Hublot recaptures the essence of its manufacture with a series of models made entirely from yellow gold

Hear the name Hublot and it’s likely you’ll think of big, bold timepieces worn by the likes of Usain Bolt, Novak Djokovic and Kylian Mbappé. But when the Swiss luxury brand was founded some 40 years ago, the concept of a sport chic watch didn’t even exist. In fact, Hublot was the first to combine a gold case and rubber strap – an innovation that has since defined the brand and come to be known as the “Art of Fusion”.

Now, as it embarks on its fifth decade, Hublot is paying tribute to the original essence of the manufacture with the release of six new models made entirely from yellow gold. Each Classic Fusion, Big Bang and Spirit of Big Bang represents a piece of history – tracing directly back to the Classic Original of 1980 – while charting a course for decades to come.

“This is the first time we have unveiled such a rich set of pieces based on a single theme,” says CEO Ricardo Guadalupe. “The best way to reiterate our continued connection to our DNA and our ongoing commitment to forging our future!”

While sharing the common denominator of yellow gold and black, the new models also mark important chapters in Hublot’s history. First and closest to the original is the Classic Fusion Chronograph, produced for the first time in yellow gold with a diameter of 42mm. Other features of this model include a self-winding flyback chronograph movement with column wheel, matte-black skeleton dial and black structured lined rubber strap.

This is followed by the Big Bang Integral, entirely crafted from a single block of solid gold including the case, bezel and bracelet. This dazzling piece also comes in a fully set pavé version and a haute joaillerie version with diamonds and baguette-cut diamonds on the dial, case, bracelet, buckle and bezel.

Lastly, the Big Bang Unico and Spirit of Big Bang celebrate the latest generation of Hublot’s contemporary collections. The Big Bang is the first to feature a 42mm case crafted entirely from yellow gold with a rubber strap and Unico movement. It is the ultimate embodiment of the brand’s 100% manufacture ethos, and features a calibre with a three-day power reserve and an exterior that fuses yellow gold, deep black, skeleton work, performance and power.

The sculptural Spirit of Big Bang, meanwhile, features a sleek tonneau-shaped 42mm case with alternating straight lines and curves in a blend of polished and satin-finished yellow gold. In addition to a skeleton movement, it shares its One Click interchangeable strap system with the Big Bang and is powered by the calibre HUB4700, one of the most accurate movements available with a rate of 5 Hz (36,000 vib/h).

The “Art of Fusion” may have been first expressed by the revolutionary alliance of gold and rubber but, as these models prove, the spirit of innovation continues to drive Hublot forward as it shapes the future of watchmaking.

Also see: VCA: the beauty and vitality of spring