Imagine a world where high-end design meets horological artistry, but the price tag keeps it out of reach. Hublot has heard the call, and the response is electrifying! Introducing the Big Bang Unico SR_A, Hublot's fourth collaboration with the visionary Samuel Ross, and this time, it's a flyback chronograph that's (relatively) accessible.
Following three groundbreaking editions of the Big Bang Tourbillon, which pushed the boundaries of design and materials, this new release marks a significant shift towards a lower price point, offering a broader audience a chance to experience Ross's unique design language applied to Hublot's iconic flyback chronograph. Think of it as the same avant-garde spirit, now in a more everyday wearable package.
What We Know: A Fusion of Art and Engineering
Hublot kicked off the year with a flurry of releases, including the usual suspects: fresh dial colors for the Classic Fusion and Big Bang Unico collections. The Big Bang Tourbillon even got a Novak Djokovic makeover, paying homage to the tennis legend with the Big Bang Tourbillon Novak Djokovic GOAT Edition, reminiscent of their previous collaboration. But for many, the real showstopper is the Big Bang Unico SRA, a creation born from the ongoing partnership between Hublot and Samuel Ross, the British designer who has been making waves across the design world. Their collaboration began in 2022 with the Big Bang Tourbillon SRA series.
Back in 2024, during the launch of Ross's third watch in Miami, I had the privilege of speaking with him. While the three tourbillon models, each boasting different materials and colors, offered a unique perspective on the Hublot aesthetic, their six-figure price tags placed them firmly in the realm of die-hard Hublot collectors. I specifically asked Ross if he had any plans to translate the design language he established with those models into more accessible designs. His response was coy, but the wheels were clearly turning.
Now, the Big Bang Unico SRA has finally arrived. It builds upon the framework Ross developed for the tourbillon series, featuring a distinctive elongated and layered silhouette. The watch boasts a more manageable size with a "diameter" of 42mm and thickness of 14.5mm for the black ceramic Unico. While the case itself no longer features the SRA honeycomb motif, which added a sense of lightness to the form, the design element is carried over to the new structured rubber strap. Subtle SR_A branding is discreetly engraved in the midcase, a testament to the designer's touch.
Delving into the Details: A Skeletonized Masterpiece
The Big Bang Unico SR_A, like its tourbillon predecessors, features a skeletonized dial, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of the in-house HUB1280 caliber. But here's where it gets controversial... unlike the fancy sapphire elements and bold color accents of the previous models, the view is more familiar. Some might see this as a step back, but others might appreciate the more traditional approach. The automatic flyback chronograph caliber, complete with a silicon escapement, was meticulously developed with skeletonization in mind – a testament to Hublot's engineering prowess. Just observe the column wheel, proudly displayed on the dial side of the watch. Hour markers are round circles, mirroring the iconic Hublot screw holes found throughout the case, and a skeletonized date track with a contrasting lighter finish completes the look.
The Big Bang Unico SR_A is priced at $31,200 and is limited to just 200 pieces, making it a relatively exclusive offering.
What We Think: A Refined Vision
As someone who has eagerly anticipated the evolution of Samuel Ross's collaboration with Hublot after the creation of what some might call Hublot's "concept car" in watch form, I'm thrilled that the next project is with the Big Bang Unico. The skeletonized Unico movement is a perfect complement to the unconventional case design, resulting in a cohesive look that feels more restrained (as much as a Big Bang can be, anyway) than the previous tourbillons, primarily due to the reduced use of the honeycomb motif.
With its smaller dimensions, this watch is likely to appeal to a broader range of customers. And this is the part most people miss... Having seen the SR_A tourbillon in person, I know that the case design is quite elongated. While the dimensions are smaller, the watch might wear noticeably broad lug-to-lug. Therefore, trying it on in person is highly recommended, and I personally hope to do so soon.
Interestingly, the vibrant use of color found in the past three designs is absent in this fourth creation. Considering that the Big Bang Unico represents a more distilled version of the SR_A concept, I believe that adding color could have elevated this watch even further. But at the same time, the stripping back of everything from layered visual elements to colors makes a powerful statement, especially coming from someone like Ross. I'm confident that this won't be the last we see of this design.
The Basics
- Brand: Hublot
- Model: Big Bang Unico SR_A
- Reference Number: 441.CX.1140.RX.SRA26
- Diameter: 42mm
- Thickness: 14.5mm
- Case Material: Black ceramic and black-plated titanium accents
- Dial Color: Matte black (skeletonized)
- Indexes: Applied
- Lume: TBD (To Be Determined)
- Water Resistance: 100 meters
- Strap/Bracelet: Black structured honeycomb rubber strap, with ceramic and titanium deployant clasp
The Movement
- Caliber: HUB 1280 UNICO Manufacture Caliber
- Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, flyback chronograph
- Power Reserve: 72 hours
- Winding: Automatic
- Frequency: 28,800 VpH
- Jewels: 43
- Additional Details: Swiss silicon lever escapement
Pricing & Availability
- Price: $31,200
- Availability: Now
- Limited Edition: 200 pieces
For more information, visit Hublot's official website.
A Question for You:
What do you think of the Big Bang Unico SR_A's stripped-down aesthetic? Do you miss the bold colors of the previous collaborations, or do you appreciate the more subtle approach? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Does the price point make this a more compelling option or is it still out of reach? Let's discuss!
