Hublot’s journey with the Unico began in 2010, marking a major milestone as the brand’s first fully in-house movement. Developed to meet the rigorous standards of contemporary watchmaking, the Unico calibre quickly gained a reputation for its striking design, featuring a visible column wheel, anthracite gray finishes, and an integrated flyback chronograph. These attributes captivated enthusiasts and collectors alike, giving the Unico models a balance of robustness and reliability paired with an elegance that is unmistakably Hublot. Over time, this calibre has come to symbolize Hublot’s aesthetic and technical commitment to watchmaking, setting it apart in an industry known for tradition.
In 2018, the Unico evolved with the introduction of the 1280 calibre, showcasing Hublot’s continual pursuit of refinement. This new calibre brought five patents to the table, illustrating Hublot’s ability to innovate in both form and function. While maintaining the core features of its predecessor, the Unico 1280 incorporates advancements that elevate the movement’s functionality. Key improvements included reducing the thickness from 8.05 mm to 6.75 mm and extending the power reserve to 72 hours, enhancing both comfort and performance for wearers.
The Unico 1280 movement’s innovations extend beyond mere technical adjustments; they represent a philosophy of continuous improvement in pursuit of horological excellence. One of the significant advancements includes a simplified winding mechanism, designed to be quieter and more efficient, improving the watch’s overall user experience. The clutch system, another standout feature, minimizes wear while ensuring smoother operation. Additionally, Hublot incorporated a patented fine-tuning system for the balance spring, allowing for greater precision and reliability in timekeeping. These technical breakthroughs contribute not only to the Unico’s enduring accuracy and durability but also to its ease of maintenance—qualities that resonate with collectors and watchmakers alike.
Further enhancing its appeal, the Unico 1280 features a patented mechanism that generates high friction torque on the cannon pinion gear. This innovation plays a crucial role in enhancing shock resistance, ensuring that the Unico calibre remains resilient under various conditions. This added robustness aligns with Hublot’s commitment to producing timepieces that are both aesthetically stunning and built to withstand the tests of time, in every sense.
One of Hublot’s most notable recent innovations is the Square Bang Unico, a model that has expanded the Unico line with a bold new aesthetic dimension. Unveiled at Watches & Wonders 2024, this model stands out with its square case design—an unexpected choice that pushes Hublot’s design language into uncharted territory. The Square Bang’s unique square case, softened with rounded corners, challenges the traditional notion of round watch cases, making it a fresh and daring addition to Hublot’s lineup. Crafted from Hublot’s exclusive Magic Gold, a scratch-resistant alloy with an impressive hardness of 1000 Vickers, this model embodies resilience and elegance in equal measure, preserving the iconic gold sheen even under wear.
The design of the Square Bang Unico retains the signature elements that define Hublot’s style. Its prominent bezel, punctuated with H-shaped screws, the skeletonized dial, and the “One-Click” interchangeable strap all contribute to its distinctive look. Powered by the Unico 2 calibre, the Square Bang exemplifies Hublot’s blend of technical prowess and stylistic boldness, creating a watch that is as much a work of art as it is a precision instrument. Limited in availability, this model speaks to Hublot’s ability to craft timepieces that appeal to collectors and connoisseurs who value innovation and exclusivity.
At the 2024 Watches and Wonders event, Hublot also introduced new limited editions of the iconic Big Bang Unico in 42 mm, including the striking Orange Ceramic and Dark Green Ceramic models. These timepieces reflect Hublot’s mastery in material innovation, utilizing ultra-resilient ceramic cases and bezels. With only 250 units of each, these limited editions are crafted for collectors who appreciate both exclusivity and cutting-edge aesthetics. The vibrant colors, combined with the advanced Unico movement, provide a visually captivating experience, perfectly blending form and function for the modern collector.
In a bold statement of design, the Big Bang Unico Pink Sapphire offers an unexpected color choice that appeals to a diverse range of collectors. Limited to just 100 pieces, this rare model captures Hublot’s spirit of innovation, inviting watch lovers to explore visible mechanics through a translucent pink case. This model encapsulates Hublot’s ethos of pushing boundaries and redefining luxury by introducing elements that are rarely found in traditional watchmaking.
Hublot’s Unico and Square Bang models illustrate the brand’s dedication to innovation, aesthetic diversity, and craftsmanship of the highest caliber. With each new release, Hublot demonstrates its commitment to creating timepieces that are both visually distinctive and technically advanced. The evolution of the Unico movement and the addition of the Square Bang collection underscore Hublot’s approach to modern watchmaking—an art where technical mastery and creativity are given equal importance, resulting in pieces that resonate with enthusiasts across generations.
This collection of masterpieces celebrates not only Hublot’s heritage but also marks a new chapter in horological excellence, catering to a diverse audience of collectors and enthusiasts who value individuality and the art of fusion. With each innovation, Hublot reaffirms its place in the world of haute horology, setting benchmarks that continue to inspire and captivate those who understand the profound artistry and technical ingenuity behind each Hublot creation.
