Hublot launches Big Bang e

To mark the 2018 FIFA Football World Cup in Russia, Hublot presented their first connected watch model, the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia. Equipped with the latest technological developments then available for wearable technology, this smartwatch was used both by referees on the pitch and by football fans, as a virtual stadium so they could join in with the competition. Two years later, Hublot has created a new model, the Big Bang e, a connected watch equipped with the latest technology that adopts all the iconic Big Bang codes.

Electronic watches were created in Switzerland using quartz in the 1970s. Fifty years later, Hublot has created a contemporary version that stays true to classic Hublot design codes.

The watch's case is cut from materials such as black ceramic or titanium in a "sandwich" construction, an innovative style invented by Hublot in 2005. The watch comprises 42 components, 27 of which are for the K Module alone, the "cage" which houses the digital heart of the watch. The design of the screws and pushers, the scratchproof sapphire crystal, and its rubber strap — with deployant buckle invented by Hublot in 1980 for the Classic model and the patented One Click system for easy interchangeability — all comprise the watch's key design features.

The Big Bang e is available in a 42 mm case, made from a choice of titanium or ceramic. The hour numerals are metallised underneath the scratchproof sapphire crystal, which is covered with an AMOLED high definition touchscreen. Just like a mechanical version of the Big Bang, its rotary crown with integrated pusher is used to activate the controls for its electronic module. Developed in partnership with other brands within the LVMH Group, the watch is adapted and perfected to meet Hublot's requirements.

Transferring their traditional expertise into this new digital environment, the designers in Nyon have developed new watch functionalities. Apart from the "Time Only" analogue function, the Big Bang e features exclusive interpretations of traditional watch complications, such as a Perpetual Calendar with an immaculately precise moon phase or a second GMT time zone, which presents the earth in a very realistic way. These functionalities have been revisited and enhanced to take advantage of the possibilities offered by the digital world. Despite this built-in technology, Hublot guarantees the watch is water-resistant to a depth of 30 meters.

Powered with Wear OS by Google, the Big Bang e enables customization to the smartwatch experience. The wearer can access apps on Google Play, get answers on the go with Google Assistant and make fast simple payments with Google Pay. For a more personal experience, wearers can swipe to helpful information and stay up to date with notifications and messages. In addition, dials specifically created by the talented Hublot ambassadors and Friends of the Brand will be gradually unveiled.

Available as soon as the Big Bang e released, the first edition is part of the #HublotLovesArt movement: a series of eight dials stemming from the imagination of storytelling artist Marc Ferrero. Every three hours, the dial changes color, meaning eight creations are displayed in sequence over a 24-hour period. Each of these is based on a specific color: Happy Yellow, Magic Blue, Orange Dynamite, All White, Lucky Green, Magic Red, Rainbow Spirit and Black Magic. Every full hour is marked with the appearance of an animation that lasts five seconds.

The Big Bang e will be produced in two different editions: one in titanium and one in black ceramic. For the first time in Hublot's history, this watch will be sold online on the brand's website as well as on the Wechat network in China. It will then be available to purchase in boutiques and the traditional store network.

According to a survey from 3DInsider in June of 2019, 21 percent of all Americans, or about one in five, have stated that they regularly use or wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker. These figures are enough to push the sales numbers of smartwatches to 26.1 million units and fitness bands to 25 million units. Luxury smartwatches are seen as an important frontier for the watch industry.

photo: courtesy of Paul Wilmot Communications