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Hublot Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon In A Texalium Case

THM Desk
28 Mar 2023 |
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Hublot's core belief is that fusion is the key to success, not just in terms of materials but in every facet of watchmaking art. Hublot, based in Nyon, has had a philosophy of fusing materials, finishes, designs, colors, alloys, techniques, and aesthetics for more than twenty years.

At Hublot, they embrace the fusion spirit with all their might. This new Big Bang features a Texalium and carbon fiber case that is both lightweight and strong, as well as a strap that is seamlessly integrated with the case. Innovative technology combined with traditional Haute Horlogerie.

Hublot Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon In A Texalium Case

The new Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon is a great example of this. There will only be 50 of this special edition model made, and it combines the best of both classic Fine Watchmaking and Hublot's innovative spirit. For starters, the watch features two genuine complications—the tourbillon and the micro-rotor. The latter may not seem complicated to some, but when you consider its skeleton design, three-day power reserve, and the fact that it is made entirely by Hublot, you can't deny that it is. The tourbillon in this Hublot is skeletonized and suspended; it is set into a bottom plate that features sapphire bridges.

Hublot Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon In A Texalium Case

Aside from its construction, the strap itself is a potential source of the difficulty. Two goals motivated its in-house design, fabrication, and assembly. First of all, it's one of the lightest straps out there at just 26 grams. Second, it's extremely convenient because it fits snugly into the case and has special links made just for this model. To get the desired surface quality, composite materials like Texalium and carbon fiber must be machined and finished separately for each link.

Hublot Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon In A Texalium Case

They successfully fused these materials to create the new Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon watch. The carbon fiber case, which is 43 millimeters in diameter, protects the mechanism inside and has other benefits as well, such as being extremely light and durable. This design allows the watch head (case and caliber, without the strap) to weigh only 42 grams, allowing Hublot to dispel the myth that a durable watch must be cumbersome to wear thanks to its perfectly ergonomic integrated strap.

It's one thing to be lightweight, but quite another to hold up well to the scuffs and scrapes that come with regular use. Hublot has coated the case of the new Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon with Texalium, a new fusion of materials consisting of a fiberglass core and a thin top layer of aluminum, to ensure the wearer's (almost) eternal tranquility. The impact-resistant fiberglass is embedded in a special resin, and the scratch-proof aluminum is 99.99% pure. Altogether, it weighs about the same as a "full carbon" case.

455.YS.0170.YS-MU-HR-W-DIGITAL-original

Finally, we must not overlook the integration of form and function. Hublot's factory is capable of producing anything because it is fully integrated. Hublot is able to perfectly harmonize the case and movement down to the tiniest of details because it draws, designs, manufactures, and assembles every component in-house.

As an example, consider the Big Bang Integrated Tourbillon Full Carbon. The HUB6035 Manufacture Calibre and the exclusive openwork back plate designed by Hublot celebrate the intertwined nature of carbon fiber and Texalium. Hidden within the workings of the watch, the permeable framework gradually reveals itself. The monobloc component is the only one of its kind in the world, and its transparency allows light to reach the very center of the movement, further cementing the bond between form and function.

Individually numbered, each watch will feature a double sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, six of the Big Bang's signature functional screws on the bezel, and a rubber-lined crown.

Hublot sure knows how to kick off Watches And Wonders with a bang!

Technical Specifications:

REFERENCE 455.YS.0170.YS

CASE
Carbon fiber and texalium
Diameter: 43 mm
Thickness: 14.15 mm
Water Resistant: 3 ATM

CASEBACK
Microblasted black-plated titanium

BEZEL
Carbon fiber and texalium

DIAL
Sapphire

MOVEMENT
HUB6035 Manufacture automatic
tourbillon movement
Frequency: 3 (21,600 A/H)
Power reserve: Approx 72 hours
Number of components: 282
Jewels: 26

BRACELET
Carbon fiber and texalium with black-plated titanium
Deployant buckle clasp

WEIGHT
68 grams