ReviewSquare Fusion: Presenting The Hublot Square Bang Unico

When one thinks of square-shaped watches, the first brand names that pop into one’s mind are maybe a Cartier, Rado or TAG Heuer. Certainly not Hublot. This is a watch brand best known and loved for a specific kind of shape and watch: like the porthole-inspired bezel designs, and large Classic Fusion watches. Naturally then, at the Watches and Wonders 2022 in Geneva, when Hublot unveiled the all-new Square Bang Unico timepiece, many a jaw dropped. With a new geometric design to its popular Big Bang collection, the brand’s first-ever square watch ensures that it holds up to the character that the Big Bang has established over the years.

Round Fusion

The square is a divisive, disruptive and unconventional shape to take on when it comes to wristwatches. Unlike in round timepieces, square cases are not easy to get right: the proportions and aesthetics of the square do not follow the natural fluidity of a round watch. Hublot took on the challenge to create the uniquely-crafted Square Bang Unico, and they’ve managed to do it right. Every calibre we know of usually consists of a wheel as its primary component, hence the extensive use of round movement and closed casebacks. It takes expertise—and a specific flair—to place a round movement into a square case.

Hublot took a radically different approach by fitting the square case with Hublot’s round-shaped Unico family of automatic chronograph movements, along with an open caseback. The HUB1280 Unico Manufacture movement consists of up to 354 components, and clocks in a power reserve of 72 hours.

The Hublot Square Bang Unico is available in five editions; a 250-piece limited edition all-black ceramic, titanium and ceramic, titanium, King Gold (seen here)

Fusion Unravelled

With the Square Bang Unico, Hublot also faced the challenge of constructing a new case shape, while ensuring it features all the elements that make the Big Bang collection exceptional. The 42mm square case, with a thickness of 14.5mm, houses all the design codes you would expect from a modern Big Bang watch. From the six (functional) screws on the bezel to the lugs, it’s all there. Hublot also pulled off another challenge with the watch’s guaranteed water resistance of 100m. The open-worked dial offers a fantastic view of the movement working within. Built according to the sandwich-style construction, the dial presents different levels of depth and architectural-feel. The Hublot Square Bang Unico is available in five editions; a 250-piece limited edition all-black ceramic, titanium and ceramic, titanium, King Gold (alloy of gold containing mainly platinum, with a warmer tone than the traditional 18-karat gold) and ceramic, and finally, a complete King Gold version.

The disruptive and unconventional shape of the watch makes it all the more attractive

The open casebook allows a clear view of the calibre from Hublot’s family of round-shaped Unico automatic chronograph movements

Each model comes with a black structured rubber strap and a folding clasp made from the case material of the corresponding watch. Thanks to the brand’s interchangeable system, you can quickly change the look of your watch with just one click.