Squaring up with the best of the best
Three years ago, Hublot surprised the world with something unusual and uncharacteristic of the watch company; it unveiled its very first square watch called the Square Bang! The classic round has been the staple shape of Hublot’s since the company was first conceived, followed by the tonneau-shaped Spirit of the Big Bang. Now, it is the square with rounded edges. Need we say more? It was a hit, as the shape is unconventional, but also a welcome change, and the timing was perfect, as the world was ready for a change.
The Square Bang added that powerful edge that further cemented the sporty spirit of the watch. Since then, we have seen the Square Bang’s prolific rollout of 20 different variations so far, and they are all aesthetically equally pleasing. They are all chronographs with manufacture movements. As the name is a dead giveaway, the latest member of the family is completely different, as it moves away from the athletic heart to a more sober and gentle side of the horological world of high complications.
The Hublot Square Bang Tourbillon 4-Day Power Reserve is indeed a beauty, a black beauty at that, which possesses the elements of classic elegance, sophistication and modern aesthetics with a spirit of sportiness, which culminates in a versatile timepiece with modern timelessness. It features a 3D-printed carbon fibre with a square grid pattern, and its sic ‘H’ titanium screws are bolted onto the 3D-printed 42mm carbon fibre case with a squared grid pattern, incorporating the ‘one-click’ system.
The main attraction, without doubt, is the skeleton openwork dial, featuring the hand-wound Manufacture Calibre MHUB6023 with a 96-hour power reserve. The black-plated skeletal bridge and the sub-dial at nine o’clock, which displays the power reserve indicator, contrast with the rhodium-plated gears and mainspring, while the entire tourbillon escapement at six o’clock lies below the blackened bridge. Above the sapphire dial are appliqué hour indices, and the skeleton hour and minute hands are rhodium-plated and filled with SuperLuminova.
The openness of the skeleton dial enhances its sophistication, making it irresistibly alluring to those who have an inclination towards square watches and an extra appreciation for the skeleton dial, as it looks just as good from the caseback. Even if they are not in your thoughts, you must admit they are a beautiful work of art, and you could just be persuaded. Their skilful executions of the dial and the architecture are enough to take one’s breath away.
