As its latest new release of 2023, Hublot has created a new version of its 42mm Big Bang Unico chronograph that features case components constructed from light blue ceramic. Officially known as the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue, the new model features the same pale blue ceramic that recently appeared as an option within the brand’s Big Bang Integrated collection, although it is now being applied to the popular strap-equipped version of its 42mm Unico chronograph. Just like many Hublot watches, the new Big Bang Unico Sky Blue will be produced as a limited edition (in this case, 200 examples), and while this is both a model and color that we have seen before elsewhere in the Unico series, it represents a new combination of features that ultimately create a fresh addition to the brand’s catalog.
Although the Hublot Big Bang Integrated collection also offers a 42mm chronograph in this same color of pale blue ceramic, it’s important to note that the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue (ref. 441.EX.5120.RX) isn’t just a strap-fitted version of the Integrated model, but rather a 42mm sized version of the standard Big Bang Unico chronograph. This means the pushers are round (rather than rectangular), and the section of the case that forms its integrated lugs is longer in order to house the trapezoid-shaped buttons of Hublot’s One Click strap-changing system. Additionally, rather than having all of its case components appear in the same pale blue color like the Sky Blue version of the Big Bang Integrated, the parts that make up the middle section of the case on the new Big Bang Unico Sky Blue are crisp white to create a brighter aesthetic with additional visual contrast.
Aside from the update to materials, the case of the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue is very much the same chronograph that has become a staple in the brand’s collection, and it measures 42mm in diameter by 14.5mm thick, with 100 meters of water resistance and sapphire crystals fitted to both its bezel and screw-on caseback. While the Sky Blue version of the Big Band Integrated and the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue both have skeletonized dials with matching light blue accents, the Integrated series has standard baton-shaped hour markers, while the Big Bang Unico Sky Blue showcases the same oversized Arabic numerals that can be observed on both the 42mm and 44mm versions of the brand’s signature Big Bang Unico chronograph.
Powering the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue is the same Caliber HUB1280 self-winding flyback chronograph movement that can be found inside most of the models from the brand’s current-production Big Bang Unico collection. Running at a frequency of 28,800 (4 Hz) with a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, the Hublot HUB1280 is a column wheel-operated chronograph movement that also offers flyback functionality. However, unlike most calibers that also use a column wheel to control their various features, the HUB1280 places its column wheel on the dial side of the movement so that wearers can observe its operation through the skeletonized dial of the watch as they activate the pushers to start, stop, and reset the chronograph.
To complement the light blue and white hues of its case, the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue comes with two different strap options that create an integrated appearance with the case but can easily be swapped out by using the One Click strap changing system and pressing the two buttons on the tops of the lugs. The first of the two straps is made from blue and white rubber and it gets fitted with a signed titanium deployant clasp. Meanwhile, the other strap is made from white calf leather, and it offers a Velcro-style closure system with a buckle that is made from matching Sky Blue ceramic.
Produced as a limited edition of 200 pieces, the new Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue is accompanied by an official retail price of $23,800 USD, which places it more-or-less right within the same general range as other ceramic versions of the brand’s 42mm chronograph. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that while Big Bang Integrated series is an objectively different watch than the standard strap-equipped Big Bang Unico chronograph, a small premium of only a few hundred dollars is all that separates the new Big Bang Unico Sky Blue from the Sky Blue Version of the Big Bang Integrated. Both watches feature 42mm ceramic cases and run on the same in-house flyback chronograph movement, although the model from the Integrated series also includes a matching full ceramic bracelet fitted to its Sky Blue ceramic case. For more information on the Hublot Big Bang Unico Sky Blue, please visit the brand’s website.
