Tom Austin Hublot celebrates its partnership with Swiss professional sailor Alain Roula with the launch of the new carbon fiber Big Bang Unico. Outfitted in the same yellow and black color scheme as Roula’s IMOCA race yacht, the Big Bang Unico Sailing Team embodies the cutting edge engineering employed in yachting. The limited edition of 100 pieces is priced at USD 25,200.
Alain Roula is one of the most talented Swiss sailors. In 2016-2017, he made history as the youngest skipper to complete the gruelling solo, non-stop round-the-world race, the Vendée Globe, at just 23 years old. Having gained experience in various offshore races and extended sailing trips, he eventually made his way onto the IMOCA circuit and continues to compete in prestigious races around the world. Known for his tenacity, determination and strategic approach to sailing, Roula is considered one of the most promising young talents in ocean racing.
In 2019, LULA and Hublot began a partnership that not only helped LULA improve the yacht’s performance in the 2020-21 Vendée Globe, but also helped forge a joint effort that represents Swiss innovation. Now in 2024, Hublot has released a new watch to celebrate the collaboration: the Big Bang Unico Sailing Team.
The Big Bang Unico is a relatively average-sized watch by Hublot standards, with a diameter of 42mm. The case is made from layers of woven carbon fiber in three planes, giving it optimal strength and ultra-lightweight properties. Hublot decided to choose this material because it matches the material used in Lula’s 60-foot sailing boat. Not only that, but it’s a perfect material for watch case design and one that Hublot has been using a lot recently. The result is a robust case that’s not too bulky, very functional in harsh conditions, and water resistant to 100 meters. The case layers themselves form part of the skeleton dial, which is protected by anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
The watch comes with two strap options, one made of bright yellow and black rubber and the other a black woven fabric coated with waterproof polyurethane and finished for a sail-like look. The strap is finished off with an innovative titanium and ceramic folding clasp to hold things in place. Again, more technical materials are used to show the watch’s intent. This is no play-it-all queen Hublot. They’ve designed this watch to withstand harsh environments, and it certainly looks like it’s up to the task.
That’s true inside, too: the watch is powered by the in-house HUB1280, a column-wheel flyback chronograph with a date function and a 72-hour power reserve. It’s a movement that doesn’t get much praise, despite being very high-tech, but Hublot is clearly confident in its robustness and has put it in a watch that’s meant to be used as a working watch.
Collaborative pieces sometimes don’t make sense. It’s often difficult to piece together why a brand would make a watch and name it after a specific person. Though it’s a niche field, Hublot has achieved its objective with the Big Bang Unico Sailing Team, which represents a direct involvement in the technological innovation of the yacht itself, a partnership with a hero of Swiss sailing, and a celebration of the success they’ve both achieved in such a short time.
Hublot Big Bang Unico Sailing Team Pricing and Availability
The Hublot Big Bang Unico Sailing Team is available now as a limited edition of 100 pieces. Price: USD 25,200
Brand Hublot Model Big Bang Unico Sailing Team Reference 441.QX.1149.NR.ARA24 Case Size 42mm (D) Case Material Carbon Fiber Water Resistance 100 meters Crystal Sapphire crystal front and back Dial Matte black, skeleton Strap Black fabric with velcro and ceramic buckle
Black and yellow rubber strap, pin buckle Movement HUB1280, in-house, automatic Power reserve 72 hours Functions Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, flyback chronograph Availability Limited to 100 pieces Price USD 25,200
