Watch Brands will release special editions on every occasion, from anniversary of founding and well-known models to signatures of new ambassadors and openings of new flagship boutiques. Introducing the Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 concrete jungle. This is a special edition watch launched to celebrate the flagship boutique of the new Hublot Fifth Avenue. In concrete, it is a material that reflects the façade of the new shop, and almost everything else in the “Concrete Jungle” that is Manhattan. It is not the first time a Nayeon-based manufacturer has built a wristwatch using building materials from the brutal association. Nevertheless, clocks made from the same things as NYC sidewalks are still odd. Also, is it cool or is it literally fetched too?
Let’s start by answering the two questions we asked in the intro. Hublot has used the right platform to create a concrete homage watch for the new NYC boutique. The MECA-10 is the most industrial-looking watch in Hublot’s collection. It is mainly thanks to the movement that shows the visual portrait of Meccano, a construction toy, and the caliber has since been given an inspiration and name. This watch is not a world premiere as it follows the 2016 Big Bang and the 2020 Classic Fusion and 2022 Classic Fusion Concrete Sands of the Concrete Jungle series. Still, concrete clocks aren’t something you see every day. In my opinion, the colour and construction of the unusual material makes for a cool watch.
Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Concrete Jungle is a special NYC edition
Hublot Big Bang Meca-10 Concrete Jungle Jungle (US $34,100/ref. 424.xc.5510.nr.nyc25) shows the industrial lakshri aesthetic with a look covered in concrete and black brushing aluminum. As you can imagine, the concrete in the watch case is a little different to the materials used in buildings and pavements. Hublot uses a type of concrete made from fine cement mixed with epoxy resin. This is a water replacement ingredient in standard “recipes” industrial concrete. To strengthen the case, Hublot’s concrete is free of steel. Instead of traditional steel, the brand uses fiberglass to further strengthen its structure.
To prevent discoloration, the mix also has anti-UV additives. Still, the most ingenious feature of concrete watches is the “graffiti anti-graffiti” treatment that Hublot uses to complete the case. It will not only prevent vandalism by Rogue Street artists, but it will also protect lawsuits from dirt that may be picked up in everyday life. Let me say this: If you’re a messy eater, ketchup from your cheeseburger won’t stain your grey concrete clock.
Big Bang Mecha-10 Concrete Jungle Outside and Inside
Not long ago, Hublot introduced three new 42mm Big Bang Meca-10 models. However, the concrete jungle has a 44mm case, which is suitable for big apple and American tastes. It also follows other exotic Big Bang Mecha-10 references. The MECA-10 “Sapphire Master” introduced between this year’s watch and wonder also had a large 44mm case. The NYC edition’s 44mm concrete case has a 15.3mm thickness and a 50m water resistance rating, rather than the 100m specification offered by the remaining iterations of the MECA-10.
The matte case has a bezel made from the same material as the grainy appearance. Shows polished microblasted titanium H-shaped screws. A matching caseback completes the look, while a satin-finished titanium crown with a black rubber cover also fits the theme. This watch comes with a velcro zipper and a black lining rubber gray fabric strap. The straps can be easily replaced thanks to the brand’s one-click system.
The interior of the concrete case beats the HUB1201 hand-wound in-house caliber. This is a movement introduced in 2016 and is not the new Hub1205 caliber used in the latest 42mm models. Still, the “old” skeletonized movement with an unconventional horizontally moving rack, a front-position balance wheel and a Meccano-like bridge are attractive. The caliber of the 223 part is visible on both sides. Keep in mind that with more than 30 components, the power reserve indicator is a complex and highly technical issue. While Hublot can be criticized for doing fashion watches only, the MECA-10 watches, whether it’s the HUB1201 or the HUB1205, technically displays interesting signs of original watchmaking. The twin barrel gives the 3Hz movement a healthy and comfortable 10-day power reserve.
Mixing, matching, fusion, recycling
Hublot is a self-proclaimed Fusion Master, bringing a rather amazing watch. I’m not talking about the brand’s colorful ceramic and colored sapphire pieces. Rather, I mean anything that contains more unusual materials, such as big bangs made from recycled Nespresso cups, or older tennis rackets and Novak Djokovic clothing. The 34,100 US dollar Big Bang Mecha-10 concrete jungle may not be made from recycled items, but it qualifies as a watch made from very unusual materials. When you think of gorgeous items, concrete may come to mind. The same can also be said about its relationship with technical materials as an ideal alternative to ceramics. But it certainly becomes storytelling material.
If you want to be specific after reading this article and try out a watch of the size, the only way to do so is to travel to New York City. You can also get watches online, but at 645 Fifth Avenue, New York, 10022, you will learn how to wear concrete on your wrist before you buy.
Finally: if you had to choose a recycled Nespresso Cup, an old tennis one from Djokovic, and this specific NYC special, which would you choose? Also, would you like to see more Hublot watches made from unexpected materials such as carbonized wood, ceramic marble, and metalized dollar bills? Please let me know in the comments and feel free to share some new wild material.
View specifications
Model
Big Bang Mecha-10 Concrete Jungle
reference
424.xc.5510.nr.nyc25
Dial
Openwork applied luminescent index and grey ring
Case Material
Matte concrete (cement, epoxy resin, fiberglass, anti-UV additives), anti-dyeing treatment, black brushed aluminum, titanium screws, crown with crown
Case dimensions
44mm (diameter) x 15.3mm (thickness)
crystal
Sapphire with anti-fold lextive treatment
Case back
Mat concrete and sapphire crystal
Movement
HUB1201: Skeletonized caliber, manual winding, 21,600VPH frequency, 10-day power reserve, 24 gems
water resistance
50 meters (5 atm)
strap
Gray textile with velcro fastener and extra black lining elastic strap
function
Hours (hours, minutes, small seconds), dates, power reserve indicators
Special notes
Special edition of New York Fifth Avenue Boutique