Samuel Ross and Hublot’s Take on a Big Bang Chronograph Is Cool, Accessible and Very Wearable

Why It Matters

The collaboration blends high‑tech watchmaking with avant‑garde design, expanding Hublot’s market reach while showcasing the commercial potential of limited‑edition, wearable luxury pieces.

Key Takeaways

• Ross wins Hublot Design Prize 2019, now co‑creates watch
• Big Bang Unico SR_A limited to 200 pieces
• Monochrome ceramic case paired with honeycomb rubber strap
• Unico chronograph movement offers clean aesthetic, visible mechanisms
• Design prioritises weight reduction, sweat‑free wearability

Pulse Analysis

The Hublot Big Bang Unico SR_A represents a strategic pivot for the Swiss brand, marrying its signature bold aesthetics with a more restrained, functional design language. Samuel Ross, known for his architectural approach to fashion, leverages his material expertise to strip back the usual flamboyance of the Big Bang line. By opting for a monochrome ceramic case and a honeycomb‑patterned rubber strap, the watch reduces visual clutter while still delivering the brand’s hallmark material contrast, appealing to collectors who value both form and engineering clarity.

From a technical standpoint, the SR_A is powered by Hublot’s in‑house Unico chronograph movement, a first for a signature collaboration. This movement offers a clean, legible dial and exposes the inner workings through strategic perforations, reinforcing Ross’s focus on tactile performance. The lightweight construction, achieved through carbon‑fiber‑inspired honeycomb detailing, not only lessens the watch’s mass but also mitigates sweat accumulation, enhancing comfort for daily wear. Such functional priorities signal a shift toward practicality in luxury horology, where wearability can be as decisive as exclusivity.

Market-wise, limiting the release to 200 pieces creates scarcity while positioning the piece as an entry point into Hublot’s high‑end segment. The collaboration taps into Ross’s cultural cachet, attracting a younger, design‑savvy demographic that might otherwise overlook traditional Swiss watchmakers. By delivering a piece that is both collectible and comfortably wearable, Hublot strengthens its brand narrative of innovative material use and broadens its appeal in an increasingly competitive luxury watch market.