For collectors familiar with Hublot’s pioneering approach to materials and design, the Big Bang 42mm Unico Sailing Team represents a significant model. The case is crafted from polished and satin-finished King Gold, a proprietary 18k alloy with a distinctive, durable rose hue. The 42mm diameter offers a modern presence on the wrist. The dial is a skeletonized layout, revealing the mechanics of the movement beneath, and is protected by a sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective treatment. The watch is fitted with a black fabric strap, a technical choice that aligns with its nautical theme, secured with a matching King Gold deployant buckle. The overall aesthetic is intentionally avant-garde, focusing on a sporty yet complex visual identity.
The heart of this watch is the Hublot Unico HUB1280 manufacture movement. This is a self-winding flyback chronograph caliber with a column wheel visible on the dial side. The movement operates at 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offers a power reserve of approximately 72 hours. The flyback function allows for instantaneous resetting and restarting of the chronograph with a single push of the lower pusher, a complication developed for timing sequential events. The movement’s architecture is fully displayed through the skeleton dial, showcasing its bridges, mainplate, and the oscillating weight, all with a dark, technical finishing that complements the watch’s color scheme.
This specific example is in new, mint condition and is accompanied by its full set of documentation, including the official e-warranty. From an investment perspective, this reference occupies a distinct position within Hublot’s catalog. Its connection to the Sailing Team, the use of King Gold, and the 42mm case size make it a noteworthy piece for a brand more commonly associated with larger formats. The combination of a precious metal case with a high-performance, in-house flyback chronograph movement in a sporty configuration is a compelling proposition. For a collector, this model represents a specific and innovative chapter in Hublot’s development, likely to maintain its relevance and desirability among enthusiasts of the brand’s groundbreaking technical and material achievements.
