Avid tattoo artist and designer Maxime Buchi is back in blue for another limited edition wrist sculpture of his.
During LVMH Watch Week in Dubai, Hublot launched the Big Bang Integral collection with an integrated bracelet, as well as the third generation of tattoo artist Maxime Buchi’s Big Bang Unico Sang Bleu II chronograph. The overall design and functionality of the Sang Bleu II are the same as the two existing models, but the color scheme for 2020 is a matte blue, the same blue used by tattoo artists when they create them. A bold (to say the least) combination of geometry and volume, this latest Sang Blue II chronograph is available in a limited edition of 100 pieces in king gold and 200 pieces in titanium.
“It” tattoo artist
Collaborations, partnerships, limited editions, bespoke editions, designer straps, it’s all there… Many watch brands are looking for that “cool” factor that appeals to millennials’ ingenuity and high desire. Since its explosion on the market in 2005, the Big Bang collection has been all about bold, super classy, modern and often explosive designs and innovative materials. With tattoos all the rage, Hublot decided to contact Maxime Buchi, the “it tattoo artist” of our time. One of the most sought-after fashion tattoo artists, with studios in Zurich and London, and a design agency called Sang Blue, dedicated to providing artistic designs ranging from sunglasses to capsule collections for brands like Nike – Buchi is Contemporary cool incarnation.
Samburu II
Following the success of the Sang Bleu first edition in 2016 (which sold out), Hublot introduced an enhanced second edition in 2019 with a chronograph function and a more complicated 3D dial. Like the second-generation Big Bang Sang Bleu II model in the collection with a black dial and black rubber strap, the new model’s 45mm case is imposing, angular, with a seemingly endless array of geometric shapes. set.
The shapes of certain elements of the Big Bang case, in both titanium and Hublot’s proprietary King Gold, have succumbed to the geometry Buchi uses in his tattoos (look at the one on his head and you’ll see see what we mean). Abandoning the usual round shape, the bezel uses the classic 6 H-shaped titanium screws to create a hexagonal profile. Even the central metal lip that stretches from the case to the rubber strap is engraved with triangles to continue the dazzling array of shapes geometrically. Surfaces elevate the geometry with alternating polished and satin-brushed finishes. The black rubber-covered crown and rectangular chronograph pushers complete the case, which is water-resistant to 100 meters.
complex dial
The skeletonized dial performs a 3D geometric acrobatics-like feat, with countless layers creating a strong sense of depth and complexity. Reading time takes some practice, and looking up elapsed time on the sub-counter is a serious challenge. This is clearly not designed as a high-performance chronograph, although stopping and resetting the chronograph seconds provides some extra functionality.
The central seconds hand of the chronograph extends the entire diameter of the dial, indicating the seconds on a sloping matte blue seconds track. Hours and minutes are indicated by arrow-shaped hands placed on a quadrilateral kite-shaped structure. There are two hexagonal rotating sub-dials hidden beneath the rich elements, one at 3 o’clock for the elapsed minutes and one on the left for the small seconds. There’s also a date window, hidden between 4 and 5 o’clock on a matte blue ring, to show the hours. Parts of the movement are visible as the central hour and minute hands revolve around the dial. Shopping replica watches
move
The sapphire caseback showcases the Hublot Manufacture Unico automatic flyback chronograph movement with column wheel (HUB1240.MXM). Running at 28,800 vibrations per hour, it has a power reserve of 72 hours. The rotor was designed by Buchi.
The theme matte blue extends to the rubber strap, which features an elongated V-shape that matches the triangle on the lugs, with a black rubber bezel and a black-plated deployant clasp. Both versions of this very bold Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu II are limited editions: Titanium, Gold.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS – HUBLOT BIG BANG SANG BLEU II
Case: 45mm diameter x 16.50mm height – Titanium or King Gold – Polished and satin-finished – Black rubber-covered crown – Rectangular chronograph pushers – Sapphire crystal and case back – 100m water resistance
Dial: Matte blue, skeletonized
Movement: HUB1240.MXM UNICO Made Automatic Flight Chronograph with Column Wheel – 28,000vph/4Hz – 72 Hours Power Reserve – 330 Components – 38 Jewels
Strap: Blue Rubber, Black Bezel – Sang Bleu Titanium or King Gold Deployment Clasp
Reference: 418.NX.5107.RX.MXM20 Titanium
418.OX.5108.RX.MXM20 King Gold