Hublot has once again pushed the boundaries of luxury watchmaking with its groundbreaking Big Bang Unico Magic Ceramic Limited Edition. As the world’s first commercially available multicoloured ceramic, Magic Ceramic represents a remarkable fusion of science, art, and innovation—a true testament to Hublot’s “Art of Fusion” ethos.
At the core of this extraordinary timepiece is Hublot’s patent-pending Magic Ceramic, a multicoloured ceramic material that is both homogeneous and richly vibrant. Developed in-house by Hublot’s R&D team, led by Director Mathias Buttet, this innovative process involves the incorporation of metallic oxide pigments into the ceramic blanks during the baking and moulding stages. Each pigment is exposed to different temperatures, creating unique patterns and hues that are visible throughout the material. Unlike traditional ceramics, which were limited to dull colors, Magic Ceramic offers vivid and saturated tones that are an intrinsic part of the material. In the Big Bang Unico Magic Ceramic, these processes result in a dark grey ceramic bezel adorned with intense blue circles arranged in an organic, seemingly random pattern—each of the 20 pieces boasting its own distinctive geometric design.
The Big Bang Unico Magic Ceramic Limited Edition is a true visual spectacle. The 42mm case, crafted from microblasted and polished black ceramic, exudes a modern, almost glass-like finish. Its substantial 14.50mm thickness and sleek contours create a commanding presence on the wrist, while the bezel, enhanced with Magic Ceramic, serves as the centerpiece of the design. The bezel’s unique blue circles, which extend seamlessly through the ceramic, evoke a sense of dynamic motion and abstract art.
Beneath the case, the matt black openworked dial provides a striking contrast, featuring large luminous, applied markers and hands that ensure superb legibility in any lighting conditions. The dial design is meticulously executed to harmonize with the multi-coloured ceramic bezel, resulting in a cohesive and bold aesthetic that is unmistakably Hublot.
Driving this avant-garde creation is Hublot’s very own HUB1280 UNICO manufacture movement—a self-winding flyback chronograph movement that underscores the brand’s technical excellence. Operating at 4Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offering a power reserve of approximately 72 hours, the HUB1280 UNICO is a marvel of modern engineering. Composed of 354 finely finished components and 43 jewels, the movement is polished in dark grey tones to perfectly complement the overall design. Its integration into the case is not only a demonstration of Hublot’s in-house capabilities but also a reflection of the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every element of the watch.
The Big Bang Unico Magic Ceramic is designed to deliver both performance and comfort. The watch is paired with a full black-lined rubber strap that adds a contemporary touch while ensuring durability and a secure fit. The strap, featuring a deployant buckle crafted from black ceramic and black-plated titanium, reinforces the modern aesthetic and offers a striking contrast to the vivid Magic Ceramic bezel. This combination of materials and textures creates an eye-catching, cohesive look that is as comfortable for everyday wear as it is impressive in formal settings.
In a nod to exclusivity, Hublot has limited the Big Bang Unico Magic Ceramic to just 20 numbered pieces. This ultra-limited production run not only enhances its collectible appeal but also reflects the high level of craftsmanship and innovative technology behind the watch. Priced at USD 33,000 (or 30,000 CHF, 34,300 EUR, 28,300 GBP), this limited edition timepiece is positioned as a truly unique offering in the luxury market, one that will undoubtedly be coveted by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Reference: 441.CIB.1171.RX
Case/Dial: 42mm Microblasted and Polished Black Ceramic. “One-Click” System.
Movement: HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture, Automatic
Functions: Seconds, Minute, Hours.Chronograph, Date. , 72h power reserve
Style: Chronograph
Price: $33,000.00
We acknowledge that opinions on Hublot’s new Magic Ceramic are divided. Some critics note that colored bezels aren’t entirely new—pointing out that brands like Rolex have explored similar concepts—yet we believe Hublot’s approach is refreshingly distinct. We appreciate how the integration of multiple pigments into a homogeneous ceramic material creates vibrant, organic patterns that truly push the boundaries of traditional design. While a few find the overall look too bold or even jarring, we see it as a daring and innovative evolution. We’re intrigued by the potential for this technology to drive production costs down over time, which could broaden its appeal among watch enthusiasts. Ultimately, we view Hublot’s experiment with Magic Ceramic as an exciting, forward-thinking step that reaffirms the brand’s commitment to innovation and creative risk-taking.
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
REFERENCE | 441.CIB.1171.RX |
CASE | Microblasted and Polished Black Ceramic; “One-Click” System; Size: 42 MM; Thickness: 14.50 MM; Water Resistance: 10 ATM / 100 M |
CASEBACK | Microblasted and Polished Black Ceramic and Sapphire Crystal with Anti-reflective Treatment |
BEZEL | Polished Bi-color Black Ceramic with twilight blue dots |
DIAL | Matt black |
Movement Details | |
Movement | HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture Self-winding Chronograph Flyback Movement |
Main Plate & Bridges | Black-plated |
Date Calendar Display | At 3.00 |
Oscillating Weight | Black-plated |
Finish | Circular Satin-finished Tungsten |
Frequency | 4 Hz (28,800 A/h) |
Power Reserve | Approx. 72 Hours |
Number of Components | 354 |
Jewels | 43 |
STRAP AND CLASP | Full Black Lined Rubber Strap; Black Ceramic and Black-plated Titanium Deployant Buckle Clasp |
PRICE | 30,000 CHF; 34,300 EUR; 33,000 USD |
Reference: 441.CIB.1171.RX
Case/Dial: 42mm Microblasted and Polished Black Ceramic. “One-Click” System.
Movement: HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture, Automatic
Functions: Seconds, Minute, Hours.Chronograph, Date. , 72h power reserve
Style: Chronograph
Price: $33,000.00
Interested in exploring more of Hublot’s innovative designs? Check out our Popular Hublot Watches article for an overview of their most admired pieces, and dive deeper with our Popular Hublot Big Bang Watches feature. For a detailed comparison between brands, our Hublot vs. Rolex analysis is a must-read, while our review of the Hublot MECA-10 42mm Titanium King Gold Frosted Carbon showcases the brand’s cutting-edge material innovations.
Reference: 441.CIB.1171.RX
Case/Dial: 42mm Microblasted and Polished Black Ceramic. “One-Click” System.
Movement: HUB1280 UNICO Manufacture, Automatic
Functions: Seconds, Minute, Hours.Chronograph, Date. , 72h power reserve
Style: Chronograph
Price: $33,000.00