Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM: A Watchmaking Innovation

In the ever-evolving landscape of haute horlogerie, innovation is the heartbeat that drives the industry forward. Hublot, a brand renowned for blending art, technology, and craftsmanship, has taken a monumental leap by introducing its Green SAXEM creation. This revolutionary material innovation has set new standards in luxury watchmaking, culminating in the creating of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM. In a limited edition of just 18 pieces, this masterpiece fuses cutting‑edge science with classic elegance, inviting collectors and enthusiasts to embrace a future where tradition meets advanced material engineering. Over the following sections, we will explore the science behind Green SAXEM, the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into every detail, and the groundbreaking design of Hublot’s latest timepiece.

The Birth of Green SAXEM: A Revolutionary Material

The Origins of SAXEM

To appreciate the brilliance of Green SAXEM, one must first understand its origins. SAXEM stands for Sapphire Aluminium Oxide and Rare Earth Mineral, a unique compound that originated not in the world of luxury watchmaking but in satellite technology. Initially developed for space applications, SAXEM was designed to withstand extreme conditions while offering superior optical properties. Its remarkable durability and transparency, traits it shares with sapphire crystal, quickly caught the attention of Hublot’s research and development teams.

Transitioning from Satellite Technology to Haute Horlogerie

Hublot’s Metallurgy & Materials laboratory is no stranger to challenges. Known for pushing the limits of what is possible with materials like carbon, titanium, and sapphire, the team set its sights on achieving an emerald-like green transparency that traditional sapphire simply could not provide. After extensive research and development, the breakthrough came when they combined aluminum oxide with select rare earth elements. This innovative fusion resulted in a material with a unique cubic structure, unlike the trigonal form of standard sapphire. The result is Green SAXEM—a material that meets the stringent demands of luxury watchmaking and offers an unprecedented luminous intensity and chromatic depth.

Key Advantages of Green SAXEM

Several factors make Green SAXEM a true game‑changer in the realm of horology:

Enhanced Colour Saturation: Incorporating rare earth elements allows Green SAXEM to display a vibrant, intense emerald green that surpasses the color capabilities of traditional sapphire.

Superior Transparency and Hardness: While retaining the core benefits of sapphire, Green SAXEM is rigid and transparent, ensuring durability and aesthetic appeal.

Innovative Molecular Structure: The cubic formation of Green SAXEM provides it with a distinct optical character, enabling it to catch and reflect light in a way that creates a dazzling visual experience.

Inspired by High-Tech Origins: Drawing on its roots in satellite technology, Green SAXEM embodies a blend of scientific precision and creative ingenuity, making it an ideal candidate for pushing the boundaries of design in luxury timepieces.

Hublot’s Pioneering Journey in Watchmaking Innovation

A Tradition of Fusion

Hublot has always embraced the “Art of Fusion” philosophy—the seamless blending of different materials, styles, and technologies to create something extraordinary. Since its inception in 1980, Hublot has challenged conventional watchmaking techniques, combining precious metals with unconventional materials like rubber to produce distinctive and innovative designs. This approach has revolutionized how watches are made and redefined what collectors expect from a luxury timepiece.

The Evolution of the Big Bang Collection

In 2005, Hublot introduced the Big Bang, a watch that quickly symbolized innovation and bold design. Over the years, the Big Bang collection has continuously evolved, integrating advanced complications and state-of-the-art materials. With the launch of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM, Hublot elevates its legacy by introducing a material that is as innovative as it is beautiful. This limited-edition watch pays homage to Hublot’s dedication to pushing technical boundaries and crafting visually arresting and mechanically superior timepieces.

The Vision Behind the Green SAXEM Edition

Hublot’s commitment to innovation is not solely about creating beautiful objects but about reimagining what is possible. The decision to use Green SAXEM was born out of a desire to break free from the constraints of traditional sapphire crystal. By leveraging a material originally developed for satellite technology, Hublot has created a watch that is as much a piece of art as a technical marvel. This visionary approach has allowed the brand to produce a timepiece representing the pinnacle of material science and watchmaking expertise.

In-Depth Look at the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM

A Closer Look at the Case: The Emerald Green Masterpiece

At the heart of this remarkable timepiece lies its case, crafted entirely from Green SAXEM. The case is not merely a container for the movement but a statement of innovation and design excellence.

Emerald Green Transparency

Vibrant Hue: The case exhibits an intense emerald-green transparency that is impossible to ignore. This unique coloration directly results from the rare earth elements integrated into the Green SAXEM material.

Visual Impact: Light interacts with the case, producing a dazzling play of reflections and refractions reminiscent of a precious gemstone. This effect is heightened by the material’s cubic structure, allowing for a more dynamic interaction with light than traditional sapphire.

Precision Engineering and Craftsmanship

• State-of-the-Art Polishing: Each case undergoes meticulous polishing to achieve a flawless finish, showcasing the transparency of the Green SAXEM material to perfection.
• Innovative Construction: Hublot’s commitment to craftsmanship is evident in the precise engineering of the case. The seamless integration of modern design elements with traditional watchmaking techniques results in a robust and aesthetically stunning case.

The Tourbillon Movement: Engineering Marvel

One of the most compelling features of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is its revolutionary tourbillon movement. This movement is a true masterpiece of mechanical engineering, designed and developed entirely in-house by Hublot.

Key Features of the MHUB6035 Manufacture Calibre

• Automatic Tourbillon Functionality: The movement incorporates a self-winding mechanism, ensuring smooth and efficient operation. With a chronometric power reserve of approximately 72 hours, this watch is built to deliver precision and reliability.
• 22-Karat Gold Micro-Rotor: The movement’s core is a 22-karat gold micro-rotor. This exquisite component symbolizes luxury and enhances the movement’s overall performance.
• Ceramic Ball Bearings: The winding system’s inclusion of ceramic ball bearings minimizes friction and ensures the movement’s longevity. This innovative feature contributes to the watch’s remarkable accuracy and durability.
• Open Dial Design: One of the most visually captivating aspects of the tourbillon movement is its open dial. Three functional sapphire elements—dedicated to the barrel bridge, automatic winding gears bridge, and tourbillon barrette—allow onlookers a rare glimpse into the intricate mechanics at work within the movement.

The Dial and Display: A Symphony of Design and Functionality

The dial of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is as thoughtfully designed as its mechanical components. It marries form and function in an elegant and legible display.

Contrasting Tones and Super-LumiNova Markers

Open Dial Aesthetics: The dial is finished in deep, contrasting black tones, providing a dramatic backdrop for the intricately designed movement visible through it.

Arabic Numerals and Baton Markers: Alternating Arabic numerals and baton markers are meticulously painted in bright green using Super-LumiNova. This enhances legibility and reinforces the watch’s distinctive emerald theme.

Sunray-Brushed Finishing: The dial elements are treated with sandblasting and hand-decorated polished bevelling, culminating in a sunray-brushed finish that adds depth and sophistication to the overall design.

Finishing Touches: The Strap and Clasp

No luxury timepiece is complete without attention to the finer details, and the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is no exception. Every element complements the case and the movement, ensuring a harmonious and luxurious final product.

The Strap: A Blend of Innovation and Comfort

• Transparent Green Rubber: The strap is crafted from transparent green rubber, in keeping with the watch’s innovative theme. This choice reinforces the overall aesthetic and provides comfort and durability.
• Design Harmony: The strap’s green hue is carefully matched to the case, creating a unified visual statement that is both striking and sophisticated.

The Clasp: Secure and Stylish

• Black Folding Clasp: The black folding clasp provides security and an additional element of contrast. Designed with the same attention to detail as the rest of the watch, it is as functional as it is stylish.
• Additional Options: For those seeking variety, Hublot offers an additional strap option: a fabric strap featuring a transparent green lining paired with a black Velcro fastener, merging comfort with avant-garde style.

The Intersection of Technology, Craftsmanship, and Art

Combining Traditional Techniques with Modern Innovations

Hublot’s approach to watchmaking is a masterclass in the art of fusion. The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM was created after years of research, testing, and refinement. By integrating traditional watchmaking techniques with groundbreaking innovations in material science, Hublot has created a timepiece that is as much an art object as a mechanical wonder.

The Role of the Metallurgy & Materials Laboratory

Pioneering Research: Hublot’s in‑house laboratory has been instrumental in developing new materials that push the boundaries of watchmaking. The laboratory’s work with sapphire crystal and its various hues laid the foundation for the exploration that led to Green SAXEM.

Collaboration of Experts: This breakthrough was achieved through the close cooperation of watchmakers, scientists, and engineers committed to creating something unique. Their combined expertise allowed them to understand and manipulate the properties of aluminum oxide at a molecular level, ultimately producing a material with the desired intensity and vibrancy.

The Symbolism of Green in Watchmaking

Green has long been associated with hope, vitality, and renewal. In the Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Green SAXEM context, green is more than a design choice—it symbolizes innovation and the future. The intense emerald tone of Green SAXEM embodies a fresh, forward‑thinking vision that marries the time‑honored traditions of watchmaking with the possibilities of tomorrow’s technology.

Environmental and Technological Connotations

• Eco-Inspired Innovation: As the world increasingly turns to sustainable practices and eco‑friendly innovations, the watch’s green hue can also be seen as a nod to a cleaner, more innovative future in technology and design.
• A New Era of Material Science: By embracing materials originating from satellite technology, Hublot reinforces its commitment to exploring and utilizing materials that can transform watchmaking and the broader scope of technological applications.

The Collector’s Perspective: Exclusivity and Legacy

Limited Edition Rarity

One of the most compelling aspects of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is its exclusivity. Only 18 pieces were produced worldwide, making this watch destined to become a coveted collector’s item.

A Timeless Investment

• Scarcity: The watch’s extreme rarity ensures that it will retain—and likely increase—its value over time. Collectors and investors alike are drawn to innovative, limited-production pieces.
• Legacy of Innovation: Owning a Hublot timepiece is not just about having a luxury watch but about owning a piece of horological history. The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM, with its pioneering use of Green SAXEM, is a testament to Hublot’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence.

The Art of Storytelling in Watchmaking

Each Hublot timepiece tells a story that encapsulates passion, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of perfection. The story behind Green SAXEM is one of exploration and discovery. It begins in the laboratories where scientists experiment with new materials, continues through the hands of master craftsmen, and is finally embodied in a watch that captures the imagination.

Crafting a Legacy

• Narrative of Innovation: The Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is more than a watch; it is a narrative of technological advancement and artistic creativity. It tells how a material once used for satellites can be transformed into wearable art.
• Heritage and Modernity: This timepiece bridges the gap between heritage and modernity—respecting the traditional values of craftsmanship while boldly venturing into uncharted territories of material science and design.

The Future of Haute Horlogerie: Where Tradition Meets Technology

Setting New Benchmarks in Luxury Watchmaking

The release of the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM signals that innovation is the future of luxury watchmaking. Hublot’s willingness to experiment with new materials and push the limits of what is possible sets a benchmark for the entire industry.

A Glimpse into Tomorrow

• Technological Integration: As technology evolves, so will the materials and techniques used to create luxury watches. Green SAXEM represents just the beginning of a new era in which advanced material science plays a crucial role in defining the future of horology.
• Inspirational Impact: This breakthrough will likely inspire other watchmakers to explore unconventional materials and innovative production methods, ultimately leading to even more revolutionary timepieces in the years to come.

The Role of Sustainability and Innovation

In today’s world, sustainability and innovation go hand in hand. Hublot’s venture into developing Green SAXEM also reflects a broader trend in the luxury industry that emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and forward-thinking innovation.

Eco-Friendly Innovation

• Resourceful Material Usage: By repurposing a material initially designed for satellite technology, Hublot demonstrates how resources from one high‑tech field can be ingeniously adapted to another, reducing waste and encouraging creative reusability.
• A Sustainable Future: While the production of Green SAXEM is driven by innovation, it also signals a move toward more sustainable practices in luxury watchmaking. The use of advanced materials that offer longevity and enduring beauty is a step in the right direction toward reducing the environmental impact of manufacturing processes.

Conclusion

The Hublot Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is a monumental achievement in haute horlogerie. By harnessing the extraordinary properties of Green SAXEM, Hublot has not only reimagined what a luxury timepiece can be but has also set new standards for innovation and design. This limited edition watch—restricted to just 18 pieces—is a perfect amalgamation of traditional craftsmanship, advanced material science, and visionary design.

From its vibrant emerald green case, which captures light in a dazzling interplay of reflections, to its meticulously engineered tourbillon movement, which showcases the pinnacle of mechanical precision, every element of this timepiece has been crafted with an unwavering commitment to excellence. The open dial, finished in contrasting black tones, and the intricately painted markers using Super-LumiNova further underscore the watch’s dual nature as an engineering marvel and a work of art.

Green SAXEM’s journey, from its origins in satellite technology to its transformation into a coveted material for luxury watches, is a story of relentless innovation and creative bravery. It embodies the spirit of a brand that dares to dream beyond conventional boundaries and challenges the status quo. For collectors and enthusiasts, the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM is more than just a watch—it is a legacy of ingenuity, a symbol of sustainable innovation, and a beacon for the future of haute horlogerie.

As we look ahead, it is clear that Hublot’s bold foray into advanced materials will continue to inspire and influence the watchmaking world. The synthesis of technology and art in this timepiece offers a glimpse into a future where luxury is redefined by innovation, and every tick of the second hand is a celebration of human creativity and engineering prowess.

Embrace the future of luxury watchmaking with Hublot’s Green SAXEM, a creation that marries nature’s beauty with science’s brilliance. This ensures that every moment is measured in perfection and that every watch tells a story of passion, precision, and innovation.