Hublot has teamed up with acclaimed artist, typographer and tattooist Maxime Plescia-Büchi for a third time on the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu collection: an incredibly stylish range of watches that might just be their most visually interesting yet.
For those not in the know, Sang Bleu is a multi-disciplinary media platform and creative agency that’s worked with some of the world’s most influential people and brands, including Kanye West, Balenciaga, Rick Owens, Esquire, Selfridges and Alexander McQueen. Its founder, Maxime Plescia-Büchi, ranks as a proper tastemaker; a leading figure in modern design as well as one of the most famous tattoo artists in the world.
Plescia-Büchi’s tattooing style is incredibly distinct: based around geometric forms created with straight lines and mandala-like patterns, it’s influenced an entire generation of tattoo artists. It’s modern, brutal but refined, and absolutely alluring – and it’s these tattoo patterns that have inspired Sang Bleu’s collaborations with Hublot over the last 7 years.
The Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu is the latest chapter in this Hublot x Sang Bleu story, and we reckon it’s the best yet. The previous two Sang Bleu collections, both based on the Big Bang, played around with the design and dimensions of the Big Bang’s case – but the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu has gone even further in modifying the Spirit of Big Bang’s design, creating a watch that’s truly distinct not only from any other watch in Hublot’s collection but in all of watchmaking.
First of all, let’s consider the case of the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu. The Spirit of Big Bang, as the name implies, takes the essential Big Bang case design and reinterprets it in a barrel or ‘tonneau’ shape. The Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu has gone further still, transforming the curves of the Spirit of Big Bang into a more geometric, ergonomic form.
Not only is the case of the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu formed from a flowing array of faceted surfaces, but even the crystal of the watch is faceted: a technical, unusual and somewhat retro technique that emphasises how special this watch is.
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It’s this interplay between the ultra-modern and historical that makes the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu so intriguing, actually. Plescia-Büchi has previously talked about how he was inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man when creating his first collaboration with Hublot… But to my eye, the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu reminds me of Aztec or Mayan art.
Speaking of eyes, I also like how the form of the watch emulates an eye, especially because of its novel dial layout. Rather than conventional hands, the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu uses rhombus-shaped discs to tell the time as well as on its chronograph subdials, with its large hour disc evoking an iris.
Under the hood of the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu beats a HUB4700 self-winding skeleton chronograph movement, which is based on the legendary El Primero 400. Its high-beat sweep means those geometric disc dials rotate in a butter-smooth fashion, allowing the wearer to really get lost in the intriguing web of shapes that is this tattoo-inspired watch.
The Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu is available in either Hublot’s King Gold alloy, titanium or in black ceramic – we’re big fans of the latter as it really makes the watch look like it’s made out of ink, really heightening that tattoo vibe. In addition, two models are set with 180 diamonds in titanium and King Gold, for extra bougieness.
Complimentary First Service
From Wednesday 22nd of November 2023, the Hublot Sydney boutique will now include a complimentary first service with the purchase of any timepiece containing a Unico, Meca-10, or EP- 400 movement.
Performed by one of only three qualified Hublot watchmakers in ANZ this service includes carefully disassembling the case to conduct a thorough examination of all parts, refurbishing the bezel, case- back, end pieces, plates or middle case. The watchmakers will change the non-functioning spare parts, polishing, microblast or satin-finish all metal according to the original finish and sandblast all matte ceramic parts.
To take advantage of this exclusive complimentary first service offer or to find out more about the Hublot Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu, make an appointment at Hublot’s Sydney boutique here.