A kinetic sculpture inspired by tattoos.
One of Hublot’s most enduring artistic collaborations is with Swiss creative agency and tattoo studio Sang Bleu. Founded by Swiss tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Büchi – who himself happens to be a true watch enthusiast – one of Sang Bleu’s signature tattoos is a symmetrical geometric pattern made of triangles, which is transformed into Sang Bleu’s unusual Time display watch.
Whereas the original Sang Bleu watch only had time, the Big Bang Sang Bleu II was a chronograph – at the time featuring triple Sang Bleu indications, and two chronographs.
The blue Sang Bleu case, available in titanium or 18k gold, tells the time by two large checkered hands – the classic Sang Bleu pattern – tipped with luminescent paint.
Likewise, the chronograph hands are presented as hollowed-out octagons. Reminiscent of a kinetic sculpture as the hands move, the look is striking and unique, though it detracts from legibility.
Samburu finishing
The triangular Sang Bleu motif continues on the bezel and case, essentially a geometric variation on the traditional Hublot Big Bang.
Notably, due to the alternating brushed and polished surfaces that cover the case, the brushed surfaces are actually laser-engraved linear patterns, since it is impossible to create alternating finishes on the same plane.
Because the Sang Bleu II is a chronograph, it is a large watch with a diameter of 45mm and a height of 16.5mm, which is much thicker than the original Sang Bleu, which only chronographed.
The wholesale watch is powered by the HUB1240.MXM UNICO, an in-house movement with a modular construction, with the automatic base movement underneath and the chronograph module beneath the dial.
Hublot Big Bang Sang Bleu II
Ref. 418.NX.5107.RX.MXM20 (Titanium)
Ref. 418.OX.5108.RX.MXM20 (King Gold)
Case Diameter: 45mm
Case height: 16.5 mm
Material: Titanium or 18k Gold
Water resistance: 100 meters
Movement: HUB1240.MXM UNICO
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, date and chronograph
Frequency: 28,800 beats per hour (4 Hz)
Winding: automatic
Power reserve: 72 hours
Strap: blue rubber