opened today. By combining a traditional complication (the tourbillon) with a disruptive material (sapphire) in a totally exclusive colour, Hublot reaffirms its motto: to be first, unique and different. The watchmaker breaks down all the barriers between tradition and modernity to merge substance and form, style and technique. The new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire does the unthinkable: when wearing its Tourbillon next to the skin, you have the sensation of a completely translucent case that reveals every detail.

The case and movement blend together so seamlessly because their manufacturing processes are equally exacting. For the case, Hublot has the most extensive experience working with sapphire in the watchmaking industry. The Big Bang Unico Sapphire (transparent), All Black Sapphire, Big Bang Unico Red Sapphire and Blue Sapphire, Spirit of Big Bang Yellow Sapphire, or the latest Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Orange Sapphire, have all been milestones in designing the new Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Purple Sapphire. The translucent bezel and case in finely polished purple sapphire are complemented by six H-shaped titanium screws that are so specific to the iconic Big Bang design.

When it comes to the movement, Hublot can capitalise on fifteen years of developing its Tourbillon - the first was launched in 2007. Through this experience, Hublot is now able to offer a self-winding tourbillon (the norm being manual tourbillons), with three full days of power reserve (72 hours). Its winding system uses ceramic ball bearings. Rather than achieving this with a traditional oscillating weight, it uses a micro-rotor perfectly inserted into the heart of the calibre: a much more demanding technical choice which gives a clear view of the whole movement. Placed at 12 o'clock - a virtually unprecedented position in watchmaking - this micro-rotor also provides a fine aesthetic balance with the tourbillon located at 6 o'clock, which shares the same proportions.

The airy effect of the movement is accentuated by a fine skeletonised and sandblasted plate. The tourbillon carriage at 6 o'clock, which turns on itself in one minute, is remarkable for its refined geometry, letting you plunge into the heart of the mechanism. The visibility of the open dial is enhanced by hands and hour markers highlighted by a luminescent coating. The transparent purple rubber strap with lined relief – featuring the patented One Click express interchangeability system and titanium folding clasp - completes the avant-garde style of this limited edition of 50 pieces