HUBLOT: MATERIAL WEALTH

When Hublot first introduced the Big Bang Meca-10 in 2016, its playful yet intricate movement construction, inspired by Meccano-type systems, was a revelation. This reengineered icon now presents the Big Bang Meca-10 with an optimised calibre in a more compact 42mm case — in King Gold, Titanium, and Frosted Carbon.

A masterclass in micromechanical engineering, the Meca-10 is a visual spectacle that reveals the inner workings of its manual-winding skeleton movement. The movement's three linear bridges are adorned with satin-brushed surfaces and hand-polished bevels. Each version features a galvanically coloured movement that matches its case.

The Meca-10 boasts at least 10 days of power reserve, displayed via a unique “crémaillere” rack system. This ingenious, rarely seen mechanism uses a linear gear to engage a circular gear, creating an intuitive and mesmerising differential display.

The balance wheel on the dial side adds a sense of dynamism, while Hublot's patented delicate adjustment mechanism ensures precision.

The proprietary space-age material of SAXEM, an acronym for Sapphire Aluminium oxide and rare Earth Mineral, lent a luminous emerald hue to last year's Big Bang Unico. This year, the unprecedented material, which shares sapphire's hardness and transparency, elevates the Big Bang Tourbillon Automatic Green SAXEM.

At the heart of this 44mm watch, with a production of only 18, beats Hublot's MHUB6035 automatic tourbillon manufacture calibre visible through the open dial. The 22-carat gold micro-rotor at 12 o'clock and the 60-second tourbillon carriage at 6 o'clock create a captivating kinetic display. The movement's black finish contrasts beautifully with the vibrant SAXEM case, while the green Super-LumiNova on the hands and markers ensures legibility.