Hublot Square Bang

Swiss luxury watch manufacturer Hublot surprised the watch world in 2005 with the release of its Unico Big Bang collection. The round timepieces won over watch lovers with their high quality, elaborate construction, and (for the time) exotic mix of materials. Later, Hublot reshaped the Big Bang line by adding a series of tonneau-shaped luxury watches under the name Spirit of Big Bang.

In Spring 2022, just in time for the Swiss watch fair Watches & Wonders, Hublot presented its new Unico Square Bang collection, proving that the Big Bang universe wasn't too hip to be square. Of course, “square” may be somewhat inaccurate, since the case has slightly rounded corners that enhance the watch's elegant design.

Like other Big Bang models, the Unico Square Bang is fitted with six stylish bezel screws and a practical quick-change system for the band. All editions of the Square Bang measure 42 mm in diameter and are water-resistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft).

The Square Bang line offers watches in titanium, Hublot's own rose gold alloy Kind Gold, or a combination of the two. Hublot also created the Square Bang All Black, which is made of black ceramic and limited to only 250 pieces.

The Square Bang is equipped with the automatic in-house caliber Unico 2, which is visible through the watch's transparent sapphire crystal dial.

The most affordable entry point into the Hublot Square Bang is the Unico Titanium, which you can call your own for around 20,200 USD. A variant of this watch with a black ceramic bezel will cost you about 21,100 USD. The limited Square Bang All Black edition, made entirely of black ceramic, changes hands for approximately 26,500 USD. If you'd prefer a Square Bang in gold, plan to spend quite a bit more: Prices for the King Gold Ceramic with a ceramic bezel start at around 35,000 USD, while the model made completely of King Gold costs about 37,200 USD.

All Unico Square Bang models have a 42-mm square case available in titanium, King Gold, or ceramic, depending on the edition. The bezel is secured to the case by six H-shaped screws. The Square Bang is water-restistant to 100 m (10 bar, 328 ft) and therefore suitable for swimming. The watch glass is made of anti-reflective sapphire crystal, which protects the dial from the elements. Every Unico Square Bang also has a transparent sapphire crystal dial, giving the wearer a clear view of the watch's in-house caliber HUB Unico 2 with its column-wheel and flyback chronograph function.

Along with hour and minute displays, the chronograph also features a stop seconds. The 60-minute counter is located at the 3 o'clock position with a date display, and the seconds counter is at 9. When fully wound, the 1280 Unico has a power reserve of 72 hours. Two square push-pieces on the right-hand side of the case enable you to operate the chronograph.

All Square Bangs come on a textured, integrated black rubber strap.

The Square Bang Titanium is made of – you guessed it – titanium. The ref. 821.NX.0170.RX comes with a titanium case and bezel, and the color of the hands and dial match the case. You can purchase this model on Chrono24 for approximately 20,200 USD in mint condition.

The ref. 821.NM.0170.RX is identical to the 821.NX.0170.RX, but for its black ceramic bezel. This model demands an investment of about 21,000 USD in new condition.

The Square Bang in Ceramic and King Gold

If a watch with a rose gold case is more your style, you should take a closer look at the Square Bang references 821.OM.0180.RX and 821.OX.0180.RX. The former has a ceramic bezel and changes hands for a little over 35,100 USD; the latter comes with a King Gold bezel and a price tag of roughly 37,200 USD.

The Unico Square Bang All Black (ref. 821.CX.0140.RX) is completely black. The case is made of polished and satin-brushed ceramic. Plan to shell out about 26,500 USD for this edition, which is limited to just 250 pieces.