Words by Lindsey Vandal
Images by Tommy Shih
In a world obsessed with shortcuts, Hublot stands apart as a luxury horologist that prefers to take the scenic route. For anyone who’s had the pleasure of owning an Hublot, every glance at the dial is a reminder of the captivating power of expert craftsmanship, the timeless allure of elegance, and the integrity of endurance. Wearing a Big Bang, Classic Fusion, or MP Collection watch on one’s wrist can almost make time feel as if it is standing still.
Guided by its Art of Fusion ethos, Swiss watchmaker Hublot took the time-tracking scene by storm in 1980 with its exquisitely made timepieces that propelled the principals of functionality, architecture, and innovation to new heights. In Hublotʻs debut model, the Classic Original, founder Carlo Crocco dared to pair two divergent materials—gold and rubber—forging a reputation for audacity in design and forward-thinking watchmaking. Beset by 12 titanium screws, the nascent time machine bore a circular bezel inspired by a ship’s porthole—hublot in French—establishing an archetypal aesthetic that became the brand’s signature.
In 2005, Hublot released the Big Bang chronograph, the first model of its Big Bang flagship collection. Pairing a robust design and daring combination of materials, the tour-de-force timepiece won awards for its symphonic marriage of classic and contemporary elements. In future Big Bang iterations, Hublot engineers would integrate carbon, titanium, ceramic, tungsten, Kevlar, and sapphire to technical, paradigm-shifting extremes.
Hublot’s freshest Big Bang creation, the Big Bang UNICO ʻO Ka Mua, is an epic odyssey in horological engineering and Hublot’s sole timepiece created especially for Hawaiʻi. Graced with the Hawaiian phrase ‘ʻʻO Ka Mua” in the name, which translates as “the first,” the new rare-edition watch celebrates the momentous opening of Hublot’s Honolulu Boutique circa 2021, and reflects the pioneering spirit that put Hublot on the map.
Limited to 25 pieces, Hublot’s Hawaiʻi tribute is an unbridled expression of admiration for the majesty and magnetism of the Hawaiian Islands. The tropical-tinged timepiece presents a raw display of Hublot’s savoir-faire, seamlessly blending Polynesian motifs with Swiss watchmaking excellence. Energized by Polynesian heritage, the Big Bang UNICO ʻO Ka Mua incorporates a central sun—the source of life—framed by an intentional trio of Hawaiian iconography: The honu (turtle) evokes longevity and peace; the sharkʻs tooth signifies adaptability, protection, and guidance; the wave honors the constant of change and anticipation of the unknown.
Behind the extraordinary character and composition of Big Bang UNICO ʻO Ka Mua lies a masterful collaboration of watchmakers, physicists, chemists, and engineers. Hublot’s UNICO movement—an in-house automatic chronograph caliber—delivers enhanced performance via skeleton dials, a range of complications, and a precise column-wheel and dual-clutch mechanism curiously set on the dial side. With a 72-hour power reserve and silicon components in its escapement to minimize friction, the clever modular design also accommodates custom enhancements, making it a versatile and revolutionary element of Hublot’s distinguished watch collection.
Each handcrafted Big Bang UNICO ʻO Ka Mua is accompanied by two interchangeable straps—Hublot’s classic black-lined rubber strap and a versatile calf-leather strap artfully embossed with motifs mirroring the dial and case design. The inventive Greenbox Case, compatible with all current Hublot watch collections, is crafted entirely of oak and carved from mostly massive, traceable wood. A hearty, reusable marvel of sustainability, the caseʻs amalgamation of recycled fabric and paper, plastic yarn, PET, and cardboard succeeds in championing short supply chains and responsible sourcing.
A clear contender for Hublotʻs most remarkable embodiment of their unbroken oath to “Be First, Be Unique, Be Different,” the Big Bang UNICO ʻO Ka Mua is a strategic statement piece that demands seconds be savored, rather than spent. The limited-edition Hawaiʻi-devoted timepiece can be found exclusively through Hublotʻs Honolulu Ala Moana Boutique.
Discover more about the piece at the Hublot Honolulu Ala Moana Boutique or on Hublot.com
