Watches And Wonders 2025: Hublot Crowns Itself The “Master Of Sapphire” With A Stunning Big Bang 20th Anniversary Set

For two decades, Hublot has been rewriting the rules of haute horlogerie, and nowhere is that more evident than in their mastery of sapphire crystal. Since the first Big Bang in sapphire debuted in 2016, followed by the first colored sapphire case a year later, Hublot has relentlessly pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with this state-of-the-art material.

Now, to mark the Big Bang’s 20th anniversary, the Swiss powerhouse unveils its most audacious sapphire creation yet at the Watches and Wonders 2025: the “Master of Sapphire” set - a dazzling quintet of Big Bang MECA-10 timepieces, each encased in a different vibrant hue. And with only five sets in existence, this is a collector’s dream come true.

The Art And Science Of Sapphire

Creating sapphire cases isn’t just about swapping pigments - it’s a high-stakes science experiment. Each new color requires a precise chemical formula, exacting temperature controls and painstaking adjustments to ensure the final product is as striking as it is durable. And when you factor in the Big Bang’s complex sandwich construction, the challenge becomes even more extraordinary.

Hublot’s latest feat showcases five breathtaking variations:

• Transparent Sapphire: The purest expression of Hublot’s sapphire mastery.
• Water Blue Sapphire: A serene, oceanic hue that glows with depth.
• Deep Blue Sapphire: A richer, more intense take on the classic.
• Purple Sapphire: A regal, almost hypnotic shade.
• Neon Yellow SAXEM: A futuristic, high-tech material even rarer than sapphire.

Each watch features a matching transparent strap and color-accented hands and markers, ensuring a seamless, head-turning aesthetic.

The MECA-10 Movement: A Mechanical Marvel On Display

There’s no better way to showcase Hublot’s sapphire mastery than with a movement designed to be perceived front and back. The MECA-10, making its sapphire-case debut in this set, is a manual-winding masterpiece that turns traditional mechanics into modern art. Unlike traditional movements, the MECA-10 plays with asymmetrical gear choreography, creating a dynamic visual spectacle. And with a 10-day power reserve displayed via a rare “crémaillère” rack system (a linear gear engaging a circular one), it’s as much an engineering triumph as it is a visual one.

Color, Transparency And Cutting-Edge Watchmaking

With the “Master of Sapphire” set introduced at Watches and Wonders 2025, Hublot doesn’t just celebrate 20 years of the Big Bang - it cements its status as the undisputed king of sapphire in contemporary watchmaking. This is high horology meets high art, a limited-edition masterpiece that will leave collectors and enthusiasts in awe.

Hublot didn’t stop at the watches - they designed a museum-worthy case to house them. The set comes in a backlit display with vertical lighting, protected by a frosted glass sliding panel. Each case is engraved with “Master of Sapphire XX/05”, a mark of its exclusivity.

Only five sets exist. Will you be one of the lucky few?