Hublot’s Big Bang is one of the most instantly recognisable watches. This is in no small part due to its distinctive ‘porthole’-style round bezel, with six visible screws. So, when the watchmaker turned its attention to making its flagship model square instead, it was guaranteed to be a challenge to channel its trademark look into an entirely new case shape. 

Despite this, the new Square Bang Unico is an unmistakable Hublot. It retains all the hallmarks of many of the previous Big Bang descendants, with the modular construction of the 42mm case, featuring those six screws positioned at the same places as you would expect on the circular original. Meanwhile, the collection makes use of the watchmaker’s considerable expertise in innovative materials, with options in king gold and titanium (with and without ceramic bezels), as well as an all-black take limited to 250 pieces. 

Another factor that made the development of the watch particularly complex is the open dial. Typically, watch movements are round, given that the wheel is a core component. When it comes to making square watches, many brands simply hide the calibre completely. Here it is instead on full display, requiring careful thought to ensure it works harmoniously with the rest of the timepiece’s design.

The Square Bang Unico also makes use of Hublot’s “one-click” system, allowing straps to be effortlessly switched out at the push of a button. Among the choices is a new rubber option created specially for this collection, textured with a pattern of squares in four rows, representing the four sides of the case. 

hublot.com