The Partnership between Hublot and Maxime Plescia-Buchi, the well-known Swiss tattoo artist, graphic designer, and creative director has been ongoing for the past 7 years. Just like Buchi’s creation of a new identity through tattoo’s that give new shapes and new perspectives, this celebrated artist has also been injecting new spirit into Hublot’s Spirit of Big Bang collection. So far, Hublot and Maxime Plescia-Buchi have created two Sang Bleu timepieces (not including this latest release). The first of these artistic creations was the Big Bang Sang Bleu I, released in 2016. This three-dimensional geometric timepiece revealed a perfectly proportioned structure on the dial, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man.
In 2019, the second iteration between the renowned artist and the Swiss watchmaker was released; the Big Bang Sang Bleu II. While the first collaboration saw the timepiece dial being the centerpiece of the three-dimensional artwork, this second variation incorporated the watch case, bezel, dial, and bracelet as part of Maxime Plescia-Buchi’s work. This full-body treatment is what is being carried into this year’s latest release, the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu III.
Launched in 2014, the Spirit of Big Bang retained all of the Big Bang’s original features in a barrel-shaped case. A reinterpretation of Hublot’s DNA, simultaneously identical yet so different. For this third collaboration, Maxime has infused it with a new spirit without changing its soul, introducing the Spirit of Big Bang Sang Bleu. He achieves this same transformation, injecting the concepts of the Big Bang Sang Bleu I & II, by redefining the lines of the Spirit of Big Bang. A fusion that exceeds perfection. (HUBLOT CEO – Ricardo Guadalupe)
This latest creation by Maxime Plescia-Buchi stays true to the overall characteristics that he has applied in his previous work with the Big Bang models. Although, now he has decided to really take it up a notch with this new enhanced three-dimensional and ergonomically-enhanced design. A total of three limited edition models are being presented for the Big Bang Sang Bleu III model. Firstly a titanium model in 200 units, an All Black ceramic timepiece in 200 units, and lastly a King Gold timepiece in 100 units. Two models in titanium and King Gold are also being presented with 180 diamonds weighing approximately 2.4 carats.
The 42mm diameter case comes with ultra-generous proportions and a very distinctive shape that catches the eye’s attention. Even though the case shape looks large, it has been designed for an ergonomic fit across all wrist sizes, regardless of male or female. This is thanks to the back of the case being arched at several points. This latest model takes the case geometry from the Big Bang Sang Bleu II, while the barrel shape has been redesigned.
The three-dimensional geometry on the dial is in perfect balance and symmetry with the architecture of the case. The dial’s depth is visualised through polished, satin-finished, engraved, chiseled, beveled, and faceted materials, while the hexagons, diamonds, and triangular shapes overlap to give the iconic architecture of the Sang Bleu models.
Hublot’s engine behind this artistic masterpiece is the HUB4700 automatic movement. This self-winding skeleton chronograph movement operates at a frequency of 5Hz (36, 000 Vph) and gives out a power reserve of 50 hours. As this is a skeleton dial, a lot of the movement can be seen from the front. The case back is also open, however, the beautiful trigonometric design covers a lot of the visuals of the movement.
Sang Bleu III – All Black
Ref (648.CX.0114.RX.MXM23)
Limited to 200 pieces
This model comes in a 42mm satin/polished black ceramic case with matching black ceramic bezel. It comes with a black smooth rubber strap to match the case beautifully.
Sang Bleu III – Titanium
Ref (648.NX.0107.RX.MXM23)
Limited to 200 pieces
The case and bezel are both made from satin/polished titanium, which matches the
finish of the intricate geometry that lay inside the dial. The black rubber strap that is offered as standard also comes with a titanium deployant buckle.
Sang Bleu III – King Gold
Ref (648.OX.0108.RX.MXM23)
Limited to 100 pieces
This version comes in Hublot’s unique King Gold material. The case bezel and matching dial geometry are made from polished/satin King Gold. The strap offered is a black smooth rubber with King Gold and Black titane deployant buckle.
Sang Bleu III – King Gold Pave
Ref (648.OX.0108.RX.1604.MXM23)
This singular timepiece comes with the same construction as the King Gold above, with King Gold being used on the case and bezel and matching dial features. The timepiece comes with a total of 180 diamonds. The case features 80 diamonds while the bezel carries a further 100, totaling 2.4 carats altogether.
Sang Bleu III – Titanium Pave
Ref (648.NX.0107.RX.1604.MXM23)
This singular watch is identical to the King Gold Pave, however, now features a titanium construction. The same design and materials use throughout the watch as per the Sang Bleu III Titanium, the Titanium Pave also features 180 diamonds. 80 diamonds are placed on the case with the other 100 featured on the intricately designed bezel, totaling 2.4 carats.
Reference: 648.CX.0114.RX.MXM23, 648.NX.0107.RX.MXM23, 648.OX.0108.RX.MXM23
Specification
- Case: 42mm
- Case Material: All Black Ceramic, Titanium, or King Gold
- Dial: Black Ceramic, Titanium or King Gold with a geometric pattern.
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating.
- Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
- Movement: HUB4700
- Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
- Strap: Black smooth rubber with black ceramic Deployant Buckle and Black PVD Titanium Deployant Buckle or Black smooth rubber with King Gold and Black titane Deployant Buckle.
Availability: TBA.
International Recommended Retail Pricing: Ref (648.CX.0114.RX.MXM23) 30, 400 USD, Ref (648.NX.0107.RX.MXM23) 28,300 USD or Ref (648.OX.0108.RX.MXM23) 50, 400 USD.
Reference: 648.NX.0107.RX.1604.MXM23, 648.OX.0108.RX.1604.MXM23
Specification
- Case: 42mm
- Case Material: All Black Ceramic, Titanium, or King Gold. 80 diamonds on the case, and 100 diamonds on the bezel totaling 2.4 carats.
- Dial: Black Ceramic, Titanium, or King Gold with a geometric pattern.
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal glass with anti-reflective coating.
- Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
- Movement: HUB4700
- Power reserve: Approx. 50 hours
- Strap: Black smooth rubber with Black PVD Titanium Deployant Buckle.
