Tag Archives: titanium

Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue: A New Shade of Innovation in Sapphire Watchmaking

Posted on by

Hublot continues to redefine transparent watchmaking with the launch of the limited-edition Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue, pairing its signature sapphire expertise with the impressive Meca-10 manufacture movement.

There are watches that tell time, and then there are watches that make a statement before you even glance at the dial. The Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue belongs firmly in the latter category. Limited to just 100 pieces worldwide, this latest creation showcases everything Hublot has become synonymous with over the past decade: innovative materials, bold engineering and contemporary design.

Hublot’s Mastery of Sapphire Continues

Working with sapphire is no simple feat. Renowned for its exceptional hardness and transparency, sapphire is one of the most demanding materials in watchmaking. While many brands have experimented with it, Hublot has consistently expanded its possibilities, introducing coloured sapphire cases that combine technical complexity with striking aesthetics.

The Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue captures the calm brilliance of a summer sky through its fully polished 44mm sapphire crystal case. Its transparent construction allows light to flow through every angle of the watch, giving it a presence that constantly changes depending on its surroundings. Titanium H-shaped screws secure the sapphire bezel, while a structured sky-blue rubber strap completes the distinctive monochromatic look.

The Meca-10 Movement Takes Centre Stage

Inside the transparent case is one of Hublot’s most celebrated in-house calibres: the HUB1201 Meca-10.

Originally introduced in 2016, the Meca-10 broke away from conventional movement architecture. Rather than hiding the mechanics beneath the dial, Hublot designed the movement to become the visual centrepiece of the watch. Inspired by mechanical construction systems, its fully skeletonised architecture reveals every functional component.

The manually wound movement consists of 223 components, delivers an exceptional 10-day (240-hour) power reserve, and uses two parallel mainspring barrels to maintain consistent energy delivery. One of its most distinctive features is the innovative rack-and-pinion power reserve display that moves horizontally across the movement, reinforcing the industrial aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Meca-10 collection.

Transparency That Reveals Every Detail

The appeal of the Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue extends beyond its sapphire case. Its matte sky-blue skeleton dial, matching movement bridges and sapphire case-back ensure that the watch remains visually captivating from every angle.

Instead of concealing its mechanics, the watch celebrates them. Every gear, bridge and wheel becomes part of the overall design, creating a fascinating interplay between engineering and aesthetics. It is a reminder that modern haute horlogerie is as much about visual storytelling as it is about precision.

Built with Confidence

The Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue is more than an exercise in design. It also reflects Hublot’s confidence in its manufacturing capabilities.

Eligible models purchased from 1 January 2026 benefit from Hublot’s 5+5 warranty programme, providing a five-year standard warranty with the possibility of extending coverage to ten years through the Hublotista programme. It is among the most comprehensive warranty offerings in contemporary luxury watchmaking and reinforces the brand’s trust in its products.

Limited to Just 100 Pieces

Exclusivity remains central to the appeal of this release.

The Hublot Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue is limited to 100 pieces worldwide and will be available through selected Hublot boutiques, authorised retailers and the brand’s official online store. The watch is priced at USD 84,300, reflecting both the complexity of its sapphire construction and the sophistication of its in-house movement.

Final Thoughts

Few brands have embraced sapphire as confidently as Hublot. Over the years, the manufacture has transformed what was once considered an experimental material into one of its defining signatures. The Big Bang Sapphire Sky Blue continues that journey, combining a transparent sky-blue sapphire case with the technically impressive Meca-10 movement in a package that is both futuristic and unmistakably Hublot.

For collectors who appreciate avant-garde watchmaking, architectural movements and limited-edition craftsmanship, this latest Big Bang demonstrates exactly why Hublot remains one of the industry’s most daring innovators.

Charming Bird Titanium: The bird takes flight again

Posted on by
Reply

The “Disruptive Legacy” philosophy of Jaquet Droz mainly finds its expression as original creations, however that is not its only inspiration. In 2025, 10 years after winning the “Mechanical Exception” category at the GPHG, the Charming Bird is being reinterpreted in a Grade 5 Titanium case. It is the world’s first wristwatch with musical automaton to be made from this metal, which is as difficult to work as it is modern.

Rarely has the ‘Disruptive Legacy’ philosophy been interpreted so aptly. Here, this legacy is that of musical automata. A tradition which, at Jaquet Droz, will soon be three centuries old. Back then, the family workshop amazed courts around the world with its amazingly realistic singing birds, capable of whistling a melody in perfect tune. There are several examples still in perfect working order around the world.

However, since 1738, clockwork mechanisms have undergone not one, but many disruptions. The most important was miniaturisation. It enabled the workshop, still based in its La Chaux-de-Fonds stronghold, to move on from the music box and life-sized automaton to the wristwatch. The other revolution was in materials. Jaquet Droz has embraced this in all its dimensions: sapphire, silicon and plasma ceramic are the most recent examples. But titanium has always been resistant, both literally and figuratively.

Reputed to be one of the most difficult metals to work with, and with an unfortunate propensity to set fire to the tools used to try and tame it, titanium has long resisted machining, finishing and decoration techniques. It has also long resisted the attraction of collectors, who did not instantly appreciate its perceived value, technical prowess and immediate benefits. These include a well-proven resistance to impacts and scratches, as well as an incredible lightness on the wrist.

This is what Jaquet Droz wanted to highlight in its new Charming Bird Titanium. The watch is 20% lighter, weighing 42 grams less on the wrist. The whistling bird is more ethereal than ever.

In addition to this lightness, and despite the difficulty of machining titanium, Jaquet Droz has managed to preserve the distinctive geometry of its case. It has two unique features. First, a double sapphire crystal, which protects the movement on the dial side and, separately, protects the bird automaton at 6 o’clock. Then there’s a narrow lateral opening, between 8 and 10 o’clock, which allows the air – and therefore the melody – to circulate from inside the case to the outside world. All with a satin-brushed finish executed to perfection.

As for the movement, Jaquet Droz has retained the automaton which has been delighting the most discerning collectors for over a decade. It is fully visible through a metallic sapphire dial at 12 o’clock, which allows the hours and minutes to be read against a black background. The bird, which measures 13.5 mm, sits proudly at 6 o’clock. Hand-engraved and hand-painted, it flies through an opening in the dial towards its owner. It whistles, opens its beak, spins around, and beats its wings and tail.

The automaton has its own power reserve, wound by the crown at 2 o’clock. A simple press on its coaxial push-button triggers the sequence. It can be stopped when required by a second press. If the owner does not intervene, it can last for around thirty seconds, during which time the three notes of the bird’s whistle can be clearly distinguished. The speed of its movements and singing is not controlled mechanically, to avoid friction between metal parts that would inevitably cause wear, but magnetically. As there is no contact, there is also no noise interference, resulting in a purer melody. Made as a one-off piece, the Charming Bird Titanium is taking flight to new horizons.

“Create your own. As unique as you are”

Laureato Japan ‘Aiiro’ Editions

Posted on by
Reply

Girard-Perregaux marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations existing between Switzerland and Japan with the release of two versions of the Laureato. These models, celebrating the Maison’s longstanding ties with Japan, are limited to just 100 pieces each. The colour of each dial is indigo blue, inspired by and paying homage to the Japanese colour. Perpetuating the iconic Laureato design language, these Japan editions wonderfully showcase the extraordinary talents of the Manufacture’s craftspeople.

The story begins in 1860

In 1860, the same year Constant Girard began sketching his ideas for what would later become the legendary Tourbillon with Three Bridges, his brother-in-law, François Perregaux set up an office in Yokohama. It was a bold venture that saw Girard-Perregaux become the first Swiss watch company to establish a presence in Japan. A few years after his arrival, a ‘Friendship and Trade Treaty’ was signed between Japan and Switzerland, leading to clocks and watches being exported to the Asian state.

When Girard-Perregaux watches first emerged on the Japanese market, the country did not use the same timekeeping system as Europe, hence Swiss watches were viewed as curiosities. However, in 1873, as Japan commenced building a railway network, the nation adopted a Western time measurement system. This provided a great opportunity for François and led to a significant rise in Swiss watch exports.

Over the years, François travelled extensively throughout Asia; however, he would always return to Japan, his adopted home. A pioneer and maverick, François Perregaux was instrumental in forging close ties between the Maison and Japan, a relationship that continues to endure today, almost 165 years since the son of La Chaux-de-Fonds arrived in Yokohama. The Manufacture has maintained a strong retail presence in the country and has crafted several Japan-only limited editions. For example, in 2019, Girard-Perregaux released the vintage 1945 Japan edition, a watch featuring similar blue tones on a white dial which proved popular and prompted favourable feedback from admirers of the Manufacture.

While each nation has its own unique characteristics, both Japan and Switzerland share an appreciation for craftsmanship, often inspired by nature and, in particular, their local surroundings. It is this shared understanding between Girard-Perregaux, a brand known for paying close attention to the smallest of details, and Japan’s many discerning watch enthusiasts that continues to perpetuate the Maison’s esteemed reputation in this market.

Paying tribute to a special relationship

In recognition of its special relationship, the Swiss Manufacture has chosen to craft two limited edition models, exclusively for Nippon. Both models, a Laureato 42 mm with a blue Grand Feu enamel dial and a Laureato Chronograph 42 mm Titanium featuring a Clous de Paris pattern, are dressed in a distinctive shade of indigo blue and limited to 100 pieces each.

Among the many traditional colours, the Maison chose indigo blue, termed ‘Aiiro’, for its historical significance in Japan. Production of Aiiro dye, extracted from the Japanese indigo plant (Periscaria tinctoria), is believed to have been prevalent during the 16th century and is often associated with samurai warriors who considered the hue as a ‘winning colour’. When English chemist, Robert Atkinson (1850-1929) arrived in Japan in 1874, he was amazed to see the widespread use of the bewitching hue and described the colour as ‘Japan blue’, a shade that is celebrated with these latest GP models.

Laureato 42 mm with Grand Feu enamel dial

The first limited edition, the Laureato 42 mm with Grand Feu enamel dial, is housed in a stainless case and is a modern take on the legendary Laureato, originally released in 1975. Upholding the familiar design language, much loved by watch aficionados, this latest model imparts meaning with three hands and incorporates a date display adjacent 3 o’clock. An exquisite play with shapes comprising an octagonal bezel, sat atop a circular plinth, positioned above a tonneau-shaped case, the housing toys with light, juxtaposing brilliance and shade. This game of contrasts is repeated with polished and satin finished surfaces placed side by side. At the heart of the watch, a self-winding Manufacture movement, the Calibre GP1800, further demonstrates the Maison’s in-house expertise. It is embellished with straight and circular Côtes de Genève motif, circular graining, bevelling, engravings, sunray finish, mirror-polishing and snailing; all visible via the sapphire caseback.

The pièce de resistance is the Grand Feu enamel dial, skilfully crafted in the company’s in-house facility. The base of the dial is formed of a silver disc which has then been endowed with a guilloché sunray motif. Thereafter, the magic begins when a mixture of silica, minium, potash and soda are ground into a powder and combined with metal oxides to create the desired shade of indigo blue. This powder is dusted onto the brass disc and then fired at temperatures of approximately 800°C. The artisan must judge when the dial should be removed from the oven, allowing it to cool, while taking care not to spoil its appearance. This process is repeated 5-10 times to achieve the desired lustrous appearance. A product of patience and skill, such dials can incorporate tiny fissures, air bubbles or other imperfections, leading to them being rejected and requiring the dial making process to begin anew. Unquestionably time consuming to create, a Grand Feu enamel dial won’t fade, promising an enduring allure that will never diminish.

Laureato Chronograph 42 mm Titanium

The case of this limited edition model is formed of lightweight Grade 5 titanium, a material that is strong, stiff, corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic and hypoallergenic. Some sections of the high-tech alloy are polished to a brilliant gleam that bestow an elegant contrast with neighbouring satin finished surfaces.

Perpetuating a Laureato tradition, the dial is adorned with a Clous Paris motif, executed in a sumptuous shade of indigo blue. The counters and flange are presented in black, delivering a subtle tonal variance.

Sitting at the heart of the Laureato Chronograph 42 mm is an in-house self-winding movement, the Calibre GP3300. Comprising 419 components, each decorated to the Maison’s legendary high standards, the movement will run autonomously for a minimum of 46 hours.

A rare breed

Both models are presented on integrated bracelets, proffering stylish elegance coupled with superb wearer comfort. Each limited edition, engraved with the inscription ‘Special Edition of 100 pieces’, serves as a fitting tribute to the special relationship between two nations that share a remarkable history.

The Laureato Japan ‘Aiiro’ editions will go on sale in October and will be available in a selection of authorized dealers in Japan.

LAUREATO 42 MM

Reference: 81010-11-3310-1GM
Retail price: JPY 2’585’000
Limited edition of 100 pieces, engraved “Special Edition of 100 pieces”

Case
Material: steel, polished and satin finished
Diameter: 42.00 mm
Height: 10.68 mm
Glass: anti-reflective sapphire
Case-back: sapphire crystal
Dial: blue enamel with a guilloché sunray motif
Hands: ‘baton’ type, rhodium plated
Water resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)

Movement
Reference: GP01800-1730
Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 30.00 mm (131/4’’’)
Height: 3.97 mm
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h – (4 Hz)
Number of components: 191
Number of jewels: 28
Power reserve: min. 54 hours
Functions: hours, minutes, central second, date

Bracelet
Material: steel, polished and satin finished

 

LAUREATO CHRONOGRAPH 42 MM

Reference: 81020-21-3311-1GM
Retail price: JPY 2’805’000
Limited edition of 100 pieces, engraved “Special Edition of 100 pieces”

Case
Material: titanium, polished and satin finished
Diameter: 42.00 mm
Height: 12.01 mm
Glass: anti-reflective sapphire crystal
Case-back: secured by 6 screws
Dial: blue and black dial with a Clous de Paris pattern, ‘baton’ type indexes with luminescent material (green emission)
Hands: ‘baton’ type, black PVD-treated with luminescent material (green emission)
Water resistance: 100 meters (10 ATM)

Movement
Reference: GP03300-0141
Self-winding mechanical movement
Diameter: 25.95 mm (111/2’’’)
Height: 6.50 mm
Frequency: 28,800 Vib/h – (4 Hz)
Number of components: 419
Number of jewels: 63
Power reserve: min. 46 hours
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds,
date, chronograph

Bracelet
Material: titanium, polished and satin finished

CLASSIC FUSION ESSENTIAL GREY: Volume III

Posted on by
Reply

Hublot is writing the third chapter in the story of its Essential Grey. The 2024 release includes two Classic Fusion models in a radiant grey, available exclusively online.

Hublot is reprising its iconic Essential Grey collection. It is one of the Manufacture’s most popular vintages thanks to its exclusivity: a single model, a single colour, once a year, sold through a single channel.

More than an event, the arrival of the Essential Grey has come to define the Hublot year. Collectors are eagerly awaiting this moment – especially those who succeed in getting their hands on all the consecutive vintages, making up a complete set of pieces. These collectors are rare, but some managed to obtain first the Big Bang Unico Essential Grey, followed by the Spirit of Big Bang Essential Grey, and they are now looking forward to completing the hat-trick with the new Classic Fusion Essential Grey!

“The Essential Grey is one of our most eagerly awaited recurring series. It’s the kind of curve ball we like at Hublot: At a time when so many brands and studios are struggling to guess what the next colour trend will be, we have decided to keep this essential grey, unique and different, year after year, because we know it will be a timeless collector’s item. In fact, its success proves that it already is!”  -RICARDO GUADALUPE, HUBLOT CEO

This year, the decision to choose the Classic Fusion model was no coincidence. Alongside its most disruptive creations, Hublot likes to regularly highlight the importance of its founding models. This has recently led to the appearance of understated, streamlined ‘Time Only’ versions of the Big Bang. Essential Grey is part of this same dynamic: A reminder that Hublot, beyond its world of unbridled creativity, is first and foremost a leading watch manufacturer, the creator of numerous designs which, for more than 30 years, have been at the forefront of the watchmaking scene. Iconic, timeless watches that, even without bright colours and complications, remain monuments to design and elegance.

This is what defines the two Classic Fusion pieces in the 2024 Essential Grey vintage. Both come with 100% titanium cases and bezels, the first measuring 42 mm, the second 45 mm. Both feature all the hallmarks of a genuine Classic Fusion: integrated bracelet, satin-finished bezel with 6 functional screws with H-shaped head, exclusive textured rubber strap, and sunray finished dial with three central hands complemented by a discreet date window.

The most discerning customers will appreciate a subtlety that they may be the only ones to see: As the diameters of the two models differ by 3 mm (42 mm and 45 mm), Hublot has ensured that they are fitted with a calibre adapted to each volume (10.4 mm high for the first, 10.95 for the second). This refinement reflects the extreme attention to detail so dear to the hearts of watchmaking collectors.

The 42 mm Classic Fusion Essential Grey beats to the rhythm of the HUB1110 calibre, which is just 3.61 mm thick, while its 45 mm big brother is powered by the HUB1112 movement, measuring 4.26 mm. This “made- to-measure” choice shows respect for the design and engineering, which perfectly blends the forms and functions specific to each case. In the interests of fairness, however, each piece offers the same level of mechanical excellence, with a guaranteed power reserve of 42 hours.

HUBLOT

Hublot is a Swiss watch manufacturer founded in 1980 and based in Nyon. For its first ever timepiece, this fundamentally disruptive company combined gold with a rubber strap in a case with a design inspired by a ship’s porthole (hublot in French). Thus, the Art of Fusion was born, blending tradition, innovation, craftsmanship, worlds and talents. It became the brand’s aesthetic and technical signature.

This identity was strengthened in 2005 with the Big Bang, which attested to an unrivalled know-how in terms of complications, manufacture movements and state-of-the-art materials. Carbon, titanium, ceramic and sapphire have been developed on this model to technical extremes.

This ground-breaking, high-quality approach to watchmaking is summed up in its philosophy ‘Be First, Unique and Different.’ It gradually led to other collections with innovative designs: Classic Fusion, Shaped Collection (Spirit of Big Bang, Square Bang) and Manufacture Pieces. These draw on high levels of craftsmanship, both in terms of the materials so dear to Hublot (such as Magic Gold, brightly-coloured ceramics and sapphires) and its manufacture movements (Unico chronograph, Meca-10 and high complications such as the Tourbillon, the Cathedral Minute Repeater and the specific Manufacture Pieces movements).

Hublot’s world extends to powerful partnerships including football. ‘Hublot Loves Football’ has become the slogan at the world’s biggest sporting events (such as the FIFA World CupTM, Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA EUROTM) and through its ambassadors. This love of football continues in art, design, music, sport, fine dining and sailing. Lastly, Hublot’s implication in joint environmental projects with SORAI and Polar Pod reflects its concern for the issues of the day.

Over 135 Boutiques around the world share Hublot’s fervour and values, alongside the Hublot.com e-commerce site.

CLASSIC FUSION ESSENTIAL GREY / 45 mm

REFERENCE
511.NX.5610.NR.HEC24

CASE
Satin-finished and Polished Titanium
Diameter: 45 mm
Thickness: 10,95 mm
Water resistance: 5 ATM / 50 M

CASE BACK
Satin-finished Titanium

BEZEL
Satin-finished and Polished
Titanium

DIAL
Grey sunray
MOVEMENT
HUB1112
Frequency: 4 Hz (28’000 A/H)
Power reserve (hours): 42
Number of components : 63
Jewels : 25

STRAP AND CLASP
Grey Rubber with Grey Fabric Strap
Stainless Steel Deployant Buckle

PRICE
7’700.00 CHF
8’800.00 EUR
8’500.00 USD
7’300.00 GBP